Calathea grows at a temperature of 16 until 26 degrees Celsius. This is the original temperature. You can move to a cooler place. But not be exposed to direct sunlight. To make sure, check the soil temperature with a thermometer.
Calathea usually grows under large tropical forest vegetation. For this plant, direct sunlight can reduce Variegata motifs, both white and green.
So if the leaves are curled, one of the reasons is that the intensity of the light that shines on the Calathea plant is too high.
Beware of Lack of Humidity
If the air is dry, the leaves begin to turn yellow. These signs can be recognized by changes in the texture of the leaves, the leaves become rough, brittle, and the edges of the leaves break easily when touched.
Avoid Calathea plants lacking hydration and much water. Try touching it with your fingers. If the soil is wet, it can cause the roots to rot easily.
Interesting Calathea Facts
First, the leaves follow the sun. After the sun rises and shines on the calathea leaves, it will open the leaves for light. In the afternoon, the leaves will roll back again with a soft rustling sound.
Both Calatheas originate from the inland tropical rainforests of the Amazon in South America. They grow healthily in the shade of tropical forests where light is minimal. This shows that calathea can live in a humid, low light, and warm enough temperature in the living room, bathroom, or bedroom.
Third, the beauty of the leaves can be enjoyed in the long term. With temperatures between 15-23 degrees Celsius, and under less intense sunlight, Calathea plants can grow well. Simply spraying the leaves with water several times a day, it will make the leaves last longer.
Fourth, in certain types of calathea leaves, it looks like there are eyes that resemble the pattern on a peacock. It is also what makes this plant called the peacock plant.
Fifth, the Calathea crocata type has yellow or orange flowers.
Sixth, in addition to green leaves, some types of calathea are reddish-purple or silver.
Seventh, Calathea is a symbol of starting something new.
In the Amazon, calathea is used as a roof for houses, to make baskets, and as a medicinal plant. This plant can purify the air in the room, so it can be healthier.
Lastly, Calathea cannot live in dry or smoky conditions, so don’t keep this plant in a smoking room.
Types of Calathea that We Must Know
There are many beautiful types of roses, such as white roses, blue roses, yellow roses, and so on. So is Calathea. Actually, Calathea has more than 100 types. However, these are some of the highlights according to the author.
First, Calathea orbifolia. This ornamental plant has wide leaves that tend to be round like a fan. The dense pattern of stripes in green and gray makes it look like a zebra’s body.
Adult Calathea orbifolia leaves can grow up to 30 cm long by 15-20 cm wide. Unlike other types of Calathea, this ornamental plant does not have a deep purple color on the underside of its leaves.
Second, Calathea crocata. The leaves of the Calathea crocata houseplant may look less special than those of a crimson or medallion. The color is dark green without a motif with simple wave accents.
However, this type of Calathea can produce yellow flowers that look like embers. This flower is what makes it nicknamed the eternal flame. However, Calathea crocata will not flower if it is not mature and has dense leaves.
Third, Calathea ornata. Also known as pin-stripe Calathea, Calathea ornata is a beautiful leafy ornamental plant with dark green color and accented by thin lines of soft pink.
Because it comes from South America, which has a tropical climate, this type of Calathea is also easy to grow in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Thailand. Even so, the treatment requires more patience.
Fourth, Calathea zebrina. The ornamental plant Calathea zebrina is also known as Calathea zebra. He is mostly found in the southeastern part of Brazil. The leaves are decorated with light green stripes and veins. Its surface is covered with fine hairs like velvet.
Fifth, Calathea veitchiana. This type of Calathea is a plant endemic to Ecuador. That’s why he is best suited to high humidity with a subtropical climate.
Its appearance is similar to the Calathea medallion which is like being painted with oil paints. If the medallion has a white border, the veitchiana leaf edge is apple green.
Sixth, Calathea warscewiczii. Warscewiczii is an ornamental plant native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The leaves are dark green with a smooth, velvety surface. That’s why he is also nicknamed Calathea jungle velvet. Characteristics of the leaves of Calathea warscewiczii are the veins of the leaves decorated with firm lines of light green color and faint lines that spread to the edges of the leaves. The underside is deep purple as usual. While the plant can grow to a size of 1 meter.