I Stopped Killing Calathea Once I Knew This

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

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[@bittersweetdragon8463]

I had to go back several times to realize that you hadn't actually said "drowns your poor little ass" 2:23 😁 I've learned so much from your channel. Thanks for teaching me about bottom-watering to get rid of fungus gnats! Your new home is beautiful 🌱

[@ptrain2190]

I very seldom get crispy leaves and my calathea and Marantas have been thriving for over a year. I attribute this success to distilled water, self watering planters, a bathroom with a sky light and prayer.

[@katelarouche2835]

Because of your channel I now use a tap water conditioner made for aquariums to water all the plants indoor and out. With watering from the bottom and faithfully using the water conditioner there has been a remarkable difference in the health of my plants in just 2 months. Thank you so much.

[@Ruth_1_16]

The aggressive plant drops are what I look forward to in your videos 💥 It’s not a Sheffield video until I see the trash bin 🗑️ Oh, the tips are great too!

[@SecondMileDIY]

Haha! So true!

[@beverleyknight9148]

Mr Sheffield, your videos always make me laugh, love the tips, keep them coming. 😂

[@donaldbiehn5921]

Not sure if you were planning on posting this already but I had just asked stuff about a Calathea a couple days ago and here you post a new video on it, it’s like you posted it just for me😁 I know you probably didn’t but still it was awesome waking up to see this video!

[@patmcphillips2530]

You give proper plant watering advise! It's rare, I'll tell ya. Most people water a piddle a week and then wonder why things are going wrong. I work in interior landscape, and 80% of our plants are on an every 2 week watering schedule. A wet/dry cycle is important. Air is as important to root health as water.

[@Jay_kay_bee]

I got my mom hooked on the water conditioners as well! Thank you!!!❤

[@FGM013]

I started using the water conditioner after watching your initial video and it’s made a huge difference in the health of my plant. I work part time in a big box garden center and I share this tip any time someone buys a house plant. I was talking about calatheas with one of our plant vendors and shared this tip with her.

[@amina7973-j5n]

Which brand are you using?

[@ArtistTree]

Oh! You put that just where I was thinking it should go! 😮 Woot! I LOVE your new place SO much! ❤ Congratulations!

[@NyssaMysteria]

I've killed my fair share of calatheas before I came across your tip about the water conditioner. I already use it for my aquariums, so it was dead easy to implement into my normal watering routine. Now the new calatheas I have are absolutely thriving, as well as the rest of my plants. There's nothing to lose and everything to gain!

[@laurieramkeesoon]

Thank you for the tip about neutralizing my water. It has been working so far. I’ve seen a B I G difference in my plants’ foliage. Right on Mr. S. ❤ 🇨🇦

[@kelly73]

Calathea have been what I called my "nemesis" plant for years. I had a pretty little prayer plant my friend gave me about 15 yrs ago and I never had any trouble. Fast Fwd a decade later and wanted to have another one in my collection. Then came the brown leaves and the constant battle in my mind of whether I was over or under watering. What was the difference with the plant I'd had before? I thought about it and I realized the home I leaved in at the time was on well water! No chlorine. AhA! I will be ordering the API stress coat immediately. Thank you for another great tip!

[@sandraandrew7930]

I saw a video of yours about using water conditioner and it absolutely transformed my plants in blooming beauties! Thanks to you again! I learn something every time I watch your videos!! ❤❤❤

[@evelynr.4151]

Wow everything looks beautiful in your new home.

[@marysmith86]

Hi I have put all my plants onto the tap water conditioner you mentioned and wow....over the past few months there is an amazing difference, wouldn't go without it now.

[@oneimaginarygirl5]

Mr Sheffield is right! Water conditioner really works wonders!

[@MS-iv8zu]

Its like you read my mind, as currently driving me to dispair.

[@jakemartin2021]

I started my plant journey about a year ago, and been struggling to keep my pinstripe calathea alive. That was until I came across one of your old videos educating on the benefits of using the API water conditioner - it's been a life saver! She's not 100% back yet, but she's still alive, and that's a good start! I'm going on ... 30 plants so far, and all of them are watered with the conditioner to ensure a consistent healthy drink. :) Thank youuu!

[@TajmToCook]

09:00 I do not provide special treatments for any of my plants either; except grow lights where needed. All my plants are living in my home under one condition only... live or die 😊

[@angelaaye6746]

I have A Calathea Rufibarba and the secret is using only rain water. I repot regularly and it is huge. I almost lost it, like I lost my other Calathea, but when I discovered rain water, that as the solution. I use distilled water when I don’t have enough ran water. It also blooms regularly for me. I have to cut the roots back to prevent the plant from getting too big.

[@ladymoon425]

Ohhh 😢. I’m suffering from serious plant envy ❗️

[@SecondMileDIY]

I absolutely love seeing your new house! That conservatory (I don’t even know what that is, other than a room in the game of clue, lol) is a dream! And the picturesque view out to your garden is just gorgeous! I recently purchased my first calathea because it was just too pretty to resist. But I have always steered clear of them because I remember you saying in the past, they are harder to grow. Anyway, mine started struggling just a week after I brought it home so I’ve been trouble shooting, trying to save it before it’s too late. As always, this video was very timely for me!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you 😊

[@simplifygardening]

Been using Stress coat for years on all my aroids and also use it for the veg garden when sowing seed. Although I collect 21,000 litres of rain water so have plenty for the garden, I don't use it on seeds and seedlings as it can cause damping off disease. So I use stress coat for the seeds and seedlings, once plants well established I use rainwater. But all my houseplants have tap water treated

[@Leef3477]

Wow perfect timing! I just recently bought one kind of by accident. It was a little plant and had a couple crisp edges and it was 60% off (only 2$). It was labeled wrong and when I looked it up when I got home, found out it is a Calathea Makoyana. So hopefully this video can help me keep the fussy little bugger alive.

[@itsmeeandrea]

Perfect timing! I just bought another calathea after having a terrible experience with one years ago. I’m hoping this new one I have will thrive!

[@veryberry39]

Alright, after this video, I'm going to give in to temptation and get one of those gorgeous calathea I saw at the store. I've been using the water conditioner ever since I saw your video about it, and it's worked wonders! No more brown tips on my dracaena! ❤

[@damonroberts7372]

As you say, learning about the _natural conditions_ in which the wild relatives of your houseplants thrive, is absolutely key. Your video reminded me of another "indoor plant" people come to grief on, African violets. About a year ago, I saw a Patrick Blanc video where he visited a forest (in Tanzania, I think) where _wild_ African violets grow, and then it clicked for me why so many people fail with them. African violets come to us from the garden centre potted in a soil-like medium. In the wild, they're basically lithophytes, growing almost vertically in the cracks of limestone cliffs. The limestone holds just a little moisture, but the drainage is perfect.

[@MaryArts]

The humidity tips are so valid. I noticed my tropical plants hating hit whenever I turned on the humidifier. Cause I can't afford to have it on all the time, I can only turn it on every other day... But then it dawned on me, that it is better not to use it at all. My house, at least in for 3 seasons is luckily also between 50%-60%.

[@Coatilex]

Before you rush out and buy water treatments, check if the water in your country is treated with chlorine. In my country they almost exclusively use ozone and UV, chlorine is only used on rare occasions

[@LittleGardenGrow]

What country are you in?

[@kennapenguins]

Yeah, lucky you!

[@jackrice2770]

That's fine, but sometimes there are also trace amounts of heavy metals in the tap water, not enough to trouble a big ol' human body, but can, over time, affect sensitive plants. Aquarium water conditioner also neutralizes these...'cause, well, fish are touchy creatures. If it makes water safe for fish to live in, it's pretty likely helping your plants. The stuff isn't expensive...literally a drop per liter of water, I bought a bottle of API months ago and it's nowhere near half down yet. And it's why using aquarium water for your plants when doing those necessary water changes is great for you plants as well. This can apply to well water...in fact, a lot of well water tests relatively high in bad stuff, usually heavy metals. Rain water is best, of course, but for us apartment dwellers, that's just not happening. And besides, rain water isn't necessarily all that wonderful...ever hear of acid rain? I think the aquarium conditioner hack is about the best one I've ever tried, it's a hack that actually makes an observable difference.

[@meikahidenori]

Also check what metals are in your water. I had problems with fish dying and turned out something in the decholrinator was not interacting well with something else in my water making everything toxic (i had to do a separate test after loosing alot of very sensitive micro fish) and then putting that on plants would kill thrm as well. I stopped using it altogether and bought a filter jug and use filtered water instead. Both fish & plants that get the waste water are very happy! (I keep stuff like dwarf & chilli rasboras & pigmy cories so if something isn't right in the water they drop like flies. )

[@meikahidenori]

​@@jackrice2770depends on water conditioners & the fish I stopped using the dechlorinater in my tanks & exclusively use filterd water as the dechlorinater was killing my fish.

[@QueenGail]

Your plants look good BUT Your new Home 🥰 Beautiful! I Love it Blessings 💜💚

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks!

[@magpiesmith971]

I have 3 of these and I’ve managed to keep them happy, but it’s taken a lot of weekly attention! So now I’m going to try the water conditioner and hope that’s the last step to beautiful and happy plants 😊💚🪴 and should I buy heat mats? I have grow lights on them and they’re in a sunroom….😊

[@catrinaspitsen]

Hey, my comment about the water treatment from another video was in this video!! For reals though, less than 15 dollars for a 16 0z bottle on amazon. I only add 1 ml per gallon of water, so i have barely used any, even though I have been using it for almost 5 months and have 200 plus plants and my plants are so much happier.

[@maureeno9382]

Took your advice about water. Thanks to you, my calathea qadrupled in size! From the brink to leaves the size of dinner plates! Joy!

[@donnabolton1868]

Been adding water conditioner for about a month and I can really see the difference it's making. Using the brand you recommended. 😊

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

That's great!

[@Ellie-wh6mi]

You have beautiful plants.

[@raygiannamore]

I have aquariums so I had water conditioner when I saw the original video. It definitely works.

[@syan3283]

Ah, now I know where my hair lost problem comes from😂😂 Thank you for the video, always so helpful ❤

[@mfwanfy]

Yes. I am now using the water conditioner you suggested and it seems to be working very well. I live in Saskatchewan and the humidity is very low (20% sometimes), so I have a humidifier close by some of the plants

[@desertflower9557]

I love your videos and how from time to time you show yourself dumping one into the trash 😅❤.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😁

[@iddaalbar2129]

I'm gonna try this tip. My mom have killed a couple of plants and i managed to get rid of some brown leaves. Hoping this tip would help me and my plants

[@danw8586]

I use API stress coat as advised by Mister sheffield on the interior plants at grosvenor estates head office in mayfair, and it has improved the plants aesthetic appeal massively. We have now started to add it to our living wall irrigation systems as well.

[@bluestar.8938]

Thank you Mr Sheffers : )

[@meghanl8000]

I do the same with my marantas. I do use distilled water on them and haven't had any problems.

[@eh7602]

Great video, tapwater is absolutely a silent killer for sensitive plants like the Calathea. However as far as I know the biggest reason for the dry brown edges on the leaves of Calatheas can be contributed to relative humidity. Professionally they are watered through an eb and flow system, where they are allowed to suck up water by being submerged for a short amount of time. Update: Just finished the video and you addressed the humidity problem perfectly! I do however disagree on the usage of coir being the superior soil. I understand you may have some affiliation with the company providing this, and from an environmental aspect you'd prefer it, but the reality is that there is nothing better than a mixture with peat due to it's ability to buffer acidity in the soil, caused by the exchange of nutrients from the roots. My father has been professionally growing Calatheas for over 30 years, and is trying to find the proper composition to replace peat, after companies in Britain have decided that they will no longer be allowing peat.It is proving difficult however, and so far nothing will be better than a peat mixture (or something with sphagnum in it, to give some of the buffering qualities). Love the channel and video though, no critique, simply giving some extra info.

[@TropicsandDesert]

I absolutely use water conditioner and I have 10 calatheas living in my house 😅 and one of them is the white fusion 😮 whoever discovered the water conditioner thing needs a big thank you 😊

[@wiegetheliege]

My orbifolia finally has a leaf with no brown edges, thanks to your tips and tricks.

[@sophisticatedwrat]

Growing Calatheas in a hydroponic system in aquariums has worked well for me. It'd be cool to try out for anyone who already has an aquarium. I keep a bucket in my solarium that I put old aquarium water in and I use that to water my plants. I had one that was growing really well in my solarium even though it's not heated (except for the floors) and I live in Canada so that was kinda weird. I needed plants for a gecko vivarium so I moved it in there and it's taking time to adjust. I hope this decision doesn't end up killing it :(

[@saral1324]

Water conditioner has been a huge game changer for a lot of my plants, just make sure you don't use a lot. The second, larger, bottle I got didn't do nice drops, so I overdid the amount, and it nearly killed all my seasonal holiday cacti. But they're bouncing back!

[@rekaszikszai2580]

Hey. Thanks for all these infos - 4:40 I've just got the Stess Coat 😊- I can't wait for results. Is there any plant you wouldn't recommend this water solution?? Thanks

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Nope all plants are fine

[@PlantPerson58]

I use Stress Coat for all my indoor plants and they are really thriving. A couple of drops per gallon is all you need, so one bottle lasts a really long time. Much cheaper than buying distilled or spring water.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Absolutely!

[@Janpre2001]

I gave up on the Calatheas!

[@brittknee420]

The clips of you throwing them in the trash is so real 😂

[@weirdwild-k6z]

Mine seem to like that I use a brita filter before watering.

[@HGGrowery]

4:05 Yes Yes Yes!!! My two cents below. Since the introduction of these chemical compounds in the water, off-gassing does not work. These chloramines are much more stable and do not evaporate the same way as chlorine. Even the use of powerful lights does not work well enough to eliminate all of them. "Every day, one in five Americans receives drinking water treated with chloramine." R.O. water is also great, but for the benefits of clean water, you will need to add back nutrients and elements like calcium and magnesium or boost the soil with organic nutrients. R.O. water tends to pull or strip the soil of these, just as too much coco coir can do, especially if you are watering to runoff and not in a pot. This is why flooding and draining are more effective with R.O. water. "Chloramines are a secondary disinfectant formed when chlorine and ammonia are combined to treat drinking water. Chloramines are more stable than chlorine, which helps maintain disinfection as water moves through pipes. Chloramines are safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other household uses." The only time I don't recommend them is when watering edible plants and flowers. Call me a purist, but I don't think the chemicals would be absorbed into the food; I just wouldn't risk it. I've noticed a significant difference in taste and smell in my veggies and flowers between tap water and R.O. water.

[@newmanmansell760]

Hi there☺️🙌I use the aquarium water conditioner😌🙏💞My calatheas just have to battle our wretched Summers, but definitely, the leaves are much healthier. I went shopping today and was tempted to buy a new calathea😅but I already have 3. Oh, yes, a heat mat would be ideal. Thanks for the tips☺️🙌💖

[@barryhutchinson3977]

Have been into house plants now for just over 2 years. Have used rain water from day 1. All the Calatheas have the tips turning brown. Have learnt to live with it. 😢 Still have my hair 😅

[@wendielliott8454]

This. Exactly!

[@NSua_ve443]

When you called chlorine a serial killer I died 😅

[@ottomattix86]

Oh btw! For everyone. Seachem safe is a powdered form. Its the best out there. You won't need much and it'll last forever. I dose 600g of fish tank water twice a week with it and only buy a small container yearly

[@_dremart]

I use Prime as a water conditioner. Both for my plants and fish! Works wonders.

[@ThePinkSugarLady]

My calatheas have been doing amazingly well since I started using water conditioner but have been thriving even more since I switched them from soil to pon !

[@LeeDon76]

What is pon, please?

[@shoaibbuet]

@@LeeDon76hydroponic that is in water

[@jackrice2770]

I want to thank you for helping me get over my Calatheaphobia (fear of Calatheas is a thing, right?) There's a lot of really beautiful plants in that genus, but I murdered a half-dozen before despair and guilt just stopped me getting them. I concluded they were just one of those plants nurserymen sell because they know you'll have to replace it every year. (Do I have to point out how bloody easy it is to grow tropical plants in a greenhouse...or in the tropics?) But now I"m FREE! My Calatheaphobia is gone (well, still have a bit of anxiety over them, but I and they can live with that). I've got four, and even had the courage to add a Stromanthe tri-star recently, which it appears I haven't killed yet...so far so good. (Which reminds me of a joke in the movie The Magnificent Seven, but I digress...). Yes, folks, aquarium water conditioner really works, it's cheap, it's easy...so what's not to like. No aquarium owner would dream of not using it, so why should plant lovers reject a good idea? I add my quarter-strength fertilizer, a couple drops of conditioner, use barely-lukewarm tap water and the jungle seems to be fairly content. (Cue "Welcome to the jungle" by Guns 'N' Roses...). BTW, I'm starting a campaign to get Richard some sort of Royal recognition...I don't know what all those letters after your names actually means, but he's been of great service to the indoor plant community and I know a lot less deserving chaps have had tea with the Queen...oh, yeah, it's tea with the King now, right? It's up to you Brits on here to get the ball rolling as I have no idea how that all works, being one of those gum-chewing, over-paid, over-sexed Yanks (be grateful I'm not over-there.)

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😂

[@jackrice2770]

@@SheffieldMadePlants If I made you laugh, my mission for the is accomplished!

[@gerdaoomens2878]

I use the water conditioner since 6 months or so. Yes i do see a difference, i ve learned a lot good stuff from your video s..

[@valeriaplatova5447]

I use Ceramis for growing Calatheas

[@vivaldi1948]

A few years ago I moved. Previously I hadn't had any issues with my plants, in fact they flourished. Slowly over the years they have hit the bin, except for my Jade and Spider Plant. But they may be circling the drain. So today I am going to get some water conditioner. It's a last resort but I feel the need to do something.

[@fiercefullset]

Thanks for sharing! I have a pet fish so I own the water conditioner already. I will add it to my next watering

[@martimasters7704]

Yes, this is the way! I use a wood skewer (thinner and longer than a chopstick) to make sure I know the moisture depth. I put the skewer in the pot down to the bottom and I might do it twice for a big pot. Don't put the skewer right down the middle of the pot through the root ball (that's obvious, righ?) Then I water calathea with a good dose and afterwards, I pour a little bit in the saucer and leave for a couple minules. Why? Because some have a big root ball and I found out the hard way that if you only water from the top, it can still be too dry in the pot. After all the watering is done, I sprinkle Ceylon cinnamon on the surface of the soil in the pot and some in the saucer. Why? Because the dreaded fungal gnat hates cinnamon and it hates Ceylon cinnamon most of all. Since I've been doing this for more than a year, no more gnats! In tropical countries, such as Indonesia, mixing cinnamon oil with water is commonly done by plant lovers. Scientific research determined that Ceylon cinnamon works better than other tyupes.f All my calathea have a humidity tray, which is a bigger saucer filled with colorful gravel and water. I put the calathea with its on saucer in the middle of the tray. Why the humidity tray when you should already have the proper humidity in the room for your plants? Because very sensitive calathea, such as white fusion, really crave extra humidity. I find the humidity trays really attractive and I get my stone for free because Finland has tons of granite road gravel. If you don't have this "luxury" where you live, then most landscape shops or even your local road commission will sell a bucket full of colorful road gravel for cheap. Rinse it well when you get home and you will have a very attractive humidity tray without having the expense of purchasing polished stone from a garden or flower shop. Finally, I set out tap water in a 3 liter bucket (I have 2 buckets so I never run out). The water sits for 48 hours before I use it, which is enough time to evaporate chlorine, and if it's in your water, flouride. BEWARE: some water treatment plants use a newer version of chlorine, which doesn't evaporate in water. So ask your local municipality what type of chlorine they're putting in the water. There is one thing you can do if you have the new type of chlorine. Get distilled water and use that. In Europe, if you can't find distilled water, buy auto battery water that is made through osmosis or distilled. It will say on the container and it's sold in 1 liter or 5 liter plastic containers. If you use distilled water, you will have to add a bit of liquid fertilizer once a month in the winter and twice a month in spring and fall. I can't comment on summer because I live in Finland and it's daylight 24 hours a day, which is a period of very rapid growth for my tropical plants. The only reason the 24-hour daylight doesn't klil them is because it's indirect sunlight and the sun moves across the sky, so between 6 am - noon come the most intense rays. The flower gardens outside are incredible also. Evening is a bit dull sunlight and when it's cloudy or raining, of course, the plants get some relief. I suppose for plants that really need their 12 hours of darkness, you could install darkening shades or curtains. I never have, but I do close the blinds in the morning because most of my plants are in rooms with an east window. Those of you who live in normal latitudes have normal day and night, so lucky you !!!

[@alysebastien773]

An enjoyable video as always. I brought one of these divas a couple of years back. Always used rainwater, lots of indirect sunlight and moderate humidity. It had a slow gradual demise over a year where it looked an absolute mess. The best thing I did was chuck it in the bin. It's not worth the stress. Just get something else that's not going to be an absolute d*ck to look after.

[@halir4408]

OG viewer here 👋 and yup, water conditioner has made a noticeable difference in the health of my plants, especially my marantas👌

[@susanderoeper4208]

Love the advice you have given here. Visited the Sybotanica website to checkout the growing medium but unfortunately they don't deliver to UK...sigh!

[@himynameiswerty]

I have been using water conditioner for nearly a year now and swear by it! However, the cold snap in the UK for the past few weeks has meant the humidity in my home has decreased more than I would like for my Calatheas and they are showing it right now, with some crispiness around the edges.

[@ArtistTree]

I struggled with my Zebra for two years, or maybe she struggled with me! Maybe we're still in it, but she has THREE new leaves going! I switched to using the API, water more fully, and give her more light. It's a slow road, but we're driving! Other than that, I lost over $100 in Caletheay first go.😢

[@minnos_junglee]

04:14 this video isnt there 💚And also i started using fish tank conditioner about 2 weeks ago im waiting result 😍

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for the heads up

[@minnos_junglee]

@SheffieldMadePlants you are welcome 💚

[@deantasty7421]

When I went into a plantshop the guy working there sold me a Calathea as "pretty easy" house plant... (apparently they are not) I was so afraid my beloved friend would die, that I looked up plant tips everyday and found my passion for plants because of that. Gonna try the water conditioner soon

[@mashuletta]

Since I had started using filteted water my calathea used to be in a perfect condition... but then I killed it by moving for a couple of hours to a sunny southern window. And one or two soil changes, because I thought it was the problem. I wish I knew these tips!

[@carolinefontaine962]

Me I live in Montréal I buy at walmart Nutrafin Aqua plus tap water conditionner remove chlorine & chloramine neutralizes Heavy metals thank you very much

[@truthtellerfreethinker7311]

The orange flower s are so nice.

[@conniedemario2132]

I have hard water and have a water softener - which is salt. This is the water that runs from my tap. Will water conditioner remove the effects of the ‘softened’ water? I’ve been using distilled water for my calatheas. I use the conditioner for all my other plants … results my plants are happy!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I don’t think it helps with salt

[@conniedemario2132]

What kind of water is best for calatheas, besides rain water? Distilled, spring water, purified water? I use only distilled on my calatheas. They’re alive but very slow growing.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@ distilled can act like a nutrient leech. Spring is good but expensive. Purified is probably best

[@ramonameessen1854]

Good video 👍🏻still wondering what happened to - my favourite- your big calathea elgergrass… you once said ‘long story on that one’ 😉

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I killed it by treating it badly 😢

[@ramonameessen1854]

It happens sometimes. Beautiful collection you have now 👍🏻🪴🪴🪴

[@belindasheehan5278]

😢 that was my first "challenge" Calathea after discovering your channel. I have kept it healthy for almost a year now (and I've purchased another....C.concinna) thanks to your tips about watering.

[@CeliaG9999]

API makes a tap water conditioner for fish tanks too.

[@dirk-piehl28]

An alternative to API Stress Coat is Tetra Aquasafe, it does the same thing.

[@sowemovedhere]

I gave up on calathea but I might try again after watching this. Also I discovered that stromanthe is a calathea. I have had two of those for awhile and they’re doing great-probably because I didn’t know they’re calathea 😅😅

[@LittleGardenGrow]

You saved a lot of my plants

[@dagmarbeeke6163]

I got a blue barrel that used to hold ink, cleaned it thoroughly, and put a bin liner in it. That's a little bigger than the barrel itself, so it flaps over the edge perfectly. I put some mesh I had left from an old mosquito curtain on top, held by a mailman rubber band (that's how we call them across the pond). It keeps leaves and bugs out, and is easy to remove. When in need to water my plants, I dunk my water van into it. Or, I put some in a lower bucket for some to drink up themselves. I did see you gor those yellow butterflies too, the stupid little flies drive me crazy! Anyone got any tips please? Tia!!

[@Fidi987]

As far as I know, plants also hate to have their leaves touched. That can also lead to stumped growth.

[@dollycaldwell4938]

My plants are in LECA....and it is so hard to keep a calathea alive and thriving...

[@Forescity]

Already killed mine but know what to do for the next one

[@donaldbiehn5921]

You should do an introduction on your “roundleaf calathea/ medallion Calathea”

[@lexisavard6092]

My calatheas were LOVING the stress coat you recommended last year... until we moved and they decided they didn't like the new house, and unfortunately the little guys shriveled up when i forgot about their existence for a little bit. Whoops.

[@Sylwiiia]

I am looking forward to see how your calethea will react to under floor heating. Recently moved to flat with one and not sure if it is safe to keep them on the floor? Soil my dry quicker? Isn't air more drier near floor? 🤔

[@ROARRRR777]

Thank u so much fr making a video on calathea. Can u pls guide as to which water conditioner is the best. Is hydro guard gud.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I’ve only used the one shown in this video by api

[@ROARRRR777]

@SheffieldMadePlants iam from oman, next to dubai, so many plant products banned here, have to figure it out a way to get it 🤔 I have already killed my orbifolia twice ☹️tried everything. But m not giving up, got 3 new calathea 😅😅.

[@allisonh6217]

Oohhh, how did you get a naked root pot? I thought they didn't sell them over here (UK). How do you find it?

[@andreapartytown]

My calathea was violently attacked by my kitten… bite marks and clawed full of tiny pinprick holes…. It’s up high now safe and sound 😅 I use rain water on my houseplants

[@rach3lf204]

i use the water conditioner all the time as i keep tropical fish, lighting is bright but indirect and i have grow lights. I also use the soil you suggest. My Calathea doesn't have crispy leaves but drooping ones - any ideas please? they are such pretty plants. i cant remember my variety but is the same as yours in the video with orange flowers

[@AmyWehrenberg]

Would turtle tank water be good for plants?

[@LittleGardenGrow]

What should it read on my moisture meter when i water my calathea?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Around 3

[@bergenhaus]

Cheers. What moisture meter number would you water at?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Around 3

[@rhondaroles1633]

We live in a warm very humid climate. I have been using the water from my dehumidifier to water my plants. What are you thoughts regarding my Calathea??

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I think that’s fine

[@bevtooth]

I have the ornata with the pink striped leaves. The older leaves are great with no browning, the problem I have is that the new unfurling leaves have transparent patches on the edges. Then whenthey are fully open they dry up and look horrible. Why? My water since I moved does smell like chlorine. Is that the issue? If so i will use water from the garden butt

[@AimlessAllee]

I use a liquid fertilizer in every watering. Can I add the Stress Coat without affecting the fertilizer?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Yep

[@AimlessAllee]

@ Thank you! PS love the new house!

[@gauthierboussert7920]

Do you use fertilizer during winter for calatheas? And do you use the normal dose or half? Thanks

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@ I use normal

[@lisaanglim9588]

Unfortunately the soil you use doesn’t ship to the US. I’m not on their list of countries.