Calathea.

Calathea (Latin: Calathea, many species are now transferred to the genus Goppertia) is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the Marantaceae family, prized for their spectacular, often patterned foliage. These plants are native to southern Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Calathea.

Calathea Care at Home

Calatheas can be fussy, requiring conditions that mimic their natural tropical forest habitat, but with proper care, they make a beautiful interior decoration.

Lighting: Provide bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves and cause them to lose their vibrant color.

Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil dries out slightly. In winter, watering should be reduced slightly.

Humidity: Calatheas require high humidity (preferably around 60% or higher). Mist the leaves regularly, use a humidifier, or place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles to prevent the leaf tips from drying out.

 Water: Use distilled, filtered, or rainwater if possible, as calatheas are sensitive to high mineral and chlorine levels in tap water, which can cause browning of the leaf edges.

Temperature: Maintain a consistently warm temperature between 18°C ​​and 27°C (65-85°F). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

 Soil and Fertilizer: Use a well-drained potting mix. Apply a general-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month in spring and summer; no additional feeding is necessary in winter.

Safety: Calatheas are nontoxic to humans and pets.

Popular Species

 There are many varieties of calatheas with unique foliage patterns and colors.

Calathea orbifolia: Features large, rounded leaves with symmetrical silvery-green stripes.

Calathea makoyana (Peacock's Tail): Features a distinctive pattern reminiscent of peacock feathers, with shades of green, cream, and purple.

 Calathea ornata (Striped): Deep green leaves with thin, painted-on pink or white stripes.

Calathea lancifolia (Rattle): Long, lanceolate leaves with dark green spots and wavy edges; the undersides often have a deep purple hue.

 Read: https://gerbizor.blogspot.com/2024/08/poppy-papaver-family-papaveraceae.html?m=0#more