How to propagate Calathea

With its large graphic leaves and sometimes spectacular colours, Calathea is one of the most elegant houseplants. It favours warmth, humidity and filtered light. Chosen for its decorative foliage, which opens by day and folds at night, it provides a little natural show every day. The simplest and most reliable way to propagate Calathea is by division of rootstock. This method, which consists of gently separating the stump into several sections, produces plants identical to the mother plant and ready to thrive. Done at repotting, it both multiplies a Calathea and refreshes a specimen that has become too dense.

Follow our tutorial and discover how to make a “cutting” from Calathea easily!

Calathea propagation by cuttings, roots and rootstocks

When to propagate a Calathea?

Ideal time is in spring, at repotting, when the plant enters an active growth phase. Milder climate and lengthening days encourage rooting of the new divisions.

How to make a cutting from Calathea?

Necessary equipment

A knife or pruning shear, well sharpened and disinfected
A new pot for each division
Well-draining substrate (potting compost for houseplants + coconut fibre + perlite)
Horticultural charcoal (facultative)
Watering can with narrow spout
Indoor mini-greenhouse or perforated clear plastic bag

equipment for propagation of houseplants — *Make your well-draining substrate mix before starting*

It is incorrect to speak of cuttings for Calathea. Propagation of Calathea is not done by propagation by cuttings, as with other green plants, but by division of rootstocks, a simple and reliable method to perform when repotting.

Water the day before to loosen the rootball.
Gently remove from pot and clear substrate around the rootstocks.
Identify natural sections, each with healthy roots and at least 2–3 leaves.

With the knife or pruning shear, cleanly separate sections at the rootstock.

Dust cuts with horticultural charcoal (facultative) to reduce risk of rot.
Prepare pots with a light, well-draining substrate: potting compost for houseplants enriched with coconut fibres and perlite.
Plant each division in pots with the light, well-draining substrate at same level as former rootball, firm without compacting.
Water moderately, allow to drain; substrate must remain moist but never waterlogged.
Place in warm spot (20–24 °C), in filtered light, no direct sun; high humidity recommended.
Create a “mini-greenhouse” (perforated clear bag if no mini-greenhouse) for first two weeks if air is dry.
Gradually resume regular watering.
Remove mini-greenhouse and increase light once new leaves have appeared.

Mistake to avoid: cutting rootstocks without roots: they will not take.