---
title: "How to Water Calathea, Maranta & Ctenanthe Properly"
description: "Learn the best ways to water your Calathea, Maranta, or Ctenanthe. Discover how to keep their soil perfectly moist, avoiding both dryness and overwatering for healthy growth."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/watering/calathea"
published: "2025-11-20T08:44:35.364Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T10:14:15.776Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/tr2EvA76QzCJ1QlyhNpkcg.webp?size=large"
---

# How to Water Calathea, Maranta \& Ctenanthe Properly

## How to water

These plants love water and do not like to dry out completely. Feel the top soil: it can be slightly dry to a bit moist, but not wet, when watering it again. Squeeze a bit of soil between your fingers - if water seeps out it’s still wet. There are several ways to water your plant. Choose a way that suits you the best.

**If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.**

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/tr2EvA76QzCJ1QlyhNpkcg.webp?size=large)

## Water over the soil

1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

> Even if Calathea, Maranta \& Ctenanthe love water, they don’t like to have their roots standing in water, so make sure your plant is planted in a pot with holes.  
> — Planta tip

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/kbQpAKekTpqFJ0R-57BIJw.webp?size=large)

## Bottom watering

1. Fill the plant tray with water
2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
3. Wait for about 10 minutes
4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

### Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

## Water bath

1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
5. Put your plant back in the cachepot or on the tray
6. After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

> Calathea, Maranta \& Ctenanthe love the perfect balance between wet and dry soil. They don’t like to dry out completely and they don’t want to be overwatered.  
> — Planta tip

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I know when to water my Calathea?

You should water your Calathea, Maranta, or Ctenanthe when the top soil is slightly dry to a bit moist, but not wet. Squeeze the soil; if water seeps out, it is still too wet to water.

### What should I do if my Calathea's soil is still wet?

If the soil of your Calathea, Maranta, or Ctenanthe is still wet, you should not water it. Allow it to dry out a bit more before providing water.

### Is drainage important for Calathea?

Yes, it is very important for Calathea, Maranta, and Ctenanthe to be planted in pots with drainage holes. These plants do not like their roots to stand in water, which can lead to rot.

### Should I only bottom water my Calathea?

No, you should not only bottom water your Calathea, Maranta, or Ctenanthe. Bottom watering does not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so you should also water from the top occasionally.

### After a water bath, what should I check for?

After giving your Calathea, Maranta, or Ctenanthe a water bath, check after one hour to ensure it is not standing in water. Standing water can lead to overwatering and rot.

## How to Water Calathea, Maranta \& Ctenanthe from the Top

1. Pour water over the soil, using a watering can or by placing the plant directly under a tap.
2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes.
3. If you have a tray under the pot, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards, as the plant should never sit in water.
4. If you watered under a tap, ensure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting the plant back in its spot.

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_Source: Planta (https://getplanta.com), the plant care app for iOS and Android. Download the app: https://getplanta.com/download_