As with mostCalatheavarieties, it can be tricky to keep this beauty thriving.
You’ll need to offer high humidity and the perfect balance of water and light.
The main cultivar available in the U.S. is calledCalathea’online grid.'
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Or, keep yourCalathea musaicain an area of bright, indirect light.
But, if you go too shady, the variegation can diminish and the foliage won’t flourish.
These plants are thirsty, butroot rotsets in quickly if they are waterlogged.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Peat moss retains moisture, while perlite helps improve drainage.
The leaves of the plant also start drooping when it needs a drink.
If you’re unsure, use amoisture meter.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Consistent warmth and high humidity is the key.
It’s no wonder plant enthusiasts often popCalathea musaicain steamy bathrooms.
However, it still appreciates humidity levels of around 60 percent to produce the most impressive foliage.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
This can give the plant a few months of optimal light and humidity, which can be challenging indoors.
Don’t forget to bring the plants back inside when temperatures begin to dip.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing in moderation during the spring and summer growing period is best forCalathea musaica.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Pruning
You won’t have to habitually hack yourCalathea musaicawith shears.
These plants need little to no pruning.
It’s just a case of removing dead or dying leaves at the base of their stems.
This saves your plant from looking untidy and directs the energy to healthy growth.
Thankfully, they are relatively slow-growing, so you should only do this every two to three years.
Watch out for the problems below.
This happens naturally, no matter how diligent you are with the plant’s care.
Curling Leaves
Prayer plants like theCalathea musaicaclose their leaves at night before reopening them at dawn.
Drooping Leaves
Occasional leaf drooping during the day is normal on even the healthiestCalathea musaica.
As long as they perk up again at night, it isn’t something to worry about.
When they stay droopy, it’s typically a sign your plant needs more water or higher humidity levels.
Steer clear of south-facing windows with scorching sun.
Somewhere with bright but diffused light works bestor invest in a sheer curtain to act as a filter.
Don’t put this plant next to a drafty door or window.
Calathea musaicaare compact plants that rarely grow beyond two feet tall.
No, plants in theCalatheagenus are non-toxic to pets.
