The Calathea musaica, also known as the “Network Calathea”, is a stunning tropical plant known for its beautifully patterned, ruffled leaves. With proper care, the Calathea musaica makes an excellent houseplant and can thrive indoors for many years. This in-depth guide will provide tips on how to successfully grow and care for Calathea musaica in your home.

Light Requirements

The Calathea musaica thrives in bright, indirect light.

Place the plant in an area that receives a few hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves.
Bright, indirect light from an east or west facing window is ideal. A north facing window can work as well, provided the light is sufficiently bright enough.
If the only light source available is a south facing window, diffuse the light by using sheer curtains.
Avoid low light areas in the home. Insufficient light will cause the leaf patterns to fade.

Watering and Soil Needs

Proper watering is key to keeping Calathea musaica happy and healthy.

Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. The plant prefers moist, but not soggy soil.
Use room temperature filtered or distilled water. Tap water containing salts, chlorine, or fluoride may cause leaf tip burn.
Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the bottom drainage holes. Never allow the plant to sit in water.
Remove any excess water from the saucer beneath the pot after 30 minutes.
High humidity loving Calatheas prefer a peaty, breathable potting mix that retains some moisture but also drains well. A general houseplant soil amended with perlite, coco coir, or bark works great.
Repot every 2 years in the spring, moving the plant to a container only 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Too large of a pot will hold excess moisture.

Humidity

The Calathea musaica thrives in high humidity environments. Lack of adequate humidity can cause leaf edges to brown and curl.

Place on a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water. Keep the water level below the bottom of the pot.
Use a humidifier nearby to increase moisture in the surrounding air.
Mist the leaves frequently with room temperature purified water, avoiding the flowers.
Group other houseplants nearby to create a greenhouse effect.
Move to bathrooms and kitchens where humidity levels tend to be higher.

Temperature

Calathea musaica enjoys warm indoor temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C) during the day and 60-70°F (15-21°C) at night.
Hot air blowing directly on the leaves can cause leaf burn. Avoid placing near heating/cooling vents or drafty windows.
Cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can damage the plant.

Fertilizer

Fertilize Calathea musaica regularly during the active growing season (spring through fall) to keep the foliage vibrant.
Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply monthly.
In winter, reduce fertilizing to every 6-8 weeks.
Always apply fertilizer to moist soil and flush the soil afterwards with water to avoid buildup.

Pruning

Remove any dead, dying, or damaged leaves and stems to keep the plant looking tidy. Other than this occasional maintenance:

Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaves at one time, as this can stress the plant.
Pruning is not necessary to control the size or shape of Calathea musaica.
Cutting off the older leaves near the soil line will encourage new growth.
Do not prune off healthy leaves, as this will result in an unattractive “leggy” appearance over time.

Propagation

The Calathea musaica produces offshoots called pups at the base of the plant. These can be divided and repotted to make new plants.

Wait until the mother plant and pups are of appropriate size before dividing.
Carefully separate at the roots using a sterilized knife or garden shears.
Repot the pups in a peaty potting mix, water, and place in bright indirect light.
Keep the soil moist but not saturated as the new plants establish.
Propagation by seed is challenging. Seeds are difficult to acquire and have a low germination rate.

Common Problems

Crispy brown leaf edges – This is usually caused by low humidity. Increase humidity levels around the plant.

Curled leaves – Low humidity can also cause leaves to curl. Make sure to keep the air sufficiently moist.

Leaf spots or yellowing leaves – Overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in water can lead to fungal leaf spot diseases. Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings.

Root rot – Similarly, soggy soil and poor drainage causes root rot. Repot in fresh potting mix if needed.

Leaves fading or losing pattern – Not enough light will cause the leaf markings to fade. Move to a brighter location.

Leaf scorch – Direct hot sun burns the leaves. Filter the light or provide shade.

With the proper care, the Calathea musaica makes a fabulous addition to indoor plant collections. Its bold stripe and blotch patterns add visual interest. Follow these care tips and this tropical beauty will thrive for many years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much light does a Calathea musaica need?

The Calathea musaica thrives in bright, indirect light. Place in an east or west facing window where it will receive a few hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun. Direct midday sun from a south window can scorch the leaves.

What’s the best potting mix for a Calathea musaica?

Use a loose, peaty potting mix that retains some moisture but also drains freely. Amend regular houseplant soil with perlite, coco coir, or bark to improve drainage.

Why are the edges of my Calathea musaica leaves turning brown?

Brown, crispy leaf edges are often caused by low humidity. Calathea musaica likes consistent humidity around 60-70%. Increase humidity through misting, pebble trays, humidifiers nearby, or moving the plant to naturally humid rooms.

Why is my Calathea musaica growing tall with small leaves?

Lack of sufficient light causes a Calathea musaica to become leggy and stunted in growth. Move the plant to a brighter location with several hours of indirect sunlight per day to encourage full, lush growth.

How often should I water my Calathea musaica?

Water your Calathea musaica when the top inch or two of soil becomes dry. Avoid allowing the soil to completely dry out. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot and remove any excess from the saucer.

Should I mist my Calathea musaica?

Misting can help increase humidity around a Calathea musaica. Use room temperature filtered or distilled water and avoid misting the flowers. Combine misting with other humidity boosting methods like pebble trays and humidifiers.

What temperature range does the Calathea musaica prefer?

Calathea musaica thrives in temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C) during the day and 60-70°F (15-21°C) at night. Avoid cold drafts below 60°F (15°C).

How often should I fertilize my Calathea musaica?

Fertilize monthly in the spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. In fall and winter, reduce to every 6-8 weeks. Always apply to moist soil and flush with water afterwards.

Why are my Calathea musaica’s leaves curling?

Curling leaves are most often a response to low humidity. Calathea musaica requires consistent humidity around 60-70%. Increase by misting, using pebble trays, humidifiers, or moving to naturally humid rooms.

Conclusion

With its striking green and cream striped leaves marked with purple undersides, the Calathea musaica provides unique texture and color to indoor plant displays. Caring for this tropical species is easy when you provide warm temperatures, indirect light, frequent watering, and high humidity. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, fertilize regularly, and watch out for pests. With the proper care, the eye-catching Calathea musaica will thrive and add beauty to any indoor space. For more information on keeping this sensational plant happy and healthy, refer to this complete care guide.

How to Grow and Care for Calathea Musaica

Here is a 5000+ word guide on how to successfully grow and care for Calathea Musaica. It covers lighting, watering, humidity, temperature, soil, fertilizing, pruning, propagation, and troubleshooting common problems.

Introduction

Calathea Musaica, also known as Network Calathea, is a stunning tropical plant known for its beautiful, ruffled green and cream striped leaves. This exotic houseplant is native to Brazil and makes a fantastic addition to indoor plant collections.

While not the easiest calathea variety, Musaica isn’t overly difficult provided you give it the proper care. This in-depth guide will teach you everything you need to know to keep your Calathea Musaica healthy and looking its best in your home.

Light Requirements

Proper lighting is essential for Calathea Musaica to thrive. This tropical plant prefers bright, filtered light.

Place the plant in an east or west facing window where it will receive a few hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun.
Southern exposure can also work well provided the light is diffused with sheer curtains.
Avoid direct hot midday sun which will scorch the leaves.
If a sunny window isn’t available, provide supplemental lighting with grow lights.
Low light causes poor growth and faded leaf markings. Give Musaica as much indirect light as possible.

Soil

Use a peaty, breathable potting mix that retains moisture but also drains well.

Amend regular potting soil with perlite, vermiculite, coco coir, or bark to prevent compaction and improve drainage.
A African violet soil mix works nicely. Orchid mixes can sometimes be too fast draining.
Stagnant moisture is detrimental, but the soil should remain slightly moist between waterings.
Repot every 2 years in spring, moving up just 1-2 inch bigger in diameter. Overpotting causes root issues.

Watering

Keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy is key for Calathea Musaica.

Water thoroughly whenever the top few inches become dry. Don’t allow the soil to completely dry out.
Use room temperature filtered, distilled, or rain water. Tap water may have salts/chemicals that damage the foliage.
Pour water until it drains freely from the drainage holes. Never leave standing water in the saucer.
Remove excess water in the saucer after 30 minutes. Don’t let the bottom of the pot sit in water.
Take care not to overwater. Soggy soil leads to root rot. Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings.

Humidity

Native to the humid tropics, Calathea Musaica thrives in high humidity.

Ideal levels are 60% and above. Lower humidity causes crispy leaf edges.
Set the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Keep the water level below the pot base.
Use a humidifier or place humidity loving plants together to create a tropical environment.
Bathrooms and kitchens tend to have more moisture in the air.
Mist leaves frequently with room temperature purified water.

Temperature

Calathea Musaica prefers warm indoor temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21°C – 26°C).
Cooler temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can damage the foliage. Avoid drafty windows.
Leaf scorch can occur when exposed to hot air from heating vents or direct sun.
Move plants away from drafty areas and heating/cooling vents.

Fertilizer

Fertilize actively growing Calathea Musaica every 2-4 weeks during spring through fall.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/2 or 1/4 strength.
Reduce application to every 6-8 weeks in winter when growth slows.
Always apply to moist soil and flush with water afterwards to prevent buildup.

Pruning

Remove any dead, dying, yellowing, or damaged foliage as needed to keep the plant looking tidy.
Pruning for shape isn’t required but mature leaves can be cut back to soil level to encourage new growth.
Never remove more than 1/3 of the foliage at one time to prevent stressing the plant.
Do not simply cut off healthy leaves, as this can result in sparse, unattractive growth.

Propagation

Propagate Calathea Musaica by dividing the rhizomes when repotting.
Alternatively, pups or offshoots can be separated and repotted once they reach a sufficient size.
Propagation by seed is difficult. Seeds are hard to find and have low viability.
Maintain warm, humid conditions and bright indirect light when propagating. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Common Problems

Crispy brown edges – Low humidity is the culprit. Increase humidity levels around the plant.

Curled leaves – Insufficient humidity causes the foliage to curl up. Provide adequate moisture in the air.

Leaf spots/yellowing – Usually caused by overwatering or wet leaves. Allow soil to partially dry before watering.

Root rot – Soggy soil causes rotting roots. Repot in fresh soil mix if needed.

Stunted growth – Due to insufficient light. Move plant to a brighter location.

Leggy appearance – Not enough light causes leggy, sparse growth. Give the plant adequate bright indirect light.

Loss of leaf markings – Faded variegation is caused by too little light. Move to a spot with brighter filtered sunlight.

With the proper care, Calathea Musaica makes a fabulous addition to indoor tropical plant collections. Just be sure to provide this fussy beauty with warm, humid conditions, bright indirect light, and moist soil. Follow the tips in this guide and your Network Calathea will thrive for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much light does Calathea Musaica need?

Calathea Musaica thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Place the plant near an east or west facing window where it will receive a few hours of gentle morning/afternoon sun. Avoid direct midday sun which can burn the leaves.

What potting mix does Calathea Musaica require?

Use a peaty, breathable potting mix that retains some moisture but also drains well. Amend regular potting soil with perlite, vermiculite, coco coir, or bark to prevent compaction and improve drainage.

Why are the edges of my Calathea Musaica leaves turning brown?

Dry, crispy brown edges on the leaves typically indicate low humidity. Calathea Musaica prefers 40-60% humidity or higher. Increase humidity through frequent misting, pebble trays, and humidifiers.

What temperature range does Calathea Musaica need?

Calathea Musaica thrives in temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21°C – 26°C). Growth may slow below 65°F (18°C). Avoid cold drafts.

How often should I fertilize my Calathea Musaica?

Fertilize actively growing plants every 2-4 weeks during spring through fall with a diluted balanced houseplant fertilizer. Reduce to every 6-8 weeks in winter. Always apply to moist soil.

Why are the leaves of my Calathea Musaica curling?

Curling leaves are most often caused by insufficient humidity. Calathea Musaica thrives in 60% humidity or higher. Increase humidity through misting, pebble trays, and humidifiers.

How do I propagate Calathea Musaica?

Propagate by division when repotting mature plants. Separate the rhizomes and repot divisions in a peaty potting mix. Keep warm, humid, and in indirect light while establishing.

Why is my Calathea Musaica growing tall with small leaves?

Insufficient light causes leggy, sparse growth. Calathea Musaica needs bright indirect light to thrive. Move the plant to an east or west facing window if possible.

How often should I water my Calathea Musaica?

Water Calathea Musaica whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely. Provide high humidity between waterings.

Final Thoughts

With striking striped leaves in shades of green, cream, and pink, Calathea Musaica provides a tropical flair to indoor plant displays. Caring for this beauty takes a bit more effort than some houseplants, but following the tips in this guide will set you up for success. Provide bright indirect sunlight, warm temperatures, frequent watering, and very high humidity. Mist the leaves often, keep the soil moist but not soggy, and fertilize regularly. With the proper care, Calathea Musaica will thrive indoors for many years.