Calathea Crimson is a breathtaking tropical foliage plant that commands attention with its deep, jewel-toned leaves. Rich crimson and burgundy on the underside with striking dark green and silver patterning on top. A true showpiece for any indoor space, it brings an exotic, gallery-worthy quality to living rooms, bedrooms, and offices alike. While it appreciates a little extra humidity, its extraordinary foliage makes it one of the most rewarding houseplants you can own.
Calathea Crimson Care Guide
Prefers bright to medium indirect light but is one of the better performers in lower light indoor conditions. Direct sun will bleach and scorch the vivid crimson and silver patterning. A north or east-facing room with good ambient light is ideal for preserving the intense foliage color.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly every 7–10 days. Calatheas are sensitive to both overwatering and drought. They are also sensitive to the chemicals in tap water. If leaf edges brown frequently, switching to filtered, distilled, or rainwater can make a noticeable difference.
Requires high humidity of 60% or above to truly thrive. Low humidity is the most common cause of brown leaf edges and curling in calatheas. A humidifier nearby is the most effective solution. Grouping plants together and using a pebble tray can also help boost ambient moisture levels.
Calathea Crimson thrives in warm, stable indoor temperatures. Avoid exposure to temperatures below 60°F and keep well away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and exterior windows in winter. Even brief cold exposure can cause irreversible leaf damage and curling.
A tropical species suited for outdoor growing only in the most frost-free, humid climates of Zones 11–12. In all other regions it is grown exclusively as a houseplant year-round. Its sensitivity to cold and dry air makes it best suited to warm, humid indoor environments in most climates.
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid over-fertilizing. Excess salts are a common cause of brown leaf tips in calatheas. Our Instant Plant Food makes monthly feeding simple and precise. Just add to your watering can once a month. Reduce to every 6–8 weeks in fall and pause entirely through winter.
Repot every two years in spring when roots begin to crowd the pot. Choose a container only 1–2 inches larger with drainage holes. Calatheas prefer a snug pot. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture. Water gently after repotting and keep in a warm, humid environment with indirect light while it adjusts.
Gently wipe each leaf with a soft, damp cloth monthly to remove dust and keep the intricate foliage patterns vivid and clear. Be gentle. Calathea leaves can be delicate. Do not use leaf shine products, which can clog the pores and damage the foliage. Remove any brown-edged or yellowing leaves at the base as needed.
Propagate by division during repotting in spring. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the root clumps into sections, each containing several healthy stems and a good root system. Pot each division into fresh, well-draining potting mix, water gently, and keep in a warm, humid location with indirect light for 3–4 weeks while establishing.
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