Purple Calathea Care: The Ultimate Guide To Keeping Your Plant Thriving

Elva Bechtelar PhD 10 May 2025

So, you’ve decided to bring the stunning purple calathea into your home. Let’s be real—this plant is a showstopper. With its vibrant purple undersides and striking green patterns, it’s not just a plant; it’s a piece of art. But let’s not kid ourselves—caring for purple calathea isn’t a walk in the park. If you’re new to the world of houseplants or even if you’re a seasoned plant parent, you’re gonna need a solid guide to keep this beauty thriving. And that’s exactly what we’re here for.

Purple calathea care isn’t rocket science, but it does require a bit of attention to detail. This plant is like the diva of the plant world—it’s gorgeous but has specific needs. Don’t worry, though; once you get the hang of it, your purple calathea will reward you with its vibrant foliage and charm.

In this article, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about purple calathea care. From watering tips to light requirements, we’ve got you covered. So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s dive into the world of purple calathea care together.

Introduction to Purple Calathea
Light Requirements
Watering Tips
Best Soil for Purple Calathea
Humidity Needs
Ideal Temperature
Fertilizing Your Purple Calathea
Pruning and Maintenance
Propagation Techniques
Common Problems and Solutions
Conclusion

Introduction to Purple Calathea

Let’s start with the basics. The purple calathea, also known as Calathea orbifolia or Calathea lancifolia, is part of the Marantaceae family. This family is famous for its tropical, prayer-like leaves that move throughout the day. The purple calathea is a real standout, with its deep green, patterned leaves and vibrant purple undersides. It’s a plant that will add a touch of elegance to any room.

But here’s the deal—this plant is a bit of a diva. It’s not as low-maintenance as some of its cousins, but with the right care, it will thrive. The key to purple calathea care is understanding its needs and creating an environment that mimics its natural habitat.

Light Requirements

When it comes to purple calathea care, light is one of the most important factors. This plant loves bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can damage its leaves, causing them to lose their vibrant colors. Think of it like this—if you wouldn’t sunbathe in direct sunlight without sunscreen, neither should your purple calathea.

Here’s a quick tip: Place your purple calathea near a north- or east-facing window. If you only have south- or west-facing windows, use a sheer curtain to filter the light. This will keep your plant happy and healthy.

Watering Tips

Watering is another crucial aspect of purple calathea care. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes people make with this plant. The key is to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Think of it like a Goldilocks situation—not too wet, not too dry, but just right.

Here’s a simple trick: Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, hold off for a day or two. And remember, always use room-temperature water. Cold water can shock the roots and cause stress to your plant.

Best Soil for Purple Calathea

The right soil can make all the difference in purple calathea care. This plant prefers a well-draining, moisture-retentive soil. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil works wonders. This combination ensures that the soil retains enough moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Here’s a fun fact: You can also add a bit of orchid bark to the mix. This will improve drainage and provide extra aeration for the roots. Just make sure to mix it well so that the soil is evenly distributed.

Humidity Needs

Purple calathea care wouldn’t be complete without discussing humidity. This plant loves humidity—like, really loves it. Ideally, it prefers a humidity level of around 60%. If your home is on the dry side, you’ll need to take some extra steps to keep your plant happy.

Here are a few ways to increase humidity around your purple calathea:

Use a humidifier—this is the easiest and most effective way to boost humidity.
Place a tray of water with pebbles underneath the plant. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant.
Mist the leaves regularly. This will provide a temporary boost in humidity, but it’s not a long-term solution.

Ideal Temperature

Temperature is another important factor in purple calathea care. This plant thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Anything outside of this range can cause stress to the plant.

Here’s something to keep in mind: Avoid placing your purple calathea near drafty windows, doors, or air conditioning vents. These can cause sudden temperature changes, which can harm your plant. Instead, find a cozy spot where the temperature is consistent.

Fertilizing Your Purple Calathea

Fertilizing is an essential part of purple calathea care. During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. This will provide the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy.

Here’s a pro tip: Always dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength. This will prevent fertilizer burn, which can damage the roots and leaves. And don’t forget to stop fertilizing during the fall and winter months when the plant is dormant.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning is an important part of purple calathea care. It helps to remove any dead or yellowing leaves, which can detract from the plant’s beauty. Plus, it encourages new growth and keeps the plant looking its best.

Here’s how to prune your purple calathea:

Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears.
Cut the leaf at the base, close to the stem.
Dispose of the cut leaves properly to prevent any pests or diseases from spreading.

Propagation Techniques

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try propagating your purple calathea. Division is the most common method for propagating this plant. Here’s how to do it:

Gently remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil.
Locate the natural divisions in the root system and carefully separate them.
Pot each division in a separate container with fresh soil.

Here’s the best part: With a little patience and care, each division will grow into a beautiful new plant. It’s like getting more purple calathea for free!

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with the best care, problems can arise with purple calathea. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:

Browning Leaf Tips

This is often caused by low humidity or hard water. Increase the humidity around your plant and use distilled or filtered water for watering.

Yellowing Leaves

This could be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check the soil moisture and make sure the pot has drainage holes.

Pests

Aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs can sometimes infest purple calathea. Use a mild insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the problem.

Conclusion

Purple calathea care may seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and practice, you’ll be a pro in no time. Remember, this plant is like a diva—it’s beautiful but has specific needs. By providing the right light, water, soil, humidity, and temperature, you can keep your purple calathea thriving.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your purple calathea and give it the love and attention it deserves. And don’t forget to share your plant-care journey with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your experiences and tips!

How To Repot A Calathea Houseplant Step By Step Guide Thuy San Plus

Calathea Flower

17+ Calathea Prayer Plant AteenAuriana

Spotlight Scroll News

Purple Calathea Care: The Ultimate Guide To Keeping Your Plant Thriving

Table of Contents