Common Name: ‘Misto’
Botanical Name: Goeppertia ‘Misto’
This houseplant was given the gift of good looks, plant brains, and compassion. Highly forgiving and highly stylish, Calathea Misto is one of the easiest prayer-plants to care for while looking so fine! Like all prayer plants, its leaves will open and close as day turns into night. This plant is low-light tolerant but will thrive in bright, indirect light.
Light
Calathea ‘Misto’ thrives most when it receives medium to bright indirect light. Calathea can generally handle low light, but increased light can help maintain the vivid colors and patterns on the foliage. Keep your plant out of direct sunlight, as it can be damaging and could cause the colors to fade.
Water
The Calathea ‘Misto’ has high water requirements. Thoroughly water this indoor plant when the top inch of the soil is dry. Calathea ‘Misto’ houseplants do best in well-draining soil and in containers with drainage. While this type of plant is a thirsty houseplant, they still like to dry out between watering.The type of water used can make a difference when watering this plant. Tap water may contain different minerals or compounds that can damage the leaves. Brown edges along the leaves can indicate that the water is high in salt or contains chlorine, chloramine, bromide, or fluoride. It may be best to water the plant using filtered or distilled water or water collected from a dehumidifier if you suspect tap water is unsuitable for your Beauty Star.
Soil
Potting soil rich in nutrients and organic matter but still can drain well is the perfect growing medium for your Calathea ‘Misto’. Most coco coir or peat-based potting soil mixes will be adequate but make sure that it does not contain water-retentive crystals as it can cause the soil to stay moist, causing root rot continually. If you are feeling adventurous, try creating your potting soil!
Temperature
As tropical plants, Calathea ‘Misto’ plants like warmer temperatures. An average room temperature above 65°F is acceptable, but this indoor plant won't mind if it gets warmer and the temperature creeps closer to 85°F.
Avoid placing this plant near exterior doors, drafty windows, and vents, particularly during the colder months. Make sure to avoid placement near air conditioning vents during the warmer months.
Humidity
High humidity is a must-have for plants like Calathea ‘Misto’. The leaves may begin to curl, or the edges will turn brown and dry out if they do not receive enough humidity. Calathea ‘Misto’ indoor plants do well in a kitchen, bathroom, or any area with extra moisture in the air. Using a humidifier or a pebble tray with water can help give calathea the extra dampness they crave. The ideal humidity range for this plant is around 60% or higher!
Fertilizer
Fertilizing your Calathea ‘Misto’ can help promote new growth and even blooms depending on the variety. A complete liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength is a good option. When repotting, you can also amend the soil with seaweed or fish emulsion, or worm castings. Your Calathea ‘Misto’ will benefit from being fertilized during the growing season once a month. This indoor plant does not need to be fertilized during the colder months when the plant is dormant.
Growth Rate
Calathea ‘Misto’ usually will grow at a moderate pace. The mature height that this plant can reach around 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm). Please note that the growth rate of this plant will depend on factors like lighting, temperature, humidity, and how often you are fertilizing you Calathea ‘Misto’ plant.
Pet Friend or Foe
A Calathea ‘Misto’ plant is toxic to pets! Foe!
Pro Tips
- Calathea ‘Misto’ plants should be kept out of the direct sunlight, as it can burn its leaves.
- Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, however, not waterlogged. Avoid allowing the plant to sit in standing water. Your plant sitting in standing water can lead to root rot.
- You should be pruning your plant to maintain its appearance and overall health!
- We recommend you rotate your plant every few weeks. This will help ensure that all the sides are receiving the right amount of sunlight.