Calaltheas are lovely plants with mesmerizing foliage, and the Calathea Roseopicta ‘Dottie’ is a beauty. Dottie has stunning foliage that looks like it was hand-drawn and is sure to turn heads. Prayer Plants crave increased humidity, so this plant isn’t the best choice in areas with naturally dry climates, but you can work to create the ideal conditions. Find out all about Calathea Roseopicta ‘Dottie’ care and what you can do to make this plant feel at home.

Goeppertia Roseopicta Dottie Details

Dottie originated from the Brazilian rainforests, where it naturally grows as an understory plant. Leaves measure 6 inches by 9 inches. Mature foliage is a dark green that almost appears black and features pinkish-red markings along the midrib and about one inch inside the margin. The pinkish variegation almost looks like it was quickly drawn by hand, giving the plant a unique look. The undersides of the foliage are a deep pinkish-purple and are visible when the leaves fold up at night.

The Dottie is often sold as a small houseplant, but with proper Calathea care, this plant can reach several feet tall.

Calathea Roseopicta ‘Dottie’ is the most common name associated with this plant. You may also see this beauty labeled as Prayer Plant Dottie or Goeppertia Roseopicta ‘Dottie.’ All of these names refer to the same plant, so the care is the same regardless of the name. Dottie is a cultivar of the Calathea Roseopicta, and another well-known member of this genus is the Calathea Rosy. 

Leaf Progression

New Calathea leaves often have a muted appearance as they unfurl, and it takes time for the colors to develop. Don’t worry if you notice the new leaves are pale, washed-out light green. The leaves of the Dottie will become darker as they mature.

Calathea Dottie Light Requirements

Give the Calathea Dottie a home that receives bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a south- or east-facing window is often a good location. This plant needs plenty of light to maintain its bold colors and push out new growth. Plants in low or medium light will not grow as big or fast and will feature subdued colors.

Dust and debris can collect on the leaves with time, creating a barrier blocking sunlight. Clean the leaves every few weeks or as needed.

Calathea Roseopicta Dottie Water Needs

How often to water Prayer Plants can be tricky to master if you’re new to this family of houseplants. Water Dottie when the top one inch of the potting mix is dry. Calatheas have increased water needs but still like to dry out somewhat. 

Overwatering is a common problem for Prayer Plants. You’ll know you’ve overwatered your Dottie if the foliage turns yellow and dries out along the edges. Prayer Plants can be dramatic when they’re underwatered, and the leaves and stems will droop, but you can easily save a dehydrated Calathea by giving it a drink or a soak.

Some plant owners believe hard water or tap water with a high mineral content is not so great for Calathea houseplants. If you follow a proper watering routine and the foliage is wilting or curling, consider switching to filtered or bottled water.

Best Soil for Goeppertias

Soil that retains some moisture but allows excess water to drain is best for Calatheas. Potting mixes labeled as ‘water retention’ or ‘moist’ work well, and avoid dry mixes intended for cactus or succulents. Take your houseplant care to the next level by using rich soil that will support growth.

Calathea Roseopicta Dottie Temperature Range

The Calathea Dottie is a tropical plant, so it likes warm temperatures, and most homes are warm enough for this leafy beauty. Temperatures between 65° to 75° F are ideal. Many plant owners move their Calatheas to a screen porch or protected outdoor space during the summer, and most Prayer Plants thrive outdoors. Dottie can handle warmer temperatures, but anything lower than 65° F could be trouble.

Calathea Dottie Humidity Levels

Humidity is often the issue when someone new to Calatheas wants to add one of these plants to their collection. The Calathea Dottie needs humidity at 60% or greater to thrive and grow. Extra dampness keeps the leaves lush and supports new growth. Dry, curled leaves indicate the air is too dry. In extreme cases, the plant will wither and die if the humidity is too low.

Set your Calathea Roseopicta Dottie up for success by following these tips:

• Choose a naturally humid area, like a kitchen or bathroom
• Group plants nearby to create a humid microclimate
• Use a pebble tray with water or a humidifier to increase the humidity
• Place plants inside a glass cabinet or mini greenhouse to capture and retain humidity

Prayer Plant Fertilizer Tips

A regular fertilizing routine provides the nutrients plants need to grow large, healthy leaves. Feed your Calathea Roseopicta Dottie using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Fertilize Dottie every two to four weeks during the spring and summer. Dormant plants don’t need fertilizer, so stop feeding the plant during the fall and winter.

Will May Calathea Dottie Flower?

The Calathea Dottie does bloom, and while the flowers are nice, they’re not as showy as the foliage. Houseplants only bloom when the conditions are near perfect, so it’s rare for Prayer Plants to bloom indoors.

Prayer Plant Pruning Basics

Always use clean, sharp shears to prune houseplants. The Calathea Dottie doesn’t require much pruning but removes dead or damaged growth. You can remove the entire leaf for a large, full plant if there is damage. Trim away the damage if you have a small plant or multiple damaged leaves.

Remove the entire leaf if more than 50% is damaged, but only remove the dry, dead parts of a leaf if less than 50% is damaged.

When to Repot Calathea Roseopicta Dottie

Give your Calathea Dottie a new container every one to two years. Prayer Plants do not like being potbound, but they also don’t enjoy the repotting process. Repot your Calathea Roseopicta Dottie when growth slows or when you notice roots growing through the drainage holes in the container.

Spring is often an excellent time to repot because it’s the start of the growing season, and the plant needs fresh soil and will have an easier time acclimating to its new pot. Choose a new container that is one to two inches larger so the roots have room to grow.

Calathea Roseopicta Propagation

Propagate the Calathea Roseopicta through division. Divide the plant when repotting by gently removing the potting mix and separating the roots. Use a clean, sharp knife or shears to trim the roots if necessary. Each new plant can be transplanted into a container one to two inches larger than the root ball. Dividing and transplanting can be hard on Calatheas, so make sure the plant has plenty of indirect sunlight and humidity afterward to help it acclimate and settle in.

Is Calathea Dottie Pet Safe?

The Calathea Roseopicta ‘Dottie’ is pet-safe. Prayer Plants or Goeppertia are non-toxic to people and animals, so Dottie is a safe plant to have around if you have nosey cats or dogs.

Calathea Roseopicta Styling Tips

A small Calathea Dottie looks darling in a container on a desk or end table. Create a curated look by grouping a Dottie with a Calathea Rosy and maybe a pink Syngonium nearby. The Calathea Dottie has an upright growth habit, and large, mature plants make amazing floor plants or can be featured in a plant stand to give it some height.

Calathea Roseopicta Care Tips

Goeppertia Roseopicta Dottie, or Calathea Dottie, is somewhat demanding but easy to maintain once you understand what it needs. Bright, indirect sunlight and plenty of humidity are vital. Once you get a handle on the care, you’ll find Prayer Plants aren’t so hard. Calatheas aren’t for everyone, but if you enjoy stunning foliage and are up for the challenge, Dottie may be for you.