Calathea care in Melbourne

Which window suits a calathea

In Melbourne the sun sits to the north, so north windows are the brightest and south the softest. Where it does well, by window and distance from the glass:

• N

  North-facing window

  2.5 h of sun in summer · 9 h in winter
  On the sillToo sunny

  1-2 m backGood

  Far sideGood
• E

  East-facing window

  5.5 h of sun in summer · 3.5 h in winter
  On the sillToo sunny

  1-2 m backGood

  Far sideGood
• S

  South-facing window

  1.5 h of sun in summer · 0 h in winter
  On the sillGood

  1-2 m backGood

  Far sideToo dark
• W

  West-facing window

  5.5 h of sun in summer · 3.5 h in winter
  On the sillToo sunny

  1-2 m backGood

  Far sideGood

A Melbourne year with a calathea

If something looks wrong

• Yellow lower leaves and wet soil

  Too much water. Let the top of the soil dry before the next drink; in winter that is about every 8 days.

• Pale or scorched patches

  Direct sun through glass. Move it 1-2 m back from the window, or behind a sheer curtain.

• Brown, crispy leaf edges

  Dry air, often from a heater. Keep it away from vents, and group it with other plants.

• Fine webbing or white fluff under the leaves

  Spider mite or mealybug, most often as the weather warms. Wipe it off and check again in a week.

Plants that like the same light

• Monstera
• Prayer plant
• Chinese money plant
• Peperomia
• Alocasia
• Begonia