Calathea

Calathea fasciata is a compact tropical foliage plant with large, rounded, very glossy leaves striped in light and dark green, and deep maroon beneath. It grows about 40cm tall and 50cm wide, which suits a bright room, a shaded patio or a frost free tropical border. Like all calatheas, it wants warmth, humidity and shade rather than sun.

Why you'll love it

• Bold stripes on a glossy leaf. Light and dark green stripes run across each rounded leaf, and the polished surface catches the light.
• A maroon reverse. The underside is deep maroon, so the plant shows two colours as the leaves move.
• Compact and tidy. At 40cm by 50cm it fits a shelf, a side table or the edge of a shaded bed.
• Happy in shade. It is an understorey plant, so it brightens the shady spots where flowering plants struggle.
• Gentle on pets. Calatheas are not considered toxic to cats and dogs, so it suits homes with animals.

Where it works best

Indoors. A bright room away from direct sun, heaters and draughts is ideal. Choose a pot with drainage holes and stand it where you can reach it for regular misting.

Shaded patios and balconies. In warm climates, a pot in bright shade gives a lush foliage feature, as long as temperatures stay above 15C.

Tropical understorey beds. In frost free gardens, plant 40cm apart under trees or beside a shaded wall to build a glossy ground layer.

Growing Calathea fasciata in Australia

Position and climate. Shade or bright indirect light. It needs temperatures over 15C and enjoys humidity, so outdoors it suits tropical and subtropical gardens only. Everywhere else, grow it indoors, or on a sheltered patio through the warm months.

Soil. Moisture retaining soil or a good quality potting mix. A mix that holds water but still drains keeps the roots from drying out or sitting wet.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first 12 weeks, and regularly once established. Mist when the air is dry, and wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust. Apply a nitrogen rich slow release fertiliser every three months for vibrant, healthy foliage.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Simply remove tired or damaged leaves at the base to keep the plant looking fresh.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Calathea fasciata as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and in 300mm pots singly. Tubes are the economical choice for a shaded bed, while the larger pots give a fuller plant straight away for a room or a patio. Keep the plant warm and out of cold draughts when it arrives.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none ready at the moment, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full calathea range
• House and indoor plants
• Pet friendly indoor plants
• Calathea care guide for brown edges and curling

Common questions

How big does Calathea fasciata grow?

About 40cm tall and 50cm wide, so it stays small enough for a shelf or a side table.

Why are the leaf edges going brown?

Almost always dry air or irregular watering. Mist regularly, keep the plant away from heaters and draughts, and water on a steady routine once it is established.

Does it need direct sun?

No. It prefers a shady spot with indirect light, and strong direct sun can bleach or scorch the leaves.