How Often Should You Water a Calathea?

The short answer: water your Calathea when the top part of the potting mix is starting to dry, rather than on a set day. Calatheas generally like evenly moist (not soggy) soil and don't enjoy drying out completely. How quickly the mix dries depends on pot size, soil, light, temperature, humidity and the season.

How often should you water a Calathea?

There's no exact number of days that suits every Calathea. Most prefer their potting mix to stay lightly moist, with water given as it starts to dry.

Your Calathea may need water more often with:

• More light
• Warmer temperatures
• A smaller pot
• A faster-draining potting mix
• A larger, leafier plant

It may need water less often in:

• Winter or cooler conditions
• Lower light

Why there isn't one fixed watering schedule

Heating, air-conditioning and the changing seasons all affect how quickly your Calathea uses water. A routine that suits one month can leave the soil too dry or too wet the next. Checking the moisture in the potting mix helps you keep things steady.

Signs your Calathea needs water

• Potting mix that feels dry just below the surface
• A pot that feels noticeably lighter
• Leaves starting to curl or look limp

Curling and crispy edges can also be linked to low humidity, light or water quality, so check the soil first rather than assuming it's thirst.

How to check the potting mix

The top of the soil can look dry while moisture remains deeper in the pot. Check below the surface, near the roots, to get a more reliable picture than a quick look at the top.

How to avoid letting it dry out too much

• Check the moisture regularly, especially during warm weather
• Water thoroughly when the mix starts to dry, and let excess drain away
• Keep it away from heaters, air-con vents and hot, sunny windows
• Keep an eye on it after changes in season or position

Common Calathea watering mistakes

• Watering on a fixed schedule
• Letting the potting mix dry out completely
• Overcorrecting and keeping the soil soggy
• Letting the pot sit in water
• Only checking the surface of the soil
• Ignoring changes in light, temperature and season

Can Sustee help with Calathea watering?

Sustee is a simple moisture indicator that sits in your plant's potting mix. It changes colour according to the moisture level around the indicator:

For a plant that likes steady moisture, it's an easy way to spot when things are drying out, before your Calathea starts to let you know.

SHOP SUSTEE

The simple way to water your Calathea

Your Calathea doesn't need a strict watering schedule. Check the moisture in the potting mix, water when it starts to dry, and let excess water drain away.

SHOP SUSTEE