The Calathea genus make up multiple metal money , all valued for their foliage , which is dramatically colourise , often in purple and Red or motley greens and white . Calathea plants are tropic plants that do n’t brook cold temperatures , however , so they are usually grown as houseplant .
Among the most democratic varieties of calatheas are peacock plant ( Calathea makoyana ) , zebra industrial plant ( Calathea zebrina ) and rattlesnake plant ( Calathea crotalifera ) .
About Calathea Plants
Calathea , which can produce outside only in USDA zones 11 to 12 , is aboriginal to Brazil , where it get in the rainforest , an environment that provides the conditions it have sex the best : moisture and partial shade . This nominate it a challenge to maturate indoors as a houseplant , because it requires consistent wet and a temperature between 65 and 70 ° fluorine .
This industrial plant spread out and propagates via clandestine rhizomes , and if you go in a clime contributive to landscape planting — Hawaii comes to mind , and it is mutual there — it will spread and could invade other region of your garden .
Several varieties of calathea are typically usable in nurseries and are common houseplants in the U.S. :
Calathea Care as an Indoor Plant
Calathea must have well - run out grime , so pick out a container with drainage holes and occupy it with peat - heavy potting soil . happen a location out of direct sunshine , although some early morning sunshine is tolerable . Bright collateral ignitor is perfect .
Moisture and Fertilizer Requirements
In accession to diffused lighter , ensure that the humidity remain high . If your way has other plants that require gamy humidity levels , a humidifier could be useful . If you do n’t need the rest of the elbow room affected , localize the potty in a tray with pissed pebble .
fog the foliage regularly and , during the typical grow season of April to August , water on a schedule that ensures the land never dry out .
Apply a balanced fertiliser meant for houseplant once a month . In winter , reduce irrigation and plant food to give the works a chance to rest .
Pests and Disease
Calathea is not by and large targeted by diseases or insects , but any plant growing in a container indoors can be susceptible to aphids , exfoliation , mealybugs and wanderer mites .
Ensure right humidity and luminousness . A lack of humidness can cause the leaves to draw in up and brownish at the top , while direct sun can sear the leaves . If this come about , prune offthe damage leaves .
