Hey there, plant lovers! I'm a supplier of calathea plants, and I've been in this business for quite a while. Calatheas are some of the most beautiful and unique houseplants out there, but did you know that they can benefit from having companion plants? In this blog post, I'm gonna share with you the best companion plants for calathea and why they make such a great match.
First off, let's talk a bit about calatheas. These plants are known for their stunning foliage, which comes in a variety of patterns and colors. They're also quite finicky when it comes to their care. Calatheas prefer a humid environment, indirect light, and well - draining soil. They don't like to be over - watered or exposed to direct sunlight, as it can damage their leaves.
Now, let's get into the best companion plants for calathea.
Ferns
Ferns are an excellent choice to pair with calatheas. They have similar care requirements, which is super important when choosing companion plants. Both ferns and calatheas love high humidity and indirect light. Ferns, like the Boston fern or the maidenhair fern, have delicate, lacy fronds that contrast beautifully with the bold, patterned leaves of calathea.
The high humidity that ferns need can be easily maintained in a shared environment with calathea. You can create a mini - greenhouse effect by grouping them together or using a humidifier. This way, both plants will thrive. And let's be honest, the combination of the fern's soft fronds and the calathea's vibrant leaves makes for a visually appealing display.
Peperomias
Peperomias are another great option. These plants come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, but they generally have thick, succulent - like leaves. They're relatively easy to care for and can tolerate the same conditions as calatheas. Peperomias prefer bright, indirect light and well - draining soil, just like calatheas.
The different textures of peperomia leaves compared to calathea leaves add an interesting dimension to your plant collection. For example, the Peperomia obtusifolia has smooth, oval - shaped leaves, while a Calathea Ornata Plant has long, striped leaves. Placing them side by side creates a visually dynamic arrangement.
Pothos
Pothos is a very popular houseplant, and it pairs well with calathea. Pothos is a hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of light conditions, although it also does well in indirect light, which is perfect for calathea. It has long, trailing vines that can add a sense of movement to your plant display.
One of the great things about pothos is that it can help improve air quality. It filters out harmful toxins from the air, creating a healthier environment for all the plants in the vicinity, including calathea. You can place a pothos in a hanging basket above your calathea or let it trail down from a shelf next to the calathea pot.
Philodendrons
Philodendrons are known for their large, heart - shaped leaves. They share similar care needs with calathea, such as preferring indirect light and a somewhat humid environment. Philodendrons can grow quite large, so they can create a nice backdrop for smaller calathea plants.
The lush, green foliage of philodendrons provides a great contrast to the colorful patterns on calathea leaves. Whether it's a climbing philodendron or a non - climbing variety, it can add a tropical feel to your plant collection when paired with calathea.
Spider Plants
Spider plants are easy - going and can be a wonderful companion for calathea. They're very adaptable to different light conditions but do well in indirect light, which aligns with calathea's needs. Spider plants produce long, arching leaves with white stripes, which look great next to the patterned leaves of calathea.
These plants are also known for their air - purifying properties. They can remove pollutants from the air, which is beneficial for the overall health of your calathea. You can place a spider plant near your calathea to create a healthy and aesthetically pleasing plant grouping.
Why Companion Plants Matter for Calathea
Having companion plants for calathea isn't just about making your plant collection look good. There are some real benefits to it.
Humidity: As I mentioned earlier, calatheas love high humidity. Companion plants that have similar humidity requirements can help create a micro - environment with higher humidity levels. When you group plants together, they release moisture through transpiration, which increases the humidity around them.
Pest Control: Some companion plants can help deter pests. For example, certain herbs or plants with strong scents can keep away insects that might otherwise damage your calathea. While this isn't a foolproof method, it can add an extra layer of protection.
Aesthetic Appeal: Let's face it, a single plant can look nice, but a well - curated group of plants with different shapes, sizes, and textures looks even better. Companion plants can enhance the overall visual impact of your calathea and make your plant display more interesting.
Tips for Planting Companion Plants with Calathea
- Pot Size: Make sure you choose a pot that's large enough to accommodate both the calathea and its companion plant. You don't want the plants to be overcrowded, as this can lead to poor growth and health issues.
- Soil: Use a well - draining soil mix that's suitable for all the plants in the group. You can use a general - purpose potting soil and add some perlite or sand to improve drainage.
- Watering: Be careful not to over - water or under - water the plants. Check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch or so of the soil is dry. Different plants may have slightly different watering needs, so pay attention to each one.
If you're interested in adding some calathea plants or their companion plants to your collection, I'm here to help. I've got a wide variety of high - quality calathea plants and can offer advice on which companion plants would work best for you. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced plant parent, I can assist you in creating a beautiful and healthy plant display. Reach out to me if you want to discuss your plant needs and start a procurement conversation.
References
- Houseplant Care Handbook by D.G. Hessayon
- The New Encyclopedia of House Plants by Pamela Harper