Calathea rhizantha Plant Care

Calathea rhizantha (Afrocalathea rhizantha) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Afrocalathea genus. Calathea rhizantha is native to Africa. Calathea rhizantha is also known as Maranta rhizantha.

Calathea rhizantha displays a clumping, upright habit growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Calathea rhizantha produces small, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by colorful bracts.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Calathea rhizantha every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Calathea rhizantha thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Calathea rhizantha in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Afrocalathea rhizantha tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Calathea rhizantha prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining potting mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Calathea rhizantha to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Calathea rhizantha every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to low light and rich, well-draining potting mix with added peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Calathea rhizantha is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Calathea rhizantha can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Calathea rhizantha while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Calathea rhizantha is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Calathea rhizantha can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings.

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Calathea rhizantha is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Calathea rhizantha grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Calathea rhizantha is native to Africa. In cooler regions, grow Calathea rhizantha as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.