Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Discover how to grow a bushier Calathea that not only survives, but thrives—with our expert tips to help you get started.
Calatheas are wonderful houseplants, but at the same time they are a bit demanding. While most people focus on keeping them alive, which, let’s be honest, is a challenge in itself, we’re here to raise it. In this post, you’ll learn how to grow a bushier Calathea that not only lives but blooms beautifully.
How to grow a bushier Calathea that looks great
1. Choose the right variety
Not all Calatheas are naturally bushy, so getting a bushier variety will make your job easier and give you a good start. If you’ve struggled with a Calathea that seems thin no matter what you do, the problem might not be you — it might be your plant’s genetics.
Some Calatheas grow more upright with leaves spaced apart, while others naturally spread into a dense clump.
If what you want is bushy, go for fullercultivation of varieties such as Calathea orbifolia, which has broad, round leaves that give it a naturally full and lush appearance. You can also go for Calathea makoyana, which is a popular peacock plant. This variety spreads beautifully and forms a compact but fuller shape.
The long, wavy leaves of Calathea rufibarba are also not a bad choice. you can also go for Calathea zebrina or Calathea Insignis. These grow densely and give you a fuller plant.
2. Pinching for fuller growth
Yes, you can prune Calathea! Most people think of these plants as strictly deciduous plants, but light pruning can do wonders for encouraging new growth.
Unlike your vines, Calatheas do not branch from nodes, but removing old or weak leaves helps the plant redirect its energy into producing new, healthy ones. This can easily result in a bushier look to your plant.
Use sharp, sterile scissors and cut it older, yellowed or damaged leaves at the base. This will cause your plant to replace them with newer, healthier ones.
For Calatheas that look too tall and thin, cut the longest stems down by a few inches. This will encourage the plant to push new leaves from the base rather than simply elongating the existing stems. The best time to prune your plant is in the spring and summer when it is in active growth mode.
3. Rotation for even growth
Calatheas, like most houseplants, lean toward their light source. Keeping it facing the same direction can result in a lopsided plant—full on one side and sparse on the other. It’s not the lush, symmetrical beauty you’re after, as it gives your plant a shabby look.
There is a simple solution to this issue. All you need to do is rotate your Calathea a quarter of a turn each time you water it. This will ensure an even distribution of light and promote an even, denser shape instead of being bare on one side.
If you notice that your Calathea is stretching towards the light, it may need a brighter spot. However, make sure the light remains indirect, as Calatheas dislike direct sunlight for longer periods.
4. Provide proper humidity
Everyone knows that Calatheas love moisture, but did you know that uneven moisture can cause inconsistent growth in your plant? If only part of the plant gets the moisture boost, it will grow lopsided or sparse, meaning no full and bushy growth for your plant.
So instead of just misting, which only provides short-lived moisture, consider other methods.
A selection is to use a moisture tray to add moisture around your plant. Place a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water under your Calathea. As the water evaporates, it will provide constant moisture to your plant. While doing this, make sure the bottom of the pot is not directly touching the water.
You can also keep your Calathea with other houseplants to create a naturally humid microenvironment that naturally increases humidity.
The simplest and most effective trick is to use a humidifier. Keeping the humidity high will prevent crispy leaf tips and keep your Calathea plump and healthy.
5. The Divide method
If your Calathea seems stunted because it’s too root-bound, dividing it can stimulate fresh, bushier growth. Overcrowded roots struggle to efficiently absorb water and nutrients, which often results in slower leaf production and a thinner appearance.
Splitting the plant can reduce root congestion and allow each new section to establish more vigorously.
Gently remove the plant from its pot and look for natural split points (areas where clumps of stems naturally separate). To ensure good recovery, divide it so that each section has at least 3-5 leaves and a strong root system.
You can use your hands or a sterile knife to carefully separate the sections avoiding unnecessary damage to the delicate roots.
The Gulf: Repot each divided clump into the same old pot in fresh soil if there is room for a bushier look, or get a separate container and have more of these plants.
6. Fertilize without overdoing it
Calatheas are not heavy feeders, but a timely nutrient boost can make all the difference in achieving more growth. The trick is to feed them enough to stimulate the lush foliage without suffocating their delicate roots.
Instead of relying on a general all-purpose fertilizer, choose a nitrogen-rich mix, which fuels leaf expansion and helps your Calathea produce healthier foliage.
You can use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 or 20-10-10 mix) once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Always thin them at half to one-quarter strength to prevent pooling in the soil, which can stress the roots.
You can use organic options like worm castings, compost tea or fish emulsion for a more natural approach. They are ideal for slow, steady release of nutrients, which is best for plant health and soil quality.
