Moderate Tropical Safe for pets

Rose-painted Calathea

Calathea roseopicta

A stunning Calathea prized for its broad, dark green leaves adorned with vibrant pink or red centers.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

60–80 %
Temperature

18–27 °C

How to care for your Rose-painted Calathea

Everything you need to keep your Rose-painted Calathea healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

The Rose-painted Calathea is renowned for its strikingly beautiful foliage. Its large, round leaves are deep green with a prominent central zone of pink, red, or cream, often outlined by a thin green margin. The undersides are a rich purple, adding another layer of visual interest. It's a 'prayer plant' that folds its leaves at night. Requires consistent humidity and warmth to display its best colors.

Watering your Rose-painted Calathea

Every 7 days

Water with filtered or distilled water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.

How to know it needs water

soil feels slightly dry
leaves may curl inward

How much light a Rose-painted Calathea needs

Bright indirect light

bright indirect

Direct sun tolerated: No direct sun
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, North-west

Humidity and misting

60–80 %

high Regular misting or a humidifier is essential to prevent leaf crisping and maintain vigor.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Feed monthly during active growth, spring through fall; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Recommended feed: diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer · 2-1-2

Repotting your Rose-painted Calathea

Every 24 months

Repot gently into a container one size larger, using a well-aerated potting mix.

When: spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre, pine bark

The tell-tale signs

plant outgrowing its pot
soil compaction

Pruning your Rose-painted Calathea

as needed Trim off yellowed or brown leaves at the base to keep the plant tidy and encourage new growth.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 9 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Good to know

The leaves feature stunning rose-colored or pink variegation, giving it its common name.
Each leaf is a unique artwork, showcasing intricate patterns that vary with cultivars.

Frequently asked questions about the Rose-painted Calathea

How do you care for a Rose-painted Calathea?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 60–80 %. Ideal temperature: 18–27 °C. Water with filtered or distilled water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.

How often should you water a Rose-painted Calathea?

Every 7 days Water with filtered or distilled water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. How to know it needs water : soil feels slightly dry ; leaves may curl inward.

How much light does a Rose-painted Calathea need?

Bright indirect light bright indirect No direct sun

Is the Rose-painted Calathea toxic to cats and dogs?

No, the Rose-painted Calathea is not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. That is still no reason to let your pets chew on it.

Why are my Rose-painted Calathea leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Rose-painted Calathea?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Repot gently into a container one size larger, using a well-aerated potting mix.