28/08/2024 (Photo: shutterstock/Bryan Saputra).
Although it is not one of the easiest plants, with proper care it can reward you with a beautiful appearance.Kalatea, commonly referred to as ‘prayer’, impresses with its decorative leaves.Its name derives from this.How to care for calathea? Here are some helpful hints..
It is known for its original leaf patterns and also for not being one of the easiest plants to grow.Kalatea (Calathea) is amazing to look at and is a beautiful interior decoration – especially since you can easily create your own home jungle with it.
Calathea or ‘praying’ plant
It is called the ‘praying’ plant because it has the ability to fold and unfold its leaves. At night, the leaves unfold, resembling hands folded in prayer.In the morning, the leaves fold again.They are the main decoration of the plant – they are dark red on the underside and can be pink, purple, green or brownish on the top.The leaves are also decorated with stripes, bands or other patterns.
There are currently 300 known species of Calathea that grow naturally in South America, the Caribbean and Central America. It is grown as a pot plant in our climate.It is worth noting that it is a perennial evergreen plant.It can grow to about 0. 5 m wide and 0. 5 m high.
Ideal position for calathea
In the wild, calathea grows in the shade of tropical forests and does not receive direct sunlight.Therefore, in the interior, the best place for the calathea will be semi-shady or bright place, but provided that there is diffused light. You must also make sure that the wind does not flow into the room.For example, a windowsill on the east side is best suited.In winter, do not forget to provide the calathea with a little more light.
The plant also likes warm and humid air , so it is advisable to ensure a temperature of 18 to 15 degrees C in the apartment or house.Relatively high air humidity is essential when growing calathea.It should not be placed near a hot radiator.
In summer the plant should be sprinkled daily and in winter twice a week..
Calatea has more than just an ornamental function.You could say that it is a special-task plant because it is among the plants that show the ability to clean the air of toxins and other harmful substances.
The best substrate for growing calatea is a mixture of compost soil and coarse sand.The substrate should also be permeable and a drainage layer should be placed at the bottom of the pot , such as gravel or pebbles.
How to water calathea?
The plant pot is best placed on a saucer full of water and pebbles or in a pot filled with peat. Thus, the evaporating water will increase the humidity around the plant.
Calatea prefers moist substrate.Nevertheless, you must not soak it, because an excess of water can lead to rotting of the roots. Water the plant with distilled water at room temperature.In spring and summer it should be done about three times a week, in winter only once a week..
Kalatea should be fertilized every fortnight from March to September and should be avoided in winter. Liquid multi-component fertilizers designed for ornamental plants work best.Use half the recommended dose.
Also, don’t forget to regularly wipe the leaves of ornamental plants with a soft, damp cloth..
