I have calatheas, and they are alot of work. When taken care right, it's a site for sore eyes. Wipe down the leaves to get dust off them, I read somewhere they dont like that. True or not, I do it anyways as I do not like the dust lol.
As for soil moisture, I say thank you to this handy dandy moisture meter. The house got so dry with the cold that came fast, I'm watering some plants twice a week! Lol. Link below. You can cut those leaves off at the stem and eventually new ones will grow.
XLUX T10 Soil Moisture Sensor Meter - Soil Water Monitor, Hydrometer for Gardening, Farming, No Batteries Required
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014MJ8J2U/
