Calathea Gandersii
Calathea Gandersii is an elegant tropical prayer plant admired for its beautifully patterned, wavy-edged foliage. Its rich green leaves feature attractive contrasting markings and a deep-toned underside, creating a striking ornamental display.
Perfect for indoor plant collections, shaded balconies and tropical-themed interiors, this plant brings a lush, exotic feel to any space. Like other prayer plants, its leaves can move in response to changing light conditions.
Key Features
- 🌿 Beautifully patterned, wavy green foliage
- 🌱 Compact, tropical growth habit
- 💚 Excellent choice for indoor plant collections
- ☀️ Prefers bright, filtered or indirect light
- 💧 Enjoys consistently moist soil and higher humidity
- 🏡 Ideal for homes, offices and shaded spaces
Calathea gandersii – Care Guide
Light:
- Bright, indirect light is best.
- Avoid direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- It can tolerate lower light, but growth will be slower and colours may be less vibrant.
Watering:
- Keep the soil slightly and consistently moist, but never waterlogged.
- Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels slightly dry.
- Use filtered, rain, or distilled water if possible, as Calatheas can be sensitive to chlorine and salts.
Humidity:
- Prefers high humidity, ideally 60–80%.
- A humidifier or naturally humid room works well.
- Avoid placing it directly under strong air-conditioning or fans.
Temperature:
- Ideal range: 18–30°C.
- Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Soil:
Use a loose, airy, well-draining mix, for example:
- Coco peat – 40%
- Perlite – 30%
- Fine coco chips/bark – 20%
- Compost or worm castings – 10%
Fertilising:
- Feed every 3–4 weeks during active growth with a diluted balanced liquid fertiliser.
- Reduce feeding during cooler or slower-growth periods.
Pot & drainage:
- Use a pot with good drainage holes.
- Don't allow the plant to sit in standing water.
Common problems:
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Brown leaf edges: Low humidity, underwatering, or mineral-heavy water.
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Yellow leaves: Usually overwatering or poor drainage.
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Curling leaves: Low humidity, underwatering, or temperature stress.
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Faded leaves: Too much direct sunlight.
Propagation:
Calathea is generally propagated by division when the plant has multiple healthy growth points/rhizomes.