Calathea Picturata

Botanical Name: Calathea picturata K.Koch & Linden
Family Name: Marantaceae
Stems: 4-12 inches
Temperature: 15℃-28℃
Other: warm, moist conditions with indirect light。

Overview

Product Description

Caring for the Exotic Calathea Picturata

Calathea Picturata Originally from Colombia, it prefers a warm, humid, shaded, ventilated environment with diffused light, and can only grow normally in environments with high air humidity. It likes loose and fertile soil and avoids barren conditions. During summer, it should avoid drought and direct sunlight, and it should be sprayed with water indoors to keep the leaves moist. It has poor cold resistance, with an optimal growth temperature of 20-28°C. Growth is slow above 28°C or below 15°C. High temperature and dryness can cause the leaves to wither and curl immediately, and temperatures below 10°C can cause cold damage. In autumn, it enters a dormant state, the above-ground parts will gradually wither and die, but new plants can sprout in April of the following year.

The Dazzling Diversity of the Calathea Picturata

Calathea Picturata

Calathea Picturata, with its silver heart and mosaic patterns, is a small perennial clumper. It stands 10-30 cm tall with oblong leaves, 8-13 cm long, featuring a glossy green face and a purple back. The leaves boast unique silver bands and a serrated green trim.

Propagation and Cultivation:

Propagation is commonly done by division or rhizome cutting, usually between May and August, but it is best done in spring. When dividing, leave 2 to 3 shoots per clump, trim some or most of the old leaves, and treat the cut roots with a disinfectant to prevent rot and increase the survival rate.

The best potting soil is fertile, loose, and well-ventilated, with a neutral to slightly acidic composition. The growing medium can be made from decomposed manure, perlite, high-quality pond mud, or coconut coir in a ratio of 4:2:4. During the growing period, avoid excessive fertilization; for soil-less cultivation, apply nutrient solution once a month. In summer, mist the plant more often to maintain 70% to 90% air humidity to prevent leaf curling and premature aging. The plant should be kept in a shaded environment.

During cultivation, the main pests include spider mites, locusts, and cabbage worms, which can be controlled by spraying with a 1500 to 2000 times solution of 50% trichlorfon or phoxim. Diseases such as white rot can be prevented by mixing 0.2% of 70% pentachloronitrobenzene into the potting soil.

Calathea Picturata: A Versatile Indoor Beauty

The Calathea Picturata, with its attractive plant shape and enchanting leaf colors, is a stunning addition to any indoor decor. Its beautiful and elegant patterns make it suitable for various indoor settings. It can be grown as a small potted foliage plant, perfect for windowsills, desks, and indoor garden arrangements. It also thrives as a hanging basket or as an accent leaf in cut flower displays, and it can be mixed with other Calatheas to showcase its unique charm. Outdoors, it can serve as an ornamental plant in shady, moist gardens or as part of a flower bed display.