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Network Calathea

Plant care guide

How to care for Network Calathea

Calathea musaica (now Goeppertia kegeljanii 'Network')

Care level: ModerateNon-toxic to cats & dogs

The network calathea has bright green leaves covered in a fine, mosaic-like grid of lighter lines that looks almost woven. It is one of the more easygoing calatheas, making it a lovely choice if you want the patterned look with a little less fuss.

Also known as: Network Calathea, Calathea musaica, Calathea Network, Goeppertia kegeljanii, Mosaic Calathea

Just arrived? Your first week at home

  1. Unbox it promptly and gently fluff out the leaves.
  2. Place it in medium to bright indirect light, away from direct sun, heating vents and drafty spots.
  3. Check the soil: water with room-temperature filtered water if the top inch is dry; otherwise wait.
  4. A crisp edge or a curled leaf is normal after the trip; give it a week or two to settle.
  5. Don't repot for at least 2 weeks.
  6. Place it near other plants or a humidifier to boost humidity.

Every plant is covered by our 30-day plant health guarantee. If your plant arrived damaged or isn't doing well, email a few photos to support@rootandreachbotanicals.com and we'll help you troubleshoot or make it right.

Light

Give it medium to bright indirect light, such as a few feet from an east window or a bright north window. Direct sun fades the delicate pattern and scorches leaves. In dim corners growth slows and the mosaic becomes less crisp.

Water

Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet, watering when the top inch is dry, usually about once a week. Filtered or distilled water helps prevent brown tips. Curling leaves mean thirst; yellowing and soft stems mean too much water.

Humidity

It prefers 50 percent humidity or higher. A humidifier, pebble tray or a cluster of plants all help, especially when the heat is on in winter.

Temperature

Keep it between 65 and 80 degrees F, away from cold drafts and heating or cooling vents. Avoid temperatures below about 60 degrees F.

Soil & repotting

Use a light, moisture-retaining but well-draining mix, such as indoor potting soil with coco coir and perlite. Repot in spring every 1 to 2 years into a pot one size larger with drainage.

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Hold off in fall and winter.

Troubleshooting common problems

  • Brown leaf edgesdry air or tap-water minerals. Use filtered water and raise humidity.
  • Curled leavesthirst or cold drafts. Water when the top inch is dry and keep it in a stable spot.
  • Yellow leavesoverwatering. Let the top inch dry between waterings.
  • Faded patterntoo much direct sun. Move it to filtered light.
  • Spider mitesspeckled leaves and webbing. Rinse and treat with insecticidal soap.

Tips to help it thrive

  • It tends to grow into a neat, compact clump, so it's a great pick for tabletops and desks with bright filtered light.
  • Divide crowded plants in spring to share or make a fuller pot.
  • Wipe the leaves gently to keep the fine pattern looking sharp.

Pet safety

Network Calathea is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. As with any houseplant, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing the leaves, which can cause a mild upset stomach.

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