If you are looking for a plant that combines exotic beauty with the ability to purify the air, Calathea is the perfect choice for you! With its vibrant leaves and unique patterns, this tropical plant not only adds a touch of elegance to your space, but is also an excellent companion for those who want a healthier, more harmonious environment.
In this guide, let’s explore everything you need to know to successfully care for your Calathea. From choosing the ideal location to watering and maintenance tips, you will discover that, with a little attention and care, anyone can grow this wonder of nature at home. Let’s start this green journey together?
What is the difference between calathea and maranta?
You may have already wondered about the differences between Calathea and Marantaso know that you are not alone! These two plants are often confused due to their similar appearance and the fact that they belong to the same family, Marantaceae.
However, each has its own unique characteristics that make them special. See these differences with Fashion Bubbles, so that you feel confident in identifying and taking care of both.
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Calathea
- Sheets: Calathea leaves are known for their vibrant patterns and varying colors, which can include green, purple, pink, and white. They have a more rigid texture and often have stripes or spots;
- Growth: generally, Calatheas grow in clumps and can reach greater heights, depending on the species;
- Environment: prefer environments with high humidity and bright indirect light.
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Maranta
- Sheets: Maranta leaves, also known as “reptile plant” or “prayer plant,” are softer to the touch and often have patterns that resemble feathers or spots. Colors can vary between green, red and yellow;
- Growth: Marantas tend to be more compact and low-growing, growing more horizontally than vertically;
- Environment: Like Calatheas, Marantas also prefer high humidity and indirect light, but are a little more tolerant of lower light conditions.
Types of Calathea
If you are thinking about add a Calathea to your plant collectionyou are about to make a wonderful choice! These plants are known for their stunning leaves and unique patterns, which can transform any room. Below are some of the most popular types of Calathea and how to identify them.
Calathea Ornata (Calathea Pinstripe)
- Identification: its leaves are dark green with fine pink stripes, which appear to be hand-drawn. The back of the leaves is usually purple.
Calathea Lancifolia (Calathea Rattlesnake)
- Identification: the leaves are long and wavy, with dark green spots that resemble snake skin. The back of the leaves is purple.
Calathea Makoyana (Calathea Peacock)
- Identification: its leaves have patterns that resemble peacock feathers, with light and dark green spots. The back of the leaves is purple.
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Calathea Zebrina (Calathea Zebra)
- Identification: the leaves are wide and have stripes that resemble a zebra’s skin, with shades of light and dark green.
Calathea Roseopicta
- Identification: its leaves are dark green with a pink or red central pattern, which can vary in shape and intensity.
How to plant calathea in a pot?
Planting this plant in a pot is a great way to bring a touch of nature and elegance into your home. Without a doubt, with the right care, they can thrive and become the highlight of your space. Check out the step-by-step guide on how to plant a Calathea in a pot.
Step 1: choosing the pot and soil
Vase choice:
1. Firstly, choose a pot with drainage holes to avoid the accumulation of water, which can cause root rot.
2. The size of the pot must be proportional to the plant, allowing space for root growth.
Soil choice:
3. Use well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A mixture of potting soil with perlite or sand is ideal to ensure good drainage.
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Step 2: preparing the vase
4. Place a layer of stones or pottery shards at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.
5. Then add a layer of prepared soil, filling about a third of the pot.
Step 3: planting the Calathea
6. Carefully remove the Calathea from its original pot, gently loosening the roots.
7. Place the plant in the center of the new pot, adjusting the height so that the base of the plant is level with the edge of the pot.
8. Add more soil around the roots, pressing lightly to firm the plant in place.
Step 4: watering and humidity
9. Water the plant immediately after planting, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.
10. Maintain high humidity around the plant by spraying water on the leaves regularly or using a humidifier.
Step 5: location and ongoing care
Location
11. Place the vase in a location with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn Calathea’s delicate leaves.
Ongoing care
12. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but avoiding waterlogging.
13. Fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer.
14. Wipe the leaves occasionally to remove dust and allow for better light absorption.
How to care for a Calathea?
Caring for a Calathea can be a rewarding and transformative experience. for any plant lover. We’ve already discussed some basic tips previously, but now we’re going to delve a little deeper and share some secrets that will make all the difference in the care of your Calathea.
Bright indirect light
Calatheas love bright, indirect light. Place your plant near a window where it receives filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn its delicate leaves. A special tip is to use transparent curtains to diffuse the light.
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How often to water Calathea?
Keeping the soil moist is crucial, but avoid waterlogging. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Use filtered or distilled water as Calathea is sensitive to chlorine and other minerals present in tap water. An extra tip is to let the water sit for 24 hours before watering, allowing the chlorine to evaporate.
High humidity
Calatheas thrive in high humidity. Place a humidifier near the plant or use a plate of rocks and water to increase the humidity around it. Misting the leaves regularly also helps, but avoid overwatering to prevent fungus.
Constant temperature
Keep Calathea in an environment with a temperature between 18°C and 24°C. Avoid sudden changes in temperature and cold drafts, which can stress the plant. A special tip is to keep the plant away from doors and windows that are frequently opened.
Soil and fertilization
Use well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A mixture of potting soil with perlite or sand is ideal. Fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer. An extra tip is to use a liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended concentration. to avoid excess nutrients.
Leaf cleaning
Calathea leaves can accumulate dust, which can affect photosynthesis. Clean the leaves regularly with a damp cloth. A special tip is to use warm water to avoid thermal shock to the leaves.
Pest monitoring
Calatheas can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites, mealybugs and aphids. Regularly inspect the leaves and use a mild soap and water solution to clean up any infestations. Anyway, one more extra care tip is to add a few drops of neem oil to the solution to increase its effectiveness.
Does Calathea like sun or shade?
Finding the perfect location for your Calathea is essential to ensuring it thrives and show all your splendor. So, as mentioned earlier, this plant prefers bright, indirect light. This means that they love to be in a place where they receive plenty of light, but without direct exposure to the sun.
Therefore, these are excellent places to place this plant: near a window that receives filtered light, in an environment with a transparent curtain that diffuses the light and, finally, indoors, where they also do well with artificial light.
What is the meaning of the Calathea plant?
Calathea is much more than just an ornamental plant; it carries deep and symbolic meanings that can further enrich the environment where it is cultivated. With Fashion Bubbles, check out what this wonderful plant represents and how it can bring a special touch to your home.
Calathea Meaning and Symbolism
This plant is often associated with beauty and elegance due to its vibrant leaves and unique patterns. Each species of this plant has its own visual characteristics, but they all share the ability to transform any space into a more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Furthermore, Calathea is known as the “prayer plant”. Its leaves move throughout the day, opening during daylight and closing at night, in a movement reminiscent of praying hands.
This behavior is not only fascinating to observe, but it also symbolizes renewal and adaptation, qualities that can inspire those who cultivate it.
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Benefits and positive impact
Having a Calathea at home goes beyond aesthetics. The plant is known for its air purifying properties, helping to remove toxins and improve the quality of the environment. Therefore, in addition to beautifying the space, it contributes to a healthier and more harmonious environment.
In this way, Calathea can:
- Inspire tranquility: its constantly moving leaves can bring a feeling of calm and serenity;
- Promote connection with nature: caring for a Calathea can be a way to reconnect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the details;
- Encourage renewal: The daily movement of leaves can serve as a reminder that renewal and adaptation are natural parts of life.
Conclusion
Anyway, now you know everything about the Calathea plant: types, how to care, how to plant in a pot and also meaning. Without a doubt, this plant adds a touch of elegance to your space!
Now, how about also reading Peace Lily: how to care for and the spiritual meaning of the plant. Or, see more about plants in our Decoration category.
Produced with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
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