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Calathea Freddie Information
About The Calathea Freddie
The Calathea Freddie has long green leaves with a pattern of dark green brushstrokes. It raises and lowers these leaves from day to night, a phenomenon called nyctinasty and the source behind its nickname prayer plant. This plant is pet-friendly!
- Each plant is unique; size and shape fluctuate by season so all measurements are shown as a range
- Medium plants measure between 11-14 inches tall from bottom of the grow pot to the top of the foliage
- Arrives in a nursery grow pot nestled in your planter choice
Sizing Guide
Small
Approximately 5" in diameter, fits plants in a 4" grow pot or smaller
Medium
Approximately 7" in diameter, fits plants in a 6" grow pot or smaller
Large
Approximately 10-12" in diameter, fits plants in a 10" grow pot or smaller
Massive
Approximately 12-14" in diameter, fits plants in a 12" grow pot or smaller
Watering Requirements
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out half way down between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. This plant can benefit from extra humidity. Calatheas can be sensitive to hard tap water. Try using filtered water or leaving water out overnight before using.
Sunlight Requirements
Thrives in medium to bright indirect light, but can tolerate low indirect light.
Humidity Requirements
Calatheas prefer higher humidity if possible, preferably above 40%. Consider incorporating a humidifier to boost humidity levels more consistently if the air in the home is dry.
Pet-Friendly Plant?
Yes, this plant is safe for homes with pets.
Why are the leaves on my Calathea Freddie curling inward?
Leaf curling or drooping on a Calathea Freddie is typically due to too much sunlight, underwatering, or cold drafts. If the leaves are tightly curled inward lengthwise and the soil is bone-dry, the plant is thirsty and trying to conserve moisture. Also, remember that this is a "prayer plant" so it will be completely normal for the leaves to droop low during the day and fold upward at night.
How often should you water a Calathea Freddie?
Water your Calathea Freddie when the top half of soil has dried out, which typically averages to once a week depending on your home's environment. Allowing the plant to sit in stagnant water triggers root rot, while letting the soil completely dry out will cause the foliage to droop and brown.
Why are my Calathea Freddie leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves on a Calathea Freddie are most frequently caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or not enough sunlight. If the lower leaves are turning yellow and the stems feel soft or mushy at the base, the soil is holding too much water either due to watering too frequently, poor drainage in the soil, or the plant not receiving enough light.
What are the light requirements for a Calathea Freddie?
A Calathea Freddie thrives in medium to bright indirect sunlight, though it is robust enough to tolerate lower light levels better than most other prayer plants. You can place it near an east- or north-facing window, set it back a few feet from a bright west or south window, or use a grow light!
Our planters are made from the highest quality materials, and designed to complement a range of styles.
No Exterior Planter
Ceramic Planters
Grow Pot
Plastic container with drainage holes used by our greenhouse
Hyde
Includes drainage hole & matching saucer
Grant
No drainage hole; use as cache pot or add lava rocks
All of our plants ship in premium packaging for zero damage on arrival. Here’s what you can expect in your box on arrival:
Your Calathea Freddie
Fully rooted in a nursery pot with soil intact
Custom Protection System
Corner guards, soil stabilizer, and branch sleeves keep it secure
Pre-Watered & Ready
Each plant is watered 24 hours before it is shipped
Care Instructions Card
Includes expert-curated care tips to help your plant thrive far beyond the first 30 days.
Perfect For Gifting
No pricing or packing slips included with gifts! Just the plant and a note.
Additional Resources
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 1
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 2
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 3
- Video: Workshop Tutorial 4
- How To Care for a Calathea
- What is a prayer plant?
- How Often & How Much You Should Water Houseplants
- Understanding Lighting in Your Home and How It Affects Your Plants
What is a prayer plant?
Calatheas, better known as ‘prayer plants,’ are all members of the genus Maranta, to which genus Calathea is closely-related. If you’re new to prayer plants and humidity-loving Calatheas, we’ll walk you...
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How Often & How Much You Should Water Houseplants
Water is amazing. Made up of hydrogen and oxygen, it's literally responsible for all life on Earth. Watering your plant is a no brainer, but how much and how often...
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Why Choose The Sill?
Not all Calathea Freddies are created equal
Greenhouse Grown
Not warehouse-held. Hand-picked and cared for by our experts.
Indoor Ready
Pre-conditioned to indoor light conditions.
Hand-Selected
Inspected by experts. Only our best ship out.
30-Day Guarantee
Free replacements if not happy and healthy.