When it comes to watering velvet Calatheas, it is important to strike a balance between keeping the soil moist and avoiding overwatering. These plants generally prefer weekly waterings, but with a specific watering technique.
To water your velvet Calathea, start by checking the moisture level of the soil. Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil to see if it feels dry. If the top 2 inches of soil are dry, it is time to water your plant. However, if the soil still feels slightly moist, it is best to wait a little longer before watering.
When watering, it is important to provide enough water to thoroughly moisten the soil, but avoid letting the plant sit in standing water. Calatheas prefer their soil to be evenly moist, but not waterlogged. To achieve this, water your plant until you see water draining out of the bottom of the pot. Allow the excess water to drain away completely, and then empty the saucer or tray beneath the pot to prevent the plant from sitting in water.
During the winter months, when the plant is in a period of dormancy and growth slows down, it is important to adjust your watering routine. In winter, the plant requires less frequent watering to prevent overwatering and root rot. You can reduce the frequency of watering to every 10-14 days, or whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry.
It is worth noting that velvet Calatheas are not very drought tolerant. If they are subjected to extended periods of dryness, the leaf edges may start to brown. Therefore, it is important to monitor the moisture level of the soil regularly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
In my personal experience, I have found that using a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes can greatly help in maintaining the right moisture level for velvet Calatheas. It allows excess water to drain away, preventing the plant from sitting in water and potentially causing root rot.
Watering velvet Calatheas should be done on a weekly basis, allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry out partially. During the winter months, adjust the watering frequency to every 10-14 days. Avoid overwatering and root rot by ensuring proper drainage and not letting the plant sit in standing water. Regularly monitor the moisture level of the soil to prevent the leaf edges from browning due to extended periods of dryness.
