Looking for a striking houseplant that can bring an elegance with a hint of the tropics to your indoor living space? Well, look no further than Calathea Rosy.
This eye-catching plant is often overlooked due to its bad rap as a fussy and hard to care for plant. But the truth is that Calathea Roseopicta is no harder to care for than most other tropical houseplants.
In fact even novice gardeners can find success with this plant as long as they give it a little love and care. So keep reading to find out just how to do that!
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Calathea rosy vs calathea roseopicta
Calathea Rosy is a cultivar of the Calathea Roseopicta. This means that all Calathea Rosys are Calathea Roseopictas, but not all Calathea Roseopictas are Calathea Rosys. While that may sound a little confusing, it is rather simple when you think about it.
Calathea Roseopicta, also known as rose-painted calathea, is a perennial evergreen native to Brazil. They produce large leaves that are round in shape and have deep green leaves painted with shades of pink or cream.
This plant is available in various varieties or cultivars, such as the Calathea Rosy, Calathea Dottie, and Calathea Medallion.
Rosy produces stunning leaves that are adorned with deep green margins and a rosy pink center. Dottie has almost black foliage that is marked with a vibrant pink pattern, while Medallion has green leaves with a slight pink tinge.
All three of these plants belong to the Calathea roseopicta species of plants.
How do you care for calathea rosy?
Calathea Rosy has some specific care needs, including warm temperatures at all times of the year, high humidity levels, bright light that is indirect, regular waterings, misting once a week, and fertilizing once a month during its active growing season.
Overall, Calathea Rosy is not much harder to care for than other tropical plants, nor is it prone to many problems, but you should look out for overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
Additionally, trying to grow the plant in the wrong type of lighting could cause it to lose its pinkish hue or even fade and discolor the plant’s leaves.
What’s the best soil for calathea roseopicta?
Calathea Roseopicta needs soil that retains moisture while also draining well. It should be light and airy, and never compact. Soilless mixtures made for tropical plants work well for the Calathea, but you can also use traditional potting soil if you amend it a bit.
If you’re not sure whether you’re using the best soil for Calatheas as you’d prefer to use the potting soil you have on hand, add 1 part perlite to 2 parts potting soil to improve the soil’s aeration. Consider also adding compost, such as worm castings, to increase the organic content of the soil.
Best soil for Calathea
Miracle-Gro Tropical Potting Mix
Light and well-draining (perfect for avoiding root rot) while being packed with just the right nutrients – that will feed your plant for up to six months. The best soil for keeping your calathea healthy and strong.
How much light does calathea roseopicta need?
Like other prayer plants, Calathea Roseopicta needs bright, indirect sunlight. Allowing the plant to sit in direct sun can quickly damage the plant’s foliage. With that said, however, it can be exposed to the morning sun, since it isn’t nearly as harsh as the midday sun.
The best indoor location for your Calathea Roseopicta is near a sunny window that has a sheer curtain. This curtain will help diffuse any indirect light that comes shining through. Blinds will also work to diffuse the light if you don’t have a sheer curtain.
The Calathea Roseopicta can also be grown under artificial lighting, although it should never be subjected to direct light of any kind, natural or artificial.
Additionally, if you do use artificial lighting, the Calathea Roseopicta will need a few more hours of light than if you were growing it under natural sunlight.
Related: Calathea Light Requirements: The Ultimate Guide
How often should I water calathea roseopicta?
Calathea Roseopicta likes damp soil but cannot handle soil that is soggy and it’s best to let the soil dry out a little between waterings. While the exact amount of watering needed will depend on several factors, expect to water about once a week during the plant’s active growing season.
Care must be taken not to overwater the plant, however, since Calatheas are sensitive to overwatering. A good way to prevent overwatering the plant is to always check the soil dryness before watering.
This will require inserting your finger about one to two inches into the Calathea’s soil, and only watering when it starts to feel dry.
Do you water calathea rosy from top or bottom?
Calathea Rosy can be watered from both the top and the bottom, but most experts feel that bottom watering is the better option for this plant. Bottom watering does take a little more time than traditional top watering, but it reduces the chance of overwatering the plant.
Bottom watering is easy and only requires a shallow dish that you can fill with water and then set the Calathea’s pot in.
Let the plant soak in the water for about 20 to 40 minutes, making sure to check how damp the soil is every 10 minutes. Once the top inch of soil feels damp, remove the Calathea rosy from the water and set the plant back in its location.
You can also top water the Calathea Roseopicta and this is probably the most common method of watering. It is quicker than bottom watering, but it does increase the chance of overwatering the plant.
What does an overwatered calathea rosy look like?
The most common sign that your Calathea Rosy is overwatered is that it will develop yellow leaves. This typically occurs on the lower leaves first and then spreads up the plant. As the root rot sets in, the tips of the leaves will also start to brown.
Other signs of overwatering include leaf drop, overly soggy soil, stunted growth, water-soaked blisters forming on the leaves or stems, brown or black rot on the stems, fungus gnats living in the soil, and an unpleasant odor coming from the Calathea.
Should I fertilize calathea rosy?
If you want to keep your Calathea Rosy healthy and happy, you should really be fertilizing it once a month during the spring and summer. Choose a balanced, liquid fertilizer to help you measure exactly how much your plant needs.
Best fertilizer for Calatheas
Jack’s Classic 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer
A great fertilizer with the perfect balance for your calathea. Simply dissolve in water and feed your plant to watch it thrive.
The best time to apply the fertilizer is once a month during the spring and summer. This is when the plant is actively growing.
Stop all feeding once the plant reaches its “dormant” stage, which is in the fall and winter. Continuing to feed the Calathea Rosy during this stage can have a negative and severe impact on its growth cycle.
What’s the best fertilizer for calathea roseopicta?
The best fertilizer for Calathea Roseopicta is one that has equal NPK ratios, like 20-20-20, and is either in liquid form or is diluted before use. These types of fertilizers provide a balanced feeding for the plant to help avoid overfertilizing.
Avoid using granular or slow release fertilizers for your calathea as this can increase the chance of accidentally overfertilizing the Calathea Roseopicta.
It’s for these reasons that I always recommend using Jack’s Classic 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer as it has everything your Calathea needs.
For the best results, follow the instructions on the fertilizer label and then reduce its strength by half. Apply to the Calathea Rosy once a month during the spring and summer.
Also, keep an eye out for signs of over fertilization, such as leaves curling downward, yellowing leaves, and salt buildup on the top of the soil.
If you notice any signs of overfeeding, immediately stop fertilizing the plant and then flush the soil under running water for several minutes to remove the buildup of minerals and salts.
What are the ideal calathea rosy humidity levels?
The ideal humidity level for the Calathea Rosy is at least 60 percent, but higher would be better. Some gardeners have found success with humidity levels as low as 40 percent, although it isn’t recommended since it increases the chance of the plant drying out and leaves turning brown.
If you notice brown tips and edges on your Calathea Rosy, the humidity level is probably too low. Using a drip tray or humidifier helps to increase the humidity levels, as does misting the plant.
Just make sure you don’t mist it too much as this can cause problems for the plant as well.
Should I mist calathea roseopicta?
Calathea Roseopicta is native to the tropical forests of South America, which means its natural environment has humidity levels that are much higher than the average home. Misting the plant helps to increase the amount of moisture in the air, which gives the plant its ideal growing conditions.
In most cases, you probably will only need to mist the plant once a week. Though this can change and increase in frequency during periods of hot and dry conditions. Brown leaf tips and edges are a sure sign that the Calathea Rosy is too dry and needs misting.
Misting isn’t a substitute for proper watering of calathea, and you shouldn’t simply mist the plant’s leaves and think that’s enough water to hydrate the Calathea Roseopicta. In fact, this plant will need a deep watering about once every 7 to 10 days.
When should you repot calathea rosy?
Repot the Calathea Rosy when its roots start to grow out the bottom of its pot. This is a sign that the Calathea Rosy is root bound and needs a larger container. Choose a pot that is about 2 to 3 inches larger in diameter than its current pot.
You can also repot the plant once every two years to give the plant fresh, nutrient-rich soil. If possible, wait until the spring and summer to repot the plant and avoid transplanting it during the fall and winter.
Should you prune calathea roseopicta?
Pruning your Calathea Roseopicta is a wonderful way to get rid of problematic leaves and make room for new growth. It also stops the plant from using vital resources on leaves that are dead or dying.
The best time to prune the Calathea Roseopicta is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Even though pruning is a necessary part of plant maintenance, it can still cause stress on the Calathea, and a plant that is actively growing is more likely to handle that stress better than one that is dormant.
Should I cut off dying calathea rosy leaves?
Yes, as cutting off dying Calathea Rosy leaves stops the plant from wasting vital resources on a leaf that won’t recover. Instead, the plant can use those resources to create new leaves. Additionally, cutting off dying leaves improves the overall appearance of the Calathea Rosy.
Pruning may seem like a scary situation, but it is actually beneficial for your plant.
When you do prune the Calathea Rosy, use pruning shears that are sharp and clean, and cut the leaf as close to the main stem as possible. You can compost the leaf if you are sure it isn’t diseased or infected.
If you’re not sure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and simply discard the removed leaf in the trash.
Where to find a calathea rosy for sale
There are several different places where you can find Calathea Rosy for sale, and some of them may even be in your general area. The first place to try is your local nursery or greenhouse. They may have the Calathea Rosy in stock, or they could potentially order the plant for you.
If your local greenhouse or nursery does not have this plant for sale, consider checking a big box retailer that has a garden center. Another option is to scour the internet looking for an online merchant who sells Calathea Rosy. This may be the best option, since it gives you access to thousands of different gardening centers all over the world.
Remember, however, that purchasing a plant online does have some downfalls. The first being, you do not get to see the plant in real life before buying it.
The second thing to consider is that when you order something online, you will more likely have to pay for shipping, which increases the overall cost of the plant.
What’s a standard calathea roseopicta price?
The standard price for a Calathea Roseopicta depends on several factors, such as the variety, size, and location. For example, one company currently sells a 4-inch Calathea Roseopicta Medallion and Calathea Roseopicta Rosy for $15, while another company prices a 4-inch Calathea Roseopicta Dottie at $40.
The larger the plant, the more expensive it will be. This also goes with how common or rare the plant is. Rarer Calathea Roseopicta varieties will cost more than ones that are more readily available.
Types of calathea roseopicta
Calathea Roseopicta is considered a rare Calathea type, and its various cultivars produce leaves with some form of pinkish hue, thus the name. This type of Calathea doesn’t have many different cultivars.
In fact, there are currently less than 10 different types of Calathea Roseopicta.
Calathea roseopicta dottie
The Calathea Roseopicta Dottie was created by Anne E. Lamb in 1998 by using the natural mutation of the Calathea Roseapicta.
This Calathea Roseopicta variety produces leaves so dark that they are almost black. It’s dark foliage is marked with a bright pink pattern that highlights the leaves.
Calathea roseopicta medallion
Calathea Roseopicta Medallion features large leaves that are dark green and banded in hues of emerald green and silver.
The backsides of the leaves, however, have a reddish purple color that only enhances the appearance of this Calathea variety.
Calathea roseopicta cora
Calathea Roseopicta Cora produces almond-shaped deep green leaves with lime green veins and a pinkish tint. Underneath the leaves, you will find that its coloring is a deep violet, which is a stunning contrast to the topside of its foliage.
When mature, Cora can reach heights of 15 to 23 inches tall.
Calathea roseopicta crimson
Calathea Roseopicta Crimson is one stunning plant, producing deep pink leaves that have a dark green, almost black, border.
With the proper care, this plant can reach heights of 2 feet or a little above. It will, however, require the same care as other Calathea varieties.
Calathea roseopicta corona
Calathea Roseopicta Corona is one of the more popular Calathea varieties, making it readily available at garden centers and nurseries.
Its leaves are a bit broader than some of the other Calathea cultivars and it has silvery green-colored foliage that is lined with a thick band of dark green. In the middle of each leaf, you will notice a reddish pink color, as well as a maroon-colored underside.
Calathea roseopicta silvia
Calathea Roseopicta Silvia is another Calathea Roseopicta variety, which means it has large leaves that feature a pinkish color in some aspects.
For the Silvia, you can expect pale green foliage that is lined in a darker green color and has flecks of pink throughout. The underside of each leaf has a purplish color, and this plant can reach heights of about 25 inches tall.
Is calathea rosy easy to care for?
If you have grown tropical houseplants in the past, then caring for Calathea Rosy probably won’t be a difficult task. If, however, you are a novice indoor gardener, or don’t want a plant that does require some maintenance, then you may be better off looking for a different plant to grow.
Whether or not the Calathea Rosy is easy to care for really depends on the gardener and what they consider easy. Overall, though, this really isn’t a difficult plant to care for as long as you follow the basic requirements it asks for.
How big does calathea roseopicta grow?
Calathea Roseopicta doesn’t get too big, which makes it a great option for smaller areas. It typically grows between 15 and 25 inches tall when given the ideal growing conditions.
Remember, however, that neglecting the Calathea Roseopicta in any way can stunt its growth, causing the plant to be unhealthy and smaller than anticipated.
How do you keep calathea roseopicta pink?
Because Calatheas are variegated plants, you will need to ensure that they receive plenty of light to maintain the pinkish hue. Six to eight hours of sunlight a day is best for this plant.
Additionally, don’t expose the Calathea Roseopicta to direct sun, as this will only cause the leaves to fade in color and even lose their patterns.
How to propagate calathea rosy
Calathea Rosy isn’t propagated like some other popular houseplants, since the stem or leaf cutting method won’t work on this plant. Instead, the Calathea Rosy will need to be propagated via division in the spring.
It is best to wait to perform the process when you repot the plant, since this method of calathea propagation does require removing the entire plant from its pot.
Once the plant is out of its pot, separate a smaller part of the plant from the mother plant, making sure that it has plenty of leaves and roots. Then pot the young plant in a container filled with the same soil mixture as the mother plant has.
Place the young Calathea Rosy in an area where it will receive indirect, bright light, and water the plant whenever the soil starts to dry out a bit.
Why is my calathea rosy drooping?
When your Calathea Rosy starts to droop, it is usually because the plant is thirsty and may need to be watered. Keep in mind, however, that the plant also moves its leaves up and down to follow the light, so the drooping could potentially be caused by this, which is nothing to be concerned about.
To check to see if underwatering is the cause of the droopiness, check the soil to see how dry it is and water the plant thoroughly if the soil feels dry. Don’t water the Calathea Rosy if the soil still feels damp.
Why does my calathea roseopicta have yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves are the most common sign of overwatering just about any plant, and the Calathea Roseopicta is no exception. If the plant is overwatered, it cannot properly absorb nutrients and root rot will start to infect it.
Once a plant has been overwatered multiple times, trying to save it can be extremely difficult. In most cases, the plant will need to be discarded in the trash and you will need to start fresh with a new plant.
Because overwatering is such a serious issue, it is best to implement preventive measures to help ensure you don’t overwater the plant. This means always checking how wet or dry the soil is before watering, and only watering when the soil feels dry.
Find out more: 11 Causes of Yellow Leaves on Calathea (+ How to Fix It)
Why are my calathea rosy leaves curling?
The reason why your Calathea Rosy leaves are curling could be a couple of different things, and the direction the leaf is curling can help you identify the exact cause. If the leaf is curling upward, the culprit is usually underwatering. If, however, the leaf is curling downward, you can blame overwatering or over-fertilization.
No matter what the cause, calathea leaf curling is not something to take lightly, nor should you just assume it will go away on its own. If left untreated, the underlaying problem of the leaf curl could potentially kill your Calathea Rosy.
Why are my calathea rosy leaves turning brown?
Browning leaves is a sure sign that your Calathea Rosy is not getting enough moisture, usually caused by a low humidity level. Although it can also be caused by underwatering the plant. For the best results, aim to give the Calathea Rosy a humidity level of 60 percent or above.
Humidifiers help to increase humidity levels, as do drip trays. Another option is to mist your plant’s leaves once a week to help put moisture into the air and keep the Calathea Rosy’s leaves looking their best.
You may have to increase the amount of misting to once a day during periods of dry conditions, such as during the winter when you have heaters running. Heaters, both gas and electric, are known for pulling moisture out of the air, which can quickly turn your Calathea Rosy leaves brown.
You may also be interested in: 12 Causes of Brown Spots on Calathea (+ How to Fix It)
Is calathea rosy toxic?
Like other Calathea varieties, Calathea Rosy is not toxic to humans, dogs, or cats, which makes this a good option for homes with children and pets. With that said, however, consuming any part of the Calathea Rosy can still cause unpleasant symptoms, such as an upset stomach.
Thankfully, these symptoms are not life threatening and typically pass within 24 hours.