The complete Calathea Network care guide

Want to add a Calathea Network to your houseplant collection? Here’s my complete Calathea Network care guide!

If you’ve ever seen a Network Calathea for sale on a plant rack, I know you noticed it. The bright yellow, interestingly patterned leaves really stand out from the crowd!

What is Calathea Network?

Network Calathea is a beautiful plant with large green leaves with distinct yellow variegations. They have very interesting grid-like patterns, making them a stand out plant!

Other names for Calathea Network include:

• Goeppertia kegeljanii
• Calathea Musaica
• Goeppertia kegeljanii “Network”
• Calathea bella
• Maranta bella
• Maranta tessellata
• Network Prayer Plant

Calathea Network origins

The Calathea is native to South America – specifically, Brazil. This Calathea Network was cultivated for its interesting leaf patterns. It was patented in 2009.

These plants are actually related to prayer plants. The leaves don’t open and close like maranta, but they do move up and down to reach towards the light.

Calthea Network vs Calathea Musaica

Network Calathea is more of a compact, bushy plant while Musaica grows taller and longer.

You might see a Network Calathea labeled as a Calathea musaica. However, this is a separate (patented) plant. It was patented in 2009 and Costa Farms has the exclusive legal right to propagate it in North America.

Is Calathea Network rare?

Nope! Calathea Network are distributed by Costa Farms and so they are all over the usual spots – Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart – I’ve even seen them at Target!

Is Calathea Network toxic?

All calatheas are considered non-toxic to humans and pets.

Calathea Network care guide

The Calathea Network plants are in general pretty easy to care for and keep happy.

Calathea Network watering

Water your Calathea Network when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry – about once a week.

Be sure to have a pot with drainage so there is no pooling water, which can lead to root rot.

Read my guide on drilling drainage holes in pots!

How often should I water my Calathea Network?

These plants generally like to be on the moist side. Don’t let them fully dry out! Water at least once a week.

Calatheas also generally need filtered water or rain water. The chlorine in most tap water can give them brown leaf spots.

Should I mist my Calathea Network?

Calathea need high humidity. You can mis them, but that might not be enough. If the edges of the leaves get crispy brown, run a humidifier or add a pebble tray of water underneath or nearby!

Calathea Network lighting needs

Calathea Network prefers bright, indirect light. They will survive in lower light, but will not grow as much.

If your leaves are looking faded or less vibrant, the plant might not be getting enough light!

Can I keep Calathea Network outdoors?

Yes, keep them outdoors in indirect light – not direct sun. Just bring them indoors when temperatures drop below 50 degrees.

Calathea Network soil + potting

These plants do just fine in regular potting soil. Just be sure that it is well draining and the pot has drainage holes.

Does Calathea Network like to be root bound?

These plants grow from a rhizome instead of a typical root system. Therefore, they don’t get root bound easily.

They also tend to go into shock when being repotted, so be very careful repotting them!

Does Calathea Network need a moss pole?

No, these are low mounding plants that don’t typically grow long enough to need a moss pole.

Here’s my guide on how to make a moss pole!

Calathea Network fertilization

You can fertilize your plant once a month in the warm months/growing season. Just use a normal houseplant fertilizer and follow the recommended amounts carefully!

How to propagate Calathea Network

The best way to propagate calathea network is via division. This is because they grow from a rhizome and not small roots on branches.

Remove the plant from soil, separate or cut the underground bulb (rhizome) and pot into two separate pots.

Troubleshooting Calathea Network

Why is my Network Calathea getting brown tips on the leaves?

Brown tips indicate that your calathea needs more humidity! Run a humidifier or add a pebble tray.

Will my Calathea Network flower?

Probably not, while they flower in the wild, it is super unlikely for them to flower as an indoor plant.

Do I need to prune my Calathea Network?

Nope, unless you want to cut off any dead or brown leaves!

Why are my calathea leaves curling?

Curling leaves mean that your plant is under watered. Don’t let it dry out, and give it a good soak!

Why are my calathea leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves indicate that your plant is overwatered. Let it dry out a bit and be sure that your pot has proper drainage.

Why are my calathea leaves drooping?

Drooping leaves indicate that your plant needs to be watered. Give it a good soak and increase your watering frequency.

Any more questions about the Network Calathea?

Thanks for reading!

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