Can Calatheas Grow in Water? The Complete Guide

Calatheas are absolutely gorgeous plants known for their large, colorful leaves. With proper care, these tropical beauties can thrive indoors, adding vibrant pops of color to any space. However, calatheas have a reputation for being quite finicky. They require very specific conditions to stay happy and healthy.

One common question is can calatheas grow in water alone? The short answer is yes, with the right care, calatheas can be grown hydroponically in water However, there are some important things to know to help your calathea not just survive, but truly thrive in a water-based setup

In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing happy healthy calatheas in water. including

• The benefits of growing calatheas hydroponically
• Tips for selecting the right calathea variety for water culture
• Setting up your hydroponic calathea system
• Caring for calatheas in water
• Troubleshooting common hydroponic calathea problems

Let’s dive in and discover the wonders of growing gorgeous calatheas in water!

Why Grow Calatheas Hydroponically?

Growing calatheas in water offers a few potential benefits:

• Better moisture control – Calatheas are very sensitive to irregular watering. Growing in water allows you to provide a constant moisture source and avoid issues with drying out.

• Oxygen to the roots – Stagnant soil can suffocate calathea roots. Water culture allows air to easily reach the roots.

• No soil pests – Hydroponics eliminates issues with fungus gnats, spider mites, and other common calathea pests that live in soil.

• Easy propagation – Water propagation is an simple, effective way to propagate calatheas. Pups can be left in water indefinitely.

• Less work – No more guessing when to water or worrying about muddy, compacted soil. Hydroponics makes calathea care much simpler.

For calatheas that struggle in soil, transitioning to hydroponics can literally be a life saver!

Choosing the Right Calathea for Hydroponics

You can’t grow just any calathea variety in water. Some will thrive with hydroponic care, while others will fail to flourish.

When selecting a calathea for water culture, look for types that naturally grow in very wet conditions. Avoid arid-loving species.

Some of the best calatheas for hydroponic growth include:

• C. orbifolia
• C. warscewiczii
• C. makoyana (peacock calathea)
• C. ornata (pinstripe calathea)
• C. roseopicta (rose painted calathea)

Avoid calatheas with thick, succulent leaves that store water like the rattlesnake plant or C. fasciata. These types are prone to rotting.

If you already have a calathea, assess its current health. Transitioning a stressed, unhealthy plant to water culture could cause further decline. Start with only your vigorous, established plants.

Setting Up Your Hydroponic System

Growing calatheas in water doesn’t require advanced hydroponic equipment. A simple setup will work well. Here’s what you need:

• Container – Select a non-porous container like glass, plastic, or glazed ceramic. For mature plants, use at least a 3-5 gallon container. Smaller pots work for younger plants.

• Liquid fertilizer – Use a water soluble houseplant fertilizer to provide nutrients. Look for a balanced formula (like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20).

• Support – Insert bamboo stakes or other plant supports into the container to keep the calathea upright.

• Growing medium (optional) – Some expanded clay pellets or perlite can provide anchoring for the roots, but is not required.

• Water – Fill the container with clean water. Leave several inches between the waterline and the pot rim.

• Light – Place your hydroponic calathea in bright, indirect light. Provide 12-14 hours of light per day.

And that’s the basic setup! Now let’s go over care and maintenance.

Caring for Hydroponic Calatheas

Caring for calatheas in water is different than traditional soil care. Here are some tips:

• Water level – Check the water level every 2-3 days and top off as needed to maintain those few inches between the waterline and pot rim.

• Water changes – Completely replace the old water with fresh water every 7-10 days. This prevents salts and fertilizer from building up.

• Fertilizing – Add liquid fertilizer to the water whenever you do a complete change. Use half the recommended strength to avoid buildup.

• Pruning – Remove any rotted roots and trim dead leaves to keep your calathea looking its best.

• Support – Check that support stakes are still secure and upright. Calatheas get top heavy.

• Light – Rotate your calathea often so all sides get evenly illuminated. Watch for faded or burned leaves.

• Temperature – Keep temperatures between 65-80°F. Cooler temps below 60°F can damage calatheas.

• Humidity – Maintain 60% humidity or higher. Group plants together or use a humidifier.

• Transplanting – When the plant outgrows its container, move it to a larger pot with fresh water and fertilizer.

• Pests – Check regularly for pests like aphids, spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs. Treat immediately if found.

Follow this care routine and your hydroponic calatheas will flourish!

Troubleshooting Hydroponic Calathea Problems

Transitioning calatheas to water culture can take some adjustment. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Drooping leaves – Drooping leaves usually indicate overwatering. For hydroponic plants, make sure no leaves are submerged in water.

• Wilting – If leaves wilt, increase humidity. Add a humidifier or use pebble trays. Low humidity causes rapid water loss.

• Leaf spotting – Spotted or yellowing leaves can signify overfertilizing. Flush the system with fresh water.

• Root rot – Dark brown, mushy roots are a sign of root rot. Remove rotted roots and treat with a fungicide.

• Fading leaves – If leaves lose color and become pale, increase light exposure or replace old bulbs.

• Leaf curling – High temperatures and low humidity cause curling. Improve growing conditions and mist leaves.

• Slow growth – Very slow growth indicates insufficient fertilizer. Increase nutrient levels for faster growth.

• Pests – If bugs appear, isolate and treat the plant. Replace all water to remove eggs/larvae.

With attentive care and quick troubleshooting, you can keep your hydroponic calathea thriving for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hydroponic Calatheas

Here are answers to some common questions about growing calatheas in water:

How long do I keep the water before changing it?

Change the water every 7-10 days. The nutrients get used up and salts build up over time.

What type of water should I use?

Filtered or distilled water is best. Tap water may contain chlorine, fluoride, or dissolved salts that can damage the roots.

Do I need to use growing medium?

Growing medium isn’t required, but a little perlite or expanded clay can help support the roots.

How much light does a hydroponic calathea need?

Calatheas require bright, indirect sunlight. Place them near an east or west facing window. 12-14 hours a day is ideal.

Can I grow a calathea in just a vase or jar?

For mature plants, the container needs to be large enough to allow ample oxygen to reach the roots. Small containers will limit growth.

How do I prevent algae from growing in the water?

Change the water weekly and clean the container to remove any algae. Keeping it out of direct sun also discourages algae growth.

Enjoy Happy and Healthy Hydroponic Calatheas

When cared for properly, calatheas absolutely can flourish and grow in water alone. Following the guidance in this article sets your hydroponic calatheas up for success.

Give your struggling soil-grown calathea a new lease on life in water culture. Or propagate new babies to create an entire hydroponic calathea collection!

With the right variety, setup, routine care, and troubleshooting, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant, evergreen leaves bringing that unmistakable calathea beauty into your indoor jungle.