CALATHEA

        Calathea is a herbaceous perennial from the Tropical Americas like Brazil, Guyana, Columbia and Nicaragua. The handsome leaves are the attraction for tropical gardeners and indoor plant lovers as well. Zone 10+ for outdoor planting. 
        Various types are appealing for these leaves which may be patterned with interesting colorful lines, or colorful blotches or colorful spots. Although calathea develops flowers, they are typically very small and insignificant. Exceptions include C. crocata, C. loeseneri and lancifolia.

Indoors, calathea is tolerant of lower light conditions making it a fine houseplant.

Your soil for calathea should be highly organic and well drained. Use plenty of coarse material in the soil mix to help water flow through. Never allow roots to be soaked with standing water but they do enjoy continuous availability of water in their soil. Water often to obtain this condition (with perfect drainage).

Calathea wants high humidity and high temperatures as well. Indoors, mist several times a week to provide added humidity. They get sick or sick looking whenever the weather is even a little cold or too dry. Remember, this is a jungle plant.

Feed often but lightly in spring and throughout the summer growing period.

 

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