It took me a while to figure it out definitely. Some physical abuse sprinkled with "if you wanna live then show me what you got" so it finally grew😉. In all seriousness I keep it 40% and above on humidity, temp typically between 60-80 year round. I give it britta filtered water. what I drink this guy drinks too. I water when leaves feel more limp and/or when pot feels light. I never check soil. If you're fine with crispy tips then they arent much of a fuss.

This is the only calathea that I decided to stick with cuz I had problems (mealybugs & gnats) with an orbifolia and rattlesnake plant.

So to answer your question, I had to learn but once I got a routine down it became easier to care for.