Calathea Fasciata, also known as the Banded Calathea, is a gorgeous tropical houseplant known for its large, oval-shaped, ribbed foliage with alternating light and dark green bands. Growing and caring for Calathea Fasciata properly allows you to enjoy its stunning foliage and showy qualities as an indoor plant. With the right care, Calathea Fasciata can thrive indoors for many years.
Light Requirements
Calathea Fasciata thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near an east or west-facing window where it will receive consistent bright light throughout the day without getting several hours of direct sun, which can scorch the foliage. Avoid placing Calathea Fasciata in a south-facing window unless you use sheers to filter the light. Insufficient light causes the foliage stripes to fade.
Ideal Light Conditions
- Bright, indirect light
- Near an east or west-facing window
- Avoid direct south-facing light
- 4-6 hours of bright, filtered light daily
Watering and Soil Needs
Calathea Fasciata prefers consistently moist, but not soggy soil. Water when the top inch or two of soil becomes dry. Check the soil moisture by inserting your finger into the top of the soil and water when it feels dry.
These tropical plants thrive in peat-based, fertile, well-draining potting mix. Prepare a light, airy potting mix using equal parts of peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, and compost. You can also use a general houseplant potting mix. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogged roots.
Watering Tips
- Water when top soil is dry
- Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Use peat-based, fertile, well-draining soil
- Add perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage
- Use pot with drainage holes
- Water until it flows from the drainage holes
- Avoid waterlogged or dry soil
Humidity
Native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, Calathea Fasciata thrives in high humidity. Replicate its native environment by keeping indoor humidity levels between 60-80%. Low humidity causes the leaf tips to turn brown.
Increase humidity by misting the plant daily with room temperature water, using a humidifier nearby, or placing its pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Avoid misting the foliage in direct sunlight or it can scorch the leaves. Group plants together to create a tropical environment.
Ideal Humidity Levels
- Prefers 60-80% humidity
- Misting plant daily
- Using humidifier near plant
- Placing pot on pebble tray
- Avoid misting in direct sun
Temperature
Calathea Fasciata thrives in average room temperatures between 65-80°F. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 60°F or sudden temperature drops, which can damage the foliage. Cold drafts from windows and air conditioning vents can also harm this tropical plant. Move plants away from drafty areas.
Ideal Temperature Range
- Thrives in 65-80°F
- Avoid below 60°F
- Dislikes sudden temperature drops
- Keep away from cold drafts
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength every 2-4 weeks in the spring and summer. Dilute liquid fertilizers to avoid burning the roots. Fertilize monthly at half strength in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Look for a fertilizer that provides an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for balanced nutrition. Stop fertilizing if the foliage develops brown leaf tips, which indicates fertilizer burn. Flush the soil with clean water to remove excess salts.
Fertilizer Tips
- Use balanced fertilizer
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks in spring/summer
- Fertilize monthly in fall/winter
- Dilute fertilizer to avoid burn
- Stop if leaf tips turn brown
- Flush soil to remove excess salts
Pruning
Prune off any yellow, brown, or damaged foliage to maintain the plant’s appearance and encourage new growth. Use sterilized pruning shears or scissors to make clean cuts and avoid introducing disease. Wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol between cuts.
To encourage bushiness, pinch or cut off new growth just above a node or leaf. This stimulates branching and fullness. Remove spent flower stems by cutting back to the base of the plant after blooming finishes.
Pruning Recommendations
- Prune off discolored or damaged leaves
- Use clean, sterilized pruning tool
- Wipe blades with alcohol
- Pinch off new growth above node
- Remove spent flowers by cutting to base
- Encourage branching and fullness
Growth Habit
The Banded Calathea grows up to 2-3 feet tall with an equal spread. The large, oval leaves can reach up to 18 inches long on mature plants. This species has an upright, clumping habit when young but becomes more openly spreading as it matures.
Provide adequate spacing as Calathea Fasciata expands its reach. Repotting annually in early spring will give the roots room to grow. Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years to rejuvenate the plant and control size.
Growth Habit
- Grows 2-3 feet tall and wide
- Oval leaves up to 18 inches long
- Upright when young
- Open, spreading with age
- Give adequate space to expand
- Repot annually in spring
- Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years
Displaying Calathea Fasciata
The Banded Calathea’s large, decorative leaves make a striking display in home gardens and indoor plant collections. Place Calathea Fasciata in an east or west-facing window to highlight the bold banding on the foliage. The plant’s tropical appeal shines when grouped with otherCalatheas or foliage plants.
Use Calathea Fasciata as a focal point in a mixed container garden on a covered patio or as part of an indoor jungle theme. The colorful leaves pair well with dark green foliage plants like ferns and philodendrons. Allow adequate space for growth when designing a display.
Display Tips
- Place in east or west window to highlight banding
- Group with other tropical plants
- Use as focal point in mixed containers
- Pairs well with ferns and philodendrons
- Allow space for growth when designing display
Common Problems
Understanding Calathea Fasciata’s care needs prevents many common problems. However, improper growing conditions can lead to issues like:
Crispy Leaf Edges
Dry air and insufficient humidity causes browning along the leaf edges. Increase humidity levels and mist plants regularly to prevent crispy edges.
Faded Variegation
Insufficient light exposure causes the dark green bands to fade. Move plants to a brighter location with more indirect light per day.
Leaf Spotting
Excess moisture on the foliage leads to fungal or bacterial leaf spot diseases. Avoid overhead watering and increase air circulation around plants.
Drooping Leaves
Overwatering causes soggy soil, resulting in root rot and drooping leaves. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Yellow Lower Leaves
If older leaves turn yellow and drop, it may indicate overwatering or nitrogen deficiency. Reduce watering frequency and apply a balanced fertilizer.
FAQs
How do you care for a Calathea Fasciata?
Caring for Calathea Fasciata requires bright, indirect light, consistent moisture, 60-80% humidity, average room temperatures of 65-80°F, and a light application of balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
What kind of soil does a Calathea Fasciata need?
Calathea Fasciata thrives in a fertile, peat-based potting mix that retains moisture but also drains well. Prepare a customized soil blend using equal parts peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, and compost.
How often should you water a Calathea Fasciata?
Water Calathea Fasciata when the top inch or two of the potting mix becomes dry, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger into the soil before watering. Avoid allowing the soil to completely dry out.
What causes brown tips on Calathea Fasciata leaves?
Brown leaf tips are commonly caused by dry air and humidity levels that are too low. Mist the plant daily, use a humidifier, and maintain indoor humidity around 60-80% to prevent crispy leaf edges. Fertilizer burn can also cause browning on the leaf tips.
Why are the leaves of my Calathea Fasciata curling?
Curling leaves usually indicate the plant is receiving too little water and the soil moisture is too low. Check soil moisture more frequently and water before it dries out completely to prevent curling. High temperatures or cold drafts can also cause curling.
How do I raise the humidity for my Calathea Fasciata?
Use a humidifier, place pots on pebble trays filled with water, and mist plants daily to increase humidity around Calathea Fasciata. Group plants together to create a tropical environment. Avoid misting the leaves in direct sun to prevent leaf burn.
Conclusion
With its striking striped foliage in shades of green, Calathea Fasciata makes an alluring houseplant when given proper care. Place in bright, indirect light, provide consistent moisture, maintain warm temperatures and high humidity, and fertilize regularly for the healthiest growth. Avoid direct hot sun and overwatering, which can damage its tropical foliage. By understanding and catering to Calathea Fasciata’s preferences, you can enjoy this beauty for years to come. Give it a try in your indoor garden today!