Calatheas, also known as Goeppertia, are known for their striking beauty and perceived fussiness in care. Despite the challenges they pose, their allure is undeniable. If you’re a Calathea enthusiast like me, you’ll be delighted to know that propagating these beauties is quite straightforward. In this article, I’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to propagate Calathea plants, as well as some valuable tips.
Why Propagate a Calathea Plant?
There are several compelling reasons to propagate your Calathea:
- Pot Size: When your Calathea outgrows its pot, it’s an ideal time to divide and repot it. Calatheas prefer minimal repotting, so combining division with repotting minimizes disruption.
- Sharing the Joy: Propagation allows you to share the beauty of Calatheas with friends and family. You can give away the divided plants so that others can enjoy them as well.
- Size Control: If you want to maintain your Calathea at a specific size, division is a handy method to prevent it from growing too large.
When to Propagate Calathea Plants
The best time to propagate Calathea is during early spring when it enters its new growth phase. This coincides naturally with the repotting season, making it an opportune moment to divide and propagate, aiding the plant’s quick recovery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating a Calathea Plant
Follow these simple steps for successful Calathea propagation:
- Preparation: Water your plant a day before you plan to divide it to reduce stress and promote quicker recovery.
- Select New Pots: Choose pots with good drainage holes, a few inches wider than the root ball of the divided portion. Place a paper towel or coffee filter over the drainage holes for proper drainage.
- Potting Mix: Fill the pots about one-third full with a suitable potting mix. A mix of 2/3 peat moss and 1/3 perlite is an excellent choice.
- Gentle Extraction: Gently tip your Calathea on its side and slide it out of the pot. Brush away loose soil and carefully separate the roots at the natural divisions. Avoid breaking any roots.
- Trim Damaged Roots: Trim any damaged or diseased roots. Typically, you’ll divide the plant in two, unless it’s exceptionally large, in which case you can create more divisions.
- Potting the Offspring: Place the roots of the offspring plants into the new pots and backfill with soil up to the same soil level as the plant. You can use some soil from the mother plant to reduce stress on the offspring.
- Watering: Water the Calathea offspring and let excess water drain away. You may want to cover them with a clear plastic bag until new growth appears to maintain humidity.
- Post-Propagation Care: Once growth begins, care for the offspring as you would the mother plant.
How Big Should the Plant Be for Propagation?
A Calathea will naturally indicate when it’s ready for propagation by developing natural divisions in the root ball. Don’t force division or cut the roots prematurely. A healthy plant can typically be divided each spring.
Are Some Calathea Varieties Easier to Propagate?
While propagating Calatheas is generally straightforward, the ease of maintenance varies among different varieties. Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant) and Calathea rufibarba (Velvet Calathea) are among the easiest to care for and propagate. Varieties like Calathea orbifolia, Calathea warscewiczii, and Calathea makoyana, with larger, delicate leaves, are more challenging to propagate and maintain.
Propagation of Healthy Plants
It’s crucial to propagate Calatheas from healthy plants to ensure success. Propagating a sickly plant may harm both the mother and divided plants. In some cases, propagation might be the only way to save a damaged plant, such as one that has suffered from excessive fertilization.
Are Propagated Calathea Plants Identical to the Mother Plant?
Propagated plants are divisions of the mother plant and should be identical. However, if you don’t provide the same conditions as the mother plant, they may exhibit variations. For instance, variegated plants might lose their variegation due to different lighting conditions.
How Many Divisions Can Be Made From One Plant?
Typically, a Calathea plant is divided in half during repotting. However, with larger plants, you can create additional divisions, especially if the plant has naturally divided.
Caring for Calatheas After Propagation
Calathea divisions require similar care to their parent plants:
- Soil: Choose a well-draining mix with good moisture retention, like a combination of peat or coco coir and perlite.
- Temperature and Light: Maintain temperatures above 65°F (18°C) and provide bright indirect light while avoiding direct sunlight.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry and ensure proper drainage. Consider using filtered or distilled water to avoid issues with tap water.
- Humidity: Calatheas thrive in high humidity. Use a pebble tray or group plants together to increase humidity levels.
Establishing and Growth of Divisions
Calathea divisions may take two to four weeks to settle into their new pots and show new growth. Due to their slow growth, it may take some time for them to reach the size of the mother plant, especially if you divided a large plant.
Common Propagation Problems
- Brown Edges: Brown edges on leaves indicate inconsistent moisture. Maintain even soil moisture and humidity around the plant.
- Closing Leaves: If leaves close outside of the evening, it’s likely due to dehydration. Water the Calatheas to see improvement.
- Failure to Grow: Proper division is crucial; each division must have roots and a portion of the plant to succeed. Calatheas do not propagate successfully from leaf cuttings.
- Wilting and Drooping: This could be a sign of cold or drafts. Relocate the plants to a warmer spot.
Can You Propagate Calathea Plants From Seed?
Although more challenging, Calatheas can be propagated from seed. Purchase seeds from reputable online stores. Follow these steps for success:
- Use small pots or propagation trays with seed-starting potting mix or a mix of peat and coarse sand.
- Plant seeds at a depth of 0.5-1cm.
- Cover pots or trays to maximize humidity and warmth.
- Consider a heated seedling mat for better germination.
- Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they reach 3-4cm in height.
Can I propagate Calathea from Cuttings
Unfortunately, Calathea plants cannot be propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. This method is not suitable for Calatheas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best time to propagate Calathea plants?
The best time to propagate Calathea plants is during the spring or early summer when they are actively growing.
How long does it take for Calathea propagation to show results?
The time for Calathea propagation to show results varies, typically taking a few weeks to a few months.
Should I use rooting hormone for Calathea propagation?
Rooting hormone is not necessary for Calathea propagation, but you can use it to speed up the plants growth if desired.