How Do I Keep My Network Calathea From Growing Sideways?

Calathea, with its strikingly patterned leaves, is a popular choice for those looking to add a bit of nature's artistry to their living spaces. However, if you've noticed your Network Calathea growing more horizontally than vertically, you might be scratching your head wondering how to fix this sideways sprawl.

In this post, we're going to unravel the mystery of why your Calathea might be growing sideways and, most importantly, how you can encourage it to stand tall and proud. We'll cover everything from lighting and watering to potting and pruning.

Understanding Your Network Calathea's Growth Habits

First, let’s talk about what makes the Network Calathea so special and why it might be behaving differently from other plants in your collection. The Network Calathea, known for its intricate leaf patterns that resemble a digital network, is native to the tropical regions of South America. It thrives in humid environments and has a naturally bushy growth habit.

Unlike some plants that naturally grow upwards with a single stem, Calatheas often spread out to create a lush canopy of foliage. This means that some horizontal growth is normal. However, if your plant looks like it's about to take a nap on its side, it might be telling you it's not completely happy with its current situation.

Understanding these natural growth habits can help you determine whether your plant's sideways growth is a cause for concern or just part of its charm. Let's explore some reasons why your Network Calathea might be spreading out more than reaching up.

Lighting: The Leading Cause of Sideways Growth

One of the main reasons your Calathea might be growing sideways is due to its lighting conditions. Like most plants, Calatheas grow towards the light. If the light source is coming from one side, your plant might lean towards it, causing that undesirable sideways appearance.

Here’s what you can do:

• Rotate Your Plant: Regularly turn your plant to ensure all sides receive equal light exposure. This will help maintain a balanced growth pattern.
• Bright, Indirect Light: Calatheas thrive in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little can cause slow growth and leggy stems. If your plant is leaning, consider moving it to a brighter spot, but keep it out of the harsh afternoon sun.
• Supplemental Lighting: If natural light is limited, especially in the winter months, you might want to use a grow light. Position it so that it evenly illuminates the plant.

By ensuring your Calathea receives consistent light from all directions, you can encourage it to grow more uniformly.

Watering Wisely: Avoiding the Dreaded Lean

Watering is another critical factor that influences how your Calathea grows. Both overwatering and underwatering can lead to stress, which might cause your plant to grow sideways.

Here are some watering tips to keep your Network Calathea thriving:

• Consistency is Key: Calatheas prefer consistently moist soil but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use your finger to check the moisture level.
• Drainage is Essential: Ensure your pot has good drainage to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which can lead to root rot—a common cause of plant stress.
• Humidity Matters: Calatheas love humidity. If your home is dry, especially in winter, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase the humidity level.

By keeping the soil moisture consistent and ensuring proper drainage, you can prevent your Calathea from becoming stressed and leaning to one side.

Potting and Soil: The Foundation of Upright Growth

The pot and soil you choose for your Calathea can significantly affect its growth pattern. A plant that feels unstable in its pot might start to grow sideways in search of balance.

Here’s how to create the perfect home for your plant:

• Right-Sized Pot: Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball. Too large, and the soil will retain excess moisture; too small, and the roots might become cramped.
• Proper Soil Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix. A mix designed for tropical plants, often containing peat moss and perlite, works well for Calatheas.
• Check Stability: Ensure the plant is centered and stable in its pot. If it’s leaning, gently adjust the soil around it to provide support.

With the right pot and soil, your Calathea will have a solid foundation to support upright growth.

Pruning: Helping Your Calathea Stand Tall

Pruning is a great way to manage your Calathea's growth. By removing uneven or excessive growth, you can shape your plant to encourage upright growth.

Here’s how to prune your Calathea effectively:

• Trim Dead Leaves: Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to allow the plant to direct energy to healthy growth.
• Shape the Plant: If certain stems are growing sideways, consider trimming them back. This can encourage new growth in a more desirable direction.
• Regular Maintenance: Make pruning a regular part of your plant care routine to keep your Calathea looking its best.

Pruning not only helps manage growth but also keeps your plant healthy by preventing disease and pest issues.

Temperature and Humidity: Creating the Perfect Climate

Calatheas are tropical plants, which means they thrive in warm, humid environments. If your home is too dry or cold, your plant may start to lean or grow sideways as a sign of stress.

Here’s how to create the perfect climate for your Calathea:

• Maintain Warm Temperatures: Keep your home between 65-85°F. Avoid placing your plant near drafts or cold windows.
• Boost Humidity: Use a humidifier or place your plant on a pebble tray with water to increase the humidity. Grouping plants together can also help raise the humidity level.

By mimicking its natural environment, you can help your Calathea grow upright and strong.

Feeding Your Calathea: Nutrients for Balanced Growth

Just like us, plants need nutrients to grow well. A lack of essential nutrients can cause your Calathea to grow unevenly or sideways.

Here are some fertilization tips:

• Use a Balanced Fertilizer: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your Calathea with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks.
• Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Too much fertilizer can harm your plant. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and err on the side of caution.
• Leach the Soil: Occasionally flush the soil with water to remove any built-up salts from fertilizers.

With the right nutrients, your Calathea will have the energy it needs for healthy, upright growth.

Dealing with Pests: Protecting Your Plant

Pests can be a nuisance and cause your Calathea to grow sideways due to stress. Common pests that affect Calatheas include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.

Here’s how to keep pests at bay:

• Regular Inspection: Check your plant regularly for any signs of pests. Look under the leaves and at the soil surface.
• Natural Remedies: Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat pest infestations.
• Maintain Plant Health: A healthy plant is less likely to suffer from pest problems, so keep up with regular watering, feeding, and humidity.

By keeping pests away, your Calathea will be less stressed and more likely to grow in the direction you want.

Final Thoughts

So, if your Network Calathea is growing sideways, it could be a mix of lighting, watering, soil, and environmental factors. By adjusting these elements, you can help your plant grow upright and healthy.

At Cafe Planta, we’re passionate about helping you care for your plants. If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to email us or send us a message on Instagram. We’re here to support you on your plant journey!