---
title: "I rescued this baby for half off today! I’m so excited as she’s my…"
description: "I rescued this baby for half off today! I’m so excited as she’s my first Calathea. I know that they’re notoriously difficult. Any advice?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/65414df1c596e80eee544d0d"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Anna"
published: "2023-10-31T18:56:49.431Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Xdp2-K8wI9l4L_khRO1CUtNqmZXBd7aMDwByy8JXzPA/571510617e3346a18edd5c101f6d98ad.webp?size=large"
---

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# I rescued this baby for half off today! I’m so excited as she’s my…

_Posted by Anna on 2023-10-31_

I rescued this baby for half off today! I’m so excited as she’s my first Calathea. I know that they’re notoriously difficult. Any advice?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Xdp2-K8wI9l4L_khRO1CUtNqmZXBd7aMDwByy8JXzPA/571510617e3346a18edd5c101f6d98ad.webp?size=large)

## 11 comments

### Cherrybergher commented on 2023-10-31

A grow light helps calathea thrive in my opinion.

#### Plant Father replied on 2023-10-31

agreed! mine are doing so much better several feet from a grow light that’s on 12 hours a day (other plants are closer) versus earlier this year under natural light

### SharonE commented on 2023-11-01

Agree with above. I have started using a continuous water system with my calatheas and they are doing so much better. If they get the tiniest bit dry spider mites attack. I use this with clearly filtered water. Blumat Classic Plant Watering Stakes | for Everyday Home or Vacation Use | Indoor or Outdoor Water Spikes for Plants | Automatic Drip Irrigation (3 Pack)

#### Anna replied on 2023-11-01

Thanks for the tip. I’ve never had spider mites before so this is good to know if they do show up.

#### ToPlantHarmony replied on 2023-11-02

I also regularly rinse the leaves of mine to help keep the pests off. Maybe once a month or so

### Plant 🌱 Babe commented on 2023-11-01

What a beauty 💜💜

### Plantlicious commented on 2023-11-01

Good luck… I‘ve killed one of these so bad😭 calathea are fussy. I’m not trying again lol

#### Anna replied on 2023-11-01

Thanks. That’s why I bought the clearance one, that way if she does die I’m only out 8 bucks lol

#### Plantlicious replied on 2023-11-01

Lol makes sense

#### Shirley🪴you jest replied on 2023-11-06

Smart move. I’ve decided I spent too much on the one I’ve been coddling for months and it still isn’t happy. Seems to go back and forth between powdery mildew and mealybugs. I hope you have better success.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/UXWbN3kFcbJ4RE9QlwEUBV0D54aab3W65xgQ8zaAuiM/3544bf43106a43e8b3ce243f4564993a.webp?size=large)

### ToPlantHarmony commented on 2023-11-02

I love how beautiful they look at this size! I have a rosy but it’s still quite small

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