How to Prune and Propagate Night Blooming Jasmine (Raat ki Rani) for More Flowers Night Blooming Jasmine ( Cestrum nocturnum ) is one of those plants that can transform an ordinary balcony into a fragrant evening garden. During warm weather, its small greenish-white flowers release a powerful fragrance after sunset. However, this fast-growing shrub can become difficult to manage in a container. You may have noticed long, thin branches spreading over the balcony railing, fewer flowers than expected, or a plant that produces plenty of green leaves but very few fragrant flower clusters. Sometimes, an older Raat ki Rani looks attractive for a few weeks during its flowering season and then becomes an untidy collection of long branches. Regular pruning can help solve these problems. It encourages branching, removes damaged growth and helps maintain a compact shape. Healthy branches removed during pruning can also be used to propagate new plants through stem cuttings....
Calathea Care: The Ultimate Guide to Prayer Plants (Stop Brown Edges & Curling)
tIf you have ever bought a Calathea, you know the feeling.
At the nursery, it looks perfect. Big, bold leaves with patterns that look hand-painted — zebra stripes, peacock feathers, rattlesnake spots, and pink pinstripes. You bring it home, put it on your favorite shelf, and within two weeks, the edges turn brown and crispy, the leaves start curling inward, and you think, “What did I do wrong?”
You are not alone. I have killed my share of Calatheas too. They have a reputation for being fussy, and honestly, they earned it. But once I understood what they actually want, they became one of my favorite houseplants.
This guide will cover everything — from why its name changed to Goeppertia, to how to stop those brown edges for good, and which varieties are truly easy for beginners.
What Is Calathea? And Why Is It Now Called Goeppertia?
Calathea is a genus of tropical plants from the family Marantaceae. In the wild, they grow on the floor of rainforests in Central and South America, under the shade of big trees. That's why they love shade, humidity, and warm temperatures.
Common names you will see include:
Prayer Plant
Peacock Plant
Zebra Plant
Rattlesnake Plant
Pinstripe Plant
Why Is Calathea Now Called Goeppertia?
Now, the name change — this is important if you want your blog to look expert.
A few years ago, botanists did genetic testing and found that about 200 plants we called Calathea were actually more closely related to another genus called Goeppertia. So they moved them.
Plants like Rattlesnake Calathea (Calathea lancifolia), Makoyana, Orbifolia, Ornata, and Roseopicta are now officially Goeppertia.
But almost everyone — nurseries, Etsy sellers, and Google — still calls them Calathea.
So for your blog SEO, use Calathea (Goeppertia). You rank for the old name people search for, but you show you know the new science. That's good E-E-A-T.
Why Are They Called Prayer Plants?
One more cool thing: They are called Prayer Plants because of how they move.
During the day, leaves open wide to catch light. At night, they fold up like hands in prayer.
This movement is called nyctinasty.
It's a living plant that moves every day.
[IMAGE: Calathea leaves open during the day vs. folded at night]
Is Calathea Safe for Cats and Dogs?
Yes. This is why Calathea is so popular right now.
Unlike English Ivy, Pothos, or Lilies, Calathea is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. It is completely pet-safe.
If you have a curious cat or a puppy that likes to chew leaves, this is one of the safest beautiful houseplants you can own.
I always recommend Calathea to my readers who have pets. You get stunning foliage, air-purifying benefits, and peace of mind.
It's great for bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices where pets hang out.
Pet Tip: Even though it's non-toxic, you still don't want your cat using it as a salad. Keep it slightly out of reach to protect the beautiful leaves.
How Much Light Does Calathea Need?
This is where most people make the first mistake.
Calathea does NOT want direct sun.
In the rainforest, it lives under big trees, getting filtered light. Direct sun will scorch the leaves, cause brown spots, and fade those beautiful patterns.
What it wants is bright, indirect light.
Best Location for Calathea
The best spot is near an east- or north-facing window with a sheer curtain.
A few feet away from a west-facing window also works.
If you can read a book in that light all day without turning on a lamp, it's probably bright enough.
What Happens If Calathea Gets Too Little Light?
The plant will still live, but:
The patterns will fade.
Growth will become very slow.
Leaves might droop.
A quick rule I use:
Dark-leaved Calathea, like Ornata Pinstripe, can handle lower light.
Light or white-variegated varieties, like White Fusion, need more bright indirect light to keep their white color.
If your Calathea looks leggy or is losing color, move it to a brighter indirect spot.
Watering Calathea: The Real Reason for Brown Edges
If I could tell you only one thing about Calathea, it would be this:
The TYPE of water matters more than how often you water.
Calathea is super sensitive to chemicals in tap water — especially fluoride and chlorine, as well as hard-water minerals.
That's what causes those crispy brown tips and edges, even if you water correctly.
How I Water My Calatheas
1. Check the Soil
Water when the top 1 inch or top 25% of soil feels dry.
Not bone dry, just dry on top.
Usually, this is every 7–10 days.
2. Water Thoroughly
Water slowly until water flows out of the drainage hole at the bottom.
3. Empty the Saucer
Never let the plant sit in soggy water.
Soggy soil = root rot.
4. Use the Right Water
Filtered water, distilled water, or rainwater is best.
If you must use tap water, let it sit out overnight in an open jug to allow some chlorine to evaporate.
But remember: fluoride will still be there.
I started collecting rainwater for my Calatheas and the brown edges stopped almost completely.
How to Tell If You Are Overwatering or Underwatering Calathea
Underwatering
Signs include:
Soil is completely dry.
Leaves curl inward tightly.
Leaves feel dry and papery.
Overwatering or Root Rot
Signs include:
Soil stays wet.
Soil smells musty.
Lower leaves turn yellow.
Leaves droop even though the soil is wet.
Roots are black and mushy when you remove the plant from its pot.
If this happens, unpot the plant immediately, cut off the black roots, and repot it in fresh, slightly dry soil.
Should You Flush Calathea Soil?
Yes.
Flush the soil 2–3 times a year by watering heavily and letting it drain.
This helps wash out mineral salt buildup from fertilizer and tap water.
Humidity: The Secret No One Tells You
Calathea comes from the rainforest, where humidity is 70–90%.
In our homes, especially in winter when heaters are running, humidity can drop to 30–40%.
That's why the edges turn brown and crispy.
You need at least 50–60% humidity.
For fussy varieties like Orbifolia and White Fusion, aim for 60–80% humidity.
5 Easy Ways to Increase Humidity
1. Pebble Tray
Put pebbles in a tray, add water, and set your pot on top.
The pot should NOT sit directly in the water — it should remain above it.
As the water evaporates, it creates humidity around the plant.
2. Group Your Plants
Put your Calatheas together with other houseplants.
They create a small humid microclimate.
3. Use a Humidifier
This is the best solution.
A small cool-mist humidifier near your plants can make a huge difference.
4. Bathroom or Kitchen
If you have bright indirect light in your bathroom or kitchen, Calathea loves it there because of the steam.
5. Misting — With Care
You can mist the leaves occasionally, but mist from below and not too late in the day.
Don't let water sit in the new curled-up leaves overnight, or it can cause rot.
Temperature Requirements for Calathea
Keep Calathea warm.
65–85°F (18–29°C) is perfect.
Never let it go below 60°F (15°C).
Cold drafts from windows or doors can make leaves curl and turn yellow quickly.
Best Soil Mix and Fertilizer for Calathea
Calathea likes soil that holds moisture but drains well — similar to a tropical forest floor.
My Favorite DIY Calathea Soil Mix
2 parts peat moss or coco coir
1 part perlite
A small handful of orchid bark
This keeps the soil moist, airy, and slightly acidic.
Calathea likes a pH around 6.5.
If you don't want to make your own mix, buy a good indoor potting mix and add extra perlite.
How to Fertilize Calathea
Calathea is a light feeder.
Too much fertilizer can cause brown tips because of salt buildup.
Feed once a month during spring and summer with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength.
Don't fertilize during fall and winter.
Always flush the soil with clean water occasionally.
How Often Should You Repot Calathea?
Calathea hates being repotted too often.
Small plants: once a year in spring is enough.
Bigger plants: every 2 years.
When you repot, use the same type of soil mix the parent plant had.
Only move the plant into a pot one size bigger.
Common Calathea Problems — Fix Them Fast
| What You See | What It Means | How to Fix It Today |
|---|---|---|
| Brown, crispy edges and tips | Low humidity OR fluoride / hard tap water | Increase humidity to 60%+, switch to distilled or rainwater, flush soil |
| Leaves curling inward | Thirsty, dry air, or cold draft | Water thoroughly, add a humidifier, keep above 60°F, and keep away from drafts |
| Yellow leaves + drooping, soil is wet | Overwatering, root rot starting | Unpot, check roots, cut black mushy roots, repot in fresh dry mix, water less |
| Faded patterns, losing color | Too much direct sun OR too little light | Move to bright indirect light and avoid direct afternoon sun |
| Brown spots with yellow halo | Leaf spot disease, pests, or water sitting on leaves too long | Remove affected leaves, improve airflow, avoid wetting leaves at night, and check for spider mites |
| No new growth, small leaves | Too dark, too cold, or needs light feeding | Move to brighter indirect light, keep warm, and feed lightly in spring |
Calathea Pests
Check under the leaves for:
Spider mites — tiny webs
Mealybugs — white cotton-like spots
Scale
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Calathea with dusty leaves can attract more pests, so wipe the leaves monthly.
[IMAGE: Close-up comparison of brown Calathea leaf edges vs. a healthy leaf]
15 Calathea Varieties Ranked From Easiest to Hardest
Not all Calatheas are equally fussy.
If you are a beginner, start at the top of this list.
EASIEST — Perfect for Beginners
1. Calathea Rufibarba (Furry Feather Calathea)
Velvety, furry leaves.
This is the most forgiving. It doesn't collapse if humidity drops below 60% and handles brief dryness better than others.
Its only weaknesses are cold and hard water.
2. Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant)
Long, wavy leaves with dark green spots like a rattlesnake.
It is the most tolerant of lower humidity.
It grows up to 30 inches tall.
My first Calathea and still my favorite.
3. Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant)
Also called Cathedral Windows.
It has light green leaves with dark green peacock feather patterns.
Very reliable.
4. Calathea Freddie (Concinna Freddie)
Compact, deep green leaves with light green zebra stripes.
Great for desks.
MEDIUM — Needs a Bit More Attention
5. Calathea Orbifolia
The Instagram star.
It has large, round leaves with silver-green stripes like a zebra.
It grows up to 36 inches.
It needs very high humidity.
Absolutely stunning.
6. Calathea Medallion / Veitchiana
Big round leaves with dark and light green patterns and purple undersides.
7. Calathea Zebrina
Velvety leaves with bold zebra stripes.
8. Calathea Ornata (Pinstripe Calathea)
Dark green leaves with thin pink pinstripes.
It needs lower light because of its dark foliage.
HARDEST — For Collectors
9. Calathea White Fusion
The holy grail.
It has white, green, and lilac-purple variegation.
It needs 400–800 foot-candles of bright indirect light and 60–80% humidity constantly.
It is expensive, usually $16 to $38 for a small pot.
Worth it if you can give it what it needs.
10. Calathea Warscewiczii
Plush, velvety, two-tone green leaves with burgundy undersides.
11. Calathea Musaica (Network)
Mosaic, pixelated patterns that look like they were printed.
Rare and beautiful.
[IMAGE: Collage of Rattlesnake, Orbifolia, White Fusion, Makoyana, and Ornata Calatheas]
How to Propagate Calathea Without Killing It
Important: You cannot propagate Calathea from a single leaf cutting like you can with Pothos.
Its leaves grow straight from the rhizome, which is an underground stem.
The only reliable way is division.
Best Time to Propagate Calathea
The best time is spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.
Step-by-Step Calathea Propagation
1. Water the Plant
Water your plant the day before.
Moist soil makes the roots more flexible and less likely to break.
2. Remove the Plant From Its Pot
Gently take the whole plant out of its pot.
3. Find Natural Clumps
Look for natural clumps.
Carefully separate the root ball into 2–3 sections with your hands.
Each section MUST have its own healthy roots and at least one leaf or stem.
4. Prepare the Pots
Prepare small pots with fresh, well-draining mix.
Use:
2 parts peat/coir
1 part perlite
5. Plant the Divisions
Plant each division in its own pot at the same depth as before.
Water thoroughly, but don't make the soil soggy.
6. Give Proper Aftercare
Place the divisions in a warm spot with bright indirect light and high humidity.
Keep the soil moist, not wet, while the plants recover.
No direct sun.
Pro Tip: Calathea doesn't like its roots disturbed, so always combine propagation with repotting. Don't do both separately.
[IMAGE: Hands carefully dividing a Calathea root ball]
Benefits: Why You Should Still Grow Calathea
Even though it's a bit fussy, Calathea is worth it.
Pet-Safe and Family-Safe
Calathea is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and kids.
It is one of the few statement plants you can have without worry.
Air-Purifying
Like many houseplants, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.
It is great for bedrooms and home offices.
It adds calm and tropical energy.
It Moves
It's a living piece of art that folds and unfolds every day.
Guests always notice it.
It Teaches You to Be a Better Plant Parent
Once you learn to care for Calathea — checking water quality, humidity, and light — you can grow almost any houseplant.
FAQ — Your Calathea Questions Answered
Why Are My Calathea Leaves Curling?
Usually underwatering, low humidity, or a cold draft.
Check the soil first.
If it is dry, water thoroughly.
If the soil is fine, increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier and keep the plant away from cold windows.
Why Does My Calathea Have Brown, Crispy Edges?
Two main reasons are low humidity below 50% and hard tap water containing fluoride.
Switch to filtered, distilled, or rainwater and raise humidity to 60%+.
Also flush the soil to remove salt buildup.
Is Calathea Hard to Care For?
Calathea has a moderate difficulty level.
It's not a beginner plant like Pothos, but it's not impossible.
If you give it bright indirect light, distilled water, and around 60% humidity, it becomes easier to manage.
Start with Rattlesnake or Rufibarba — they are the most forgiving.
Is Calathea Now Called Goeppertia?
Yes.
Botanists moved about 200 Calathea species to Goeppertia after genetic studies.
The care requirements are exactly the same.
Most shops still call them Calathea, so search for Calathea but know that the correct updated name is Goeppertia.
Can Calathea Grow in Low Light?
It tolerates low to medium indirect light, but dark varieties like Ornata need less light, while variegated varieties like White Fusion need more.
In too little light, the patterns can fade.
Is Calathea Safe for Cats and Dogs?
Yes.
Calathea is non-toxic and pet-safe.
It's one of the best houseplants for homes with pets.
How Do You Propagate Calathea?
Calathea is propagated by division, usually in spring.
Gently separate the root ball into sections containing healthy roots and leaves, then pot each section separately in moist, well-draining mix.
Keep the new plants warm and humid while they recover.
Final Thoughts From My Garden
Calathea taught me patience.
My first Orbifolia had brown edges within a week, and I thought I had failed.
Then I switched to rainwater and added a small humidifier, and it pushed out three huge, perfect leaves.
That experience taught me something important: Calathea isn't impossible to grow.
It simply needs the right conditions.
Give it the right water, humidity, warmth, and bright indirect light, and those dramatic leaves can reward you with beautiful growth.
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