Calathea anulque

Calathea anulque is considered a challenging houseplant, best suited for those with some plant care experience. This species is notably sensitive to its environment—it requires high humidity (50-70%), consistent moisture without overwatering, protection from direct sunlight, and water free from chlorine and fluoride. Even small deviations from optimal conditions can result in brown leaf tips, crispy edges, or drooping foliage. However, with attention to its specific needs, Calathea anulque rewards growers with stunning ornamental foliage.

Calathea anulque thrives in warm temperatures between 65F to 80F (18C to 27C). As a tropical plant native to the montane forests of Colombia and Ecuador, it cannot tolerate cold conditions. Temperatures below 60F will stress the plant, and exposure below 50F can cause serious damage or death. Keep your Calathea away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and windows during winter months. Equally important is avoiding heat sources like radiators or direct hot air from heating vents.

Calathea anulque is propagated through division of its rhizomes—underground stems that produce roots and shoots. The best time to propagate is early spring when the plant enters its active growth phase. Water the plant beforehand, then remove it from the pot and gently separate natural divisions where stem clusters join together. Each division should have roots and at least one leaf. Plant divisions in fresh, well-draining soil and maintain high humidity while they establish. Note that Calatheas cannot be propagated from leaf or stem cuttings—only division or seeds work for this genus.

Calathea anulque is a moderately-sized houseplant that typically reaches 24 to 34 inches (60-85 cm) in height at maturity. It has a bushy, clumping growth habit with multiple stems emerging from the base. The growth rate is slow, with the plant producing approximately 5-6 new leaves per year under optimal conditions. Each new leaf unfurls gradually, revealing the distinctive dark green coloring with white striping. Patience is required with this species, as it takes time to develop into a full, lush specimen.

Calathea anulque enters a semi-dormant phase during winter when growth slows significantly. During this period, reduce watering frequency to every 2-3 weeks (checking soil moisture first) and stop fertilizing entirely from late fall through early spring. Winter humidity often drops indoors due to heating, so extra attention to humidity levels is essential. In spring, as temperatures warm and daylight increases, the plant will resume active growth. This is the ideal time to repot if needed, resume fertilizing, and expect new leaf production. Maintain higher humidity (70-80%) during the growing season from March to September.

Calathea anulque can produce flowers, though it is primarily cultivated for its ornamental foliage. The flowers appear as bud-like structures that open to reveal a bright orange color at full bloom. Flowering is relatively uncommon in indoor conditions and requires the plant to be mature and thriving in optimal conditions. Most growers do not expect or rely on flowers from their Calathea anulque, instead appreciating the stunning leaf patterns and colors.

Calathea anulque requires minimal pruning—primarily the removal of dead, damaged, or diseased leaves. Brown or crispy leaves will not recover and should be removed to redirect the plant's energy toward new growth. Use sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts at the base of the stem. Avoid removing more than 25% of the foliage at once, as this can shock the plant. Promptly prune any leaves showing signs of disease to prevent spread. The best time for pruning is during the active growing season in spring and summer.

Calathea anulque should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil nutrients and provide room for growth. The best time to repot is during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Signs that your plant needs repotting include roots growing out of drainage holes, roots circling the pot's interior, water draining too quickly, or significantly slowed growth. Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger than the current one—too large a pot increases the risk of root rot. After repotting, maintain higher humidity, avoid fertilizing for about a month, and expect the plant to focus on root establishment before producing new leaves.

Regular leaf cleaning keeps Calathea anulque looking its best and helps with photosynthesis. Dust leaves weekly with a soft, dry cloth, and perform a more thorough cleaning bi-weekly using a damp cloth with lukewarm distilled or rainwater. Support each leaf with one hand while gently wiping from base to tip with the other. Avoid tap water for cleaning as chemicals can cause leaf damage. Never use commercial leaf shine products on Calatheas—they can clog the leaf pores. Alternatively, you can give the plant a gentle tepid shower occasionally, but ensure you dry any water that collects in the leaf joints to prevent rot.

Yellow leaves on Calathea anulque most commonly indicate overwatering, which can lead to root rot and prevent nutrient uptake. Check that your pot has adequate drainage and allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. Underwatering can also cause yellowing, typically accompanied by papery texture and leaf curling. Low humidity is another common culprit—if humidity drops below 40%, leaves will dry out and yellow. Less common causes include nutrient deficiency from depleted soil or exposure to cold drafts. Examine your watering schedule, humidity levels, and plant placement to identify the specific cause.

Brown, crispy leaf tips and edges are the most common complaint among Calathea owners. The primary cause is water quality—tap water contains chlorine, fluoride, and mineral salts that accumulate in the soil and damage roots. Switch to distilled, filtered, or rainwater to prevent further damage. Low humidity (below 50%) causes moisture loss from leaf edges, resulting in browning. Direct sunlight will scorch the delicate leaves, and over-fertilizing creates salt buildup with similar effects. Unfortunately, brown tissue will not recover—trim affected areas with clean scissors to improve appearance. Address the underlying cause to prevent new damage.

Drooping leaves on Calathea anulque typically indicate dehydration—check if the soil is dry and water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain. The plant should recover within a few hours if underwatering was the cause. If you recently repotted, transplant shock may cause temporary wilting that resolves in 3-4 weeks with proper care. Temperature stress from cold drafts or temperatures below 60F can also cause drooping, as can low humidity. Overwatering leading to root rot presents similarly but the soil will feel soggy. Check moisture levels by inserting your finger 2-3 inches into the soil to help diagnose whether under- or overwatering is the issue.

Spider mites are the most damaging pest for Calatheas, thriving in dry air conditions. Look for fine webbing on leaf undersides and stippled, yellowing leaves. Increase humidity and wipe leaves with water daily to control infestations. Fungus gnats appear as small black flies near the soil; their larvae feed on roots. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings and use sticky traps to manage them. Root rot from overwatering is the most common disease—ensure proper drainage and never let the plant sit in water. Fungal and bacterial leaf spots can appear as brown or black lesions; improve air circulation and remove affected leaves promptly to prevent spread.

Calathea anulque’s native range is Tropical Americas.

Calathea anulque should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Calathea anulque loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

To ensure optimal growth, the Calathea anulque prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

The Calathea anulque does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

The Calathea anulque should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.