Native to South America, calathea roseopicta makes an excellent houseplant in cold climates.
Faded brown or tan patches on leaves indicate sunburn.
If these appear, move the plant out of direct sunlight.
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Water
Calathea roseopicta requires soil that’s consistently moist but not soggy.
Water this plant when the soil surface has just begun to show signs of drying out.
Temperature and Humidity
Calatheas prefer warm temperatures between around 70F and 80F.
Temperatures below 60F can damage the plant.
Calathea roseopicta also makes a greatbathroom plant.
Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Propagating Calathea Roseopicta
It’s easy to propagate calathea roseopicta by dividing a mature, healthy plant.
Water the plant the day before you plan to repot.
Avoid terracotta pots, which wick away moisture and can dry out the plant’s soil too quickly.
Examine the plant for signs of pests regularly and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Cut back on watering and water only when the top of the soil has begun to dry out.
In severe cases, the plant may require repotting in fresh soil.
Raise the humidity level around the plant and ensure that it’s receiving consistent water.
Brown Spots on Leaves
Too much direct sunlight can sunburn your calathea roseopicta’s leaves.
This condition will appear as yellow, brown, or tan spots on foliage.
Prune away affected leaves and move the plant further from the light source.
Unfortunately, misting doesn’t actually raise humidity levels for houseplants.
Calathea roseopicta can grow from between a foot to 18 inches tall and about a foot wide at maturity.
The air in our home is extremely dry in winter.
Should I mist the houseplants?, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach.
