Good quality calatheas can be produced but careful attention must be given to the production environment. Lower light levels can cause pale leaves with indistinct markings, while higher light levels result in tip necrosis and sometimes bleached areas on the leaf. Three pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet a month should maintain good growth and color. With cool temperatures the rate should be reduced, but frequent irrigations might necessitate an increase of fertilizer. Inadequate rates result in loss of color and may cause spotting.
High potassium can cause leaf spotting and reduce color intensity.
Calatheas are damaged by fluoride and the pH should be maintained near 6.5. Seven pounds of dolomite per cubic yard can be added to maintain the proper pH in most potting media. Large plants are more susceptible to high summer temperatures. When plants are small, they are tolerant of 100 F maximum, but when large, temperatures above 90 F will reduce quality. Calatheas are produced by divisions or tip cuttings, with nodes to form the roots.