Rose Painted Calathea
Calathea roseopicta
A compact perennial houseplant featuring broad, rounded dark green leaves adorned with distinctive pink or cream markings along the margins and midribs, and deep purple undersides.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
- Water
- Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water thoroughly whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of soil begin to dry out. Sensitive to tap water chemicals, so using rainwater or filtered water is recommended.
- Growth
- Clump-forming perennial houseplant with an upright and spreading growth habit, typically reaching a mature height and spread of 1 to 2 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist, well-draining soil. Water with filtered or distilled water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry, and feed lightly with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every month during the spring and summer growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
Watering
Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water thoroughly whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of soil begin to dry out. Sensitive to tap water chemicals, so using rainwater or filtered water is recommended.
Soil
Rich, organic, well-draining potting mix containing peat moss, perlite, and humus. Prefers an acidic to slightly acidic pH range between 5.5 and 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 10 to 12; grown strictly as an indoor houseplant in cooler temperate climates.
Growth habit
Clump-forming perennial houseplant with an upright and spreading growth habit, typically reaching a mature height and spread of 1 to 2 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Rarely blooms indoors; when grown in optimal tropical conditions, it may produce small, inconspicuous white or purple flowers in spring or summer.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through root division during the spring repotting season by carefully separating established clumps with healthy roots and foliage.
Common pests & issues
Prone to spider mites and mealybugs if ambient humidity is too low. Brown leaf tips can occur from low humidity, underwatering, or chemical buildup from tap water. Fungal leaf spots may develop if the foliage remains wet for prolonged periods.
Similar species
Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant) and Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant), which can be distinguished by their distinct elongated leaf shapes and different patterned markings.