Plants can add life and energy to any room, making them a great addition to any home. The Calathea, or prayer plant, is a genus of tropical plants known for their decorative foliage and ease of care.
Native to the tropical Americas, Calathea are part of the Marantaceae family which includes over 300 species. These evergreen perennials feature long leaves with unique patterns that come in many shapes and sizes.
Growing Calathea is easy and enjoyable no matter your level of gardening experience – they’re perfect for anyone wanting to brighten up a room with greenery! With proper care, these beautiful plants will reward you with lush green foliage that you’ll love for years. They also make excellent housewarming gifts for friends and family!.
Calathea at a glance
| Common Name | Calathea |
| Scientific Name | Calathea Orbifolia |
| Growth Rate | Average |
| Full maturity | 2-3 years |
| Height (max) | 60–90 cm |
| Width (max) | 30–60 cm |
| Pet safe? | Maybe |
| Sunlight | Medium, indirect |
| Soil Ph | 5.0–7.0 (acidic to neutral) |
| Native to | Brazil |
Growing Calathea indoors in Australia
Growing indoors in Australia can be a tricky business, especially if you’re looking to grow something exotic like the Calathea. Native to tropical regions of South and Central America, this plant has become increasingly popular with indoor gardeners across Australia.
With its bright foliage and elegant shape, the Calathea is sure to bring an air of sophistication to any home or office. If you’re thinking about growing a Calathea indoors in Australia, there are some important things to consider first.
Firstly, make sure you have access to enough light; since they’re native to sunny areas, they require plenty of indirect light in order for their leaves to remain bright green and vibrant. Secondly, ensure that the temperature isn’t too extreme – temperatures between 18-24°C are ideal for this species.
Quick care tips
If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to care for your Calathea (Calathea) plant, look no further! This tropical evergreen is sure to add a pop of life and colour to any room with its lush foliage. Here are some quick care tips that can help ensure your Calathea stays healthy in your home or office environment: First, make sure it’s planted in well-draining soil and place the pot in an area that receives bright but indirect sunlight.
It’s important not to let the soil dry out completely between waterings, but also be careful not to overwater as this could lead to root rot. Additionally, keep an eye out for pests such as mealybugs or spider mites which might invade the foliage.
If these occur, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution as directed on the product label.
Calathea (Calathea Orbifolia) (Source)
Caring for your Calathea
Plant care is an important part of keeping your home beautiful and inviting. If you’re looking for a unique plant that will add a lot of character to your interior, then Calathea (Calathea) is the perfect choice.
This tropical species features lush green foliage with vibrant coloured stripes and patterns. With proper care, it can bring life and colour to any space – but growing this type of plant isn’t always easy.
Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to ensure your Calathea stays healthy and continues to thrive. From soil types to watering schedules, knowing the right techniques will help guarantee success in growing Calathea indoors. It’s also essential to understand how temperature, humidity levels, pests, and light all affect its growth so that it can continue bringing beauty into your home for many years to come!.
Light
Light is an essential factor for successful Calathea growth. Although Calathea plants thrive in indirect sunlight, it is important to provide enough light for the plant so that it can remain healthy and vibrant.
When choosing a location for your Calathea, try to pick a spot away from direct sunlight or bright windows. An east-facing window is ideal as it will provide enough light without causing too much stress on the plant.
Even though natural lighting can be beneficial for your Calathea, sometimes artificial lighting may be necessary if there isn’t enough natural light available in your home. Fluorescent lights tend to work best when providing additional lighting as they are energy efficient and easy to regulate. The intensity of the fluorescent lights should mimic the mid-morning sun and be placed close to the plant but not directly above it.
Water
Water is a key element in the success of growing Calathea (Calathea). Calathea, also known as prayer plants, are tropical and subtropical plants that are native to South America.
These plants not only add vibrant beauty to any home or garden but they require very specific care in order to survive. Providing an adequate amount of water is essential for keeping your Calatheas healthy and alive.
The amount of water needed by these plants depends on the season, type of soil used and temperature conditions. In general, during the summer months when temperatures are higher, more frequent watering is required as compared to cooler weather where less frequent watering will suffice.
Fertiliser
Fertiliser is a crucial element in the growth of potted plants, especially Calathea. This genus of tropical foliage plant has an affinity for moist soil and is easily damaged by over-fertilising.
To help care for these lush green plants, it’s important to understand the basics of fertilising Calathea. A balanced fertiliser should be used on these plants at least twice a month during their growing season from spring through fall.
Otherwise, Calathea will not receive enough nutrients to maintain its vibrant colours and healthy leaves. It’s recommended that slow-release granular or liquid fertiliser be applied; however, keep in mind that too much can harm the roots and cause nutrient deficiencies like yellowing leaves or leaf loss.
Temperature
Temperature plays a crucial role in the growth and care of Calathea plants. If temperatures are too low, the plant will become weak and have difficulty growing.
On the other hand, if temperatures are too high, it can lead to wilting and discolouration of leaves. Therefore, it is essential for growers to understand optimal temperature requirements for their Calathea plants.
The ideal range for Calatheas is 65-85°F (18-29°C), but they will tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) or as high as 95°F (35°C) with proper care. During winter months, when indoor air is especially dry, you should increase humidity around your plant with regular misting or by adding a humidifier nearby.
Humidity
Humidity is an important factor in the successful growth of Calathea plants. High humidity is essential for Calatheas, as they are native to tropical rainforest regions which generally have high humidity levels.
Providing a humid environment for your Calathea will ensure it grows and remains healthy; however, there are several factors to consider when trying to keep your Calathea’s environment at an optimal level of humidity. The most effective way to increase the humidity levels around your plant is by misting it regularly with lukewarm water.
You can also put a shallow tray of pebbles filled with water under your pot so that as the water evaporates, moisture is released into the air around your plant. Grouping plants together can also help increase and maintain their ideal level of humidity.
Learn more about how humidity can affect indoor plants.
Flowering
Flowering is certainly a showstopper when it comes to growing Calathea, however the beauty of this exotic plant goes much deeper than its blooms. These tropical foliage plants come in a wide range of colours and patterns that make them an ideal choice for adding interesting texture and colour to any room.
Plus, their low-maintenance care requirements make them an easy addition to any home or garden. Calathea are known for their large leaves with distinctive stripes and designs.
Their colourful appearance is unique in the houseplant world and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours that range from deep purple greens to pale pinks and whites. While they may not flower as readily as other houseplants, with proper care you can encourage your calathea to bloom every few months or even more frequently!.
Pests
Pests can be a major headache for gardeners trying to keep their Calathea plants healthy and thriving. These tropical plants are native to the Americas, and while they are beautiful in appearance, they can be incredibly sensitive to pests.
Some of the most common types of pests that affect Calathea include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Homeowners should take proactive steps when it comes to protecting their Calathea from these pests.
Regularly inspecting your plant is essential as many insects like to hide away in the folds of leaves. Using neem oil or insecticidal soap is also an effective way to get rid of any existing bugs and prevent new ones from appearing. Additionally, making sure your Calathea has enough humidity will help keep it disease-free since many insects prefer drier climates.
Find out more about common indoor plant pests in Australia.
Diseases
The ornately patterned foliage of the Calathea plant has made it a popular choice for both indoor gardening and adorning homes with beautiful greenery. But even though a Calathea is an attractive houseplant, it can be susceptible to certain diseases.
Knowing what to watch out for is key when caring for this type of plant. Common diseases that affect the Calathea include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Root rot can cause wilting leaves and yellowing foliage, while leaf spots are small black or brown spots on the leaves that may be caused by insects or water droplets. Powdery mildew is usually white in colour and affects mostly younger leaves at first before spreading throughout the entire plant if left untreated.
Soil
Soil is the backbone of any successful gardening endeavour, and Calathea plants are no different! In order to ensure a healthy, thriving Calathea plant, it’s essential to choose the right soil. Calatheas love rich, well-draining potting soils that contain plenty of organic matter.
A good blend should include three parts peat moss or coco coir along with one part loam and one part perlite or vermiculite. Amending your soil with composted manure can help provide additional nutrients for your plants.
Additionally, when watering regularly be sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot in your Calatheas. Finally, check the pH level of the soil and make adjustments if needed; these plants prefer a slightly acidic soil around 5.5 – 6.0 on the pH scale.
Learn how to lower your soil PH.
Pot size
Growing Calathea (Calathea) is a great way to add beauty and colour to any home. An important factor in the success of growing this houseplant is choosing the right pot size.
The correct pot size can often mean the difference between a healthy plant and one that struggles to thrive. When selecting a container for your Calathea, consider its overall size as well as its depth.
A shallow container may be suitable for smaller varieties of Calathea, such as Ctenanthe or Goeppertia, but taller varieties like Marantaceae need deeper pots with more room for roots. If possible, choose a pot that’s 5-8 cm larger than the root ball of your plant, allowing adequate room for growth while avoiding excess waste soil.
Pruning your Calathea
Pruning is an essential part of plant care for any home gardener. Pruning your Calathea plants is no exception, as it helps keep them healthy and looking their best.
Pruning of a Calathea should be done yearly to ensure it stays in shape and provide adequate airflow throughout the plant. The best time to prune a Calathea is after the blooming season has ended and before actively growing in the spring or summer months.
During this pruning period, you can begin by removing dead leaves or stems that are overgrown, as well as thin out crowded areas within the foliage. Make sure to use sharp, clean garden shears when cutting away at the plant growth so you don’t damage its delicate tissue.
Propagating your Calathea
Propagation is a key part of successful houseplant care and it allows you to grow beautiful plants in your home. It is the process of taking stem or leaf cuttings from an existing plant, placing them into soil, and allowing them to form roots.
Growing calathea (Calathea) plants through propagation can be quite an easy process once you are familiar with the technique. Calathea plants can be propagated from either stem or leaf cuttings, although leaf cuttings tend to give higher success rates than stem cutting propagation.
To propagate calathea, take several 4-inch long cuttings from new growth with at least two leaves on each cutting. Make sure that all cuts are made cleanly and remove any flowers or buds before planting them in moist potting soil so they can form new roots.
Is Calathea poisonous?
When it comes to houseplants, the Calathea plant is a popular choice for many. With its lush foliage and vibrant colours, it can be an attractive addition to any home.
However, it’s important to note that this tropical species may contain toxic compounds that could be harmful if ingested. The primary toxin in the Calathea plant is called aspidinol, which is a triterpenoid saponin found in some varieties of the genus.
Although this compound has not been studied extensively in humans or animals, it’s believed to have potentially dangerous effects if consumed. Additionally, consuming parts of the plant may cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation in some people.
Featured Image: Source
