How to prune velvet calathea (furry feather)

Any time a leaf is clearly dead or damaged. Grip the affected leaf petiole near the base and snip it cleanly with scissors or a blade. Never tear leaves off, as this can damage the crown or remaining stems.

As needed; remove individual dead or damaged leaves only. Velvet Calathea needs no structural pruning. Remove individual leaves that turn yellow, brown, or damaged by cutting the petiole (leaf stalk) cleanly at the base. This is maintenance, not pruning — the plant grows from a central rhizome and does not branch. Cutting healthy leaves reduces the plant's energy.

Grip the affected leaf petiole near the base and snip it cleanly with scissors or a blade. Never tear leaves off, as this can damage the crown or remaining stems.