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Calathea Illustris

Reviewed by: Kiersten Rankel | Last Updated: 11/08/2022

About Calathea Illustris

Many of the houseplants we used to know as Calatheas now belong to the genus Goeppertia (say that three times fast). These plants have delightfully patterned leaves that come in all sorts of colors and shapes! Commonly known as prayer plants, the leaves of some species fold up at night through a process called nyctinasty meaning night movement! 😴

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Goeppertia roseopicta 'Illustris'

Genus

Goeppertia

Family

Marantaceae

Order

Zingiberales

How to care for Calathea Illustris

💦 Water

How often to water your Calathea Illustris

Calathea Illustris needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Calathea Illustris in your home

Calathea Illustris may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Calathea Illustris in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Calathea Illustris

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Calathea Illustris: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Calathea Illustris after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #CalatheaIllustris

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Calathea Illustris prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calathea Illustris Water Frequency →

Calathea Illustris Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Calathea Illustris may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Calathea Illustris Light Requirements →

Calathea Illustris Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

💨 Humidity

Calathea Illustris prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.

Calathea Illustris Humidity Needs →

🪴 Soil

Calathea Illustris is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.

Best Soil Mix for Calathea Illustris →

When and How to Successfully Repot Calathea Illustris →

💩 Fertilizer

Calathea Illustris should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Calathea Illustris →

🌎 Native Region

Calathea Illustris is native to Tropical Americas.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.