How Much Light Does Calathea Need? PPFD & DLI
Needs very high humidity. Sensitive to heavy minerals.
- Peak PPFD: 70–135 µmol/m²/s
- Peak DLI: 3–6 mol/m²/d
- Air temperature: 18–26 °C
- Relative humidity: 70–90 %
- VPD target: 0.5–0.8 kPa
- Do not leave the substrate dry for more than 3 days
Targets per growth stage
| Stage | From day | PPFD | DLI | Photoperiod | pH | EC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mature | 0 | 70–135 µmol/m²/s | 3–6 mol/m²/d | 12 h | 6–6.5 | 0.8–1.2 |
Watering
Requires high humidity. Sensitive to tap water minerals (use filtered water).
Sources
- Torres, A.P. & Lopez, R.G. Measuring Daily Light Integral in a Greenhouse. Purdue Extension HO-238-W (table after J.E. Faust, Ball Red Book) — Supports: light targets
Values not covered by a source above are common growing practice, not taken from a primary source.