Calathea medallion is a slow-growing evergreen plant, typically reaching heights of 1–3 feet and widths of 2–3 feet. Its attractive foliage often looks like a bright green quilt and its growing speed is slow to moderate.
In ideal conditions, the plant will grow up to half a foot per year. It is not demanding when it comes to its growing conditions, though it does prefer humid climates and filtered sun. In the right conditions, the Calathea medallion can easily thrive and reach its full potential size.
How big does a Calathea plant get?
The Calathea plant can vary in size, depending on the species and growing conditions. The most common Calathea varieties have roughly an 18-24 inch spread when fully mature, although some species can reach heights of 3-4 feet with a 4-6 foot spread! The low growing varieties, such as the Calathea lancifolia, max out at 12 inches in height.
The Calathea zebrina, a popular houseplant species, has a few varieties, including one that will stay small and compact at around 6 inches tall. Calatheas generally prefer warm and humid climates, so you’ll want to be sure to provide it with the adequate moisture and humidity it needs for healthy growth.
How do I keep Calathea happy?
To keep your Calathea happy, there are a few things to consider. First, it is important to provide the plant with plenty of bright, indirect light while avoiding direct sunlight. Secondly, provide your Calathea with warm temperatures between 65°F to 75°F.
Third, this plant is fairly sensitive to tap water and will display brown leaf tips if present, so look for filtered or distilled water to help keep it looking its best. Fourth, keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy, with average watering once a week in the summer and biweekly in the winter.
Finally, to keep its foliage glossy, regular misting or wiping down of its leaves helps prevent dust build up.
Why are Calatheas so difficult?
Calatheas are some of the more challenging houseplants to care for because they require quite specific conditions and have very specific needs. They require bright, indirect, or filtered light and like temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity.
They require frequently moist soil, with waterings that depend on the humidity and temperature. Overwatering or leaving the soil too dry can cause the leaves to curl or crisp. They are also prone to certain pests and diseases, so regular monitoring and pest control is necessary to maintain a healthy plant.
On top of all this, Calatheas are slow-growing, so patience is definitely required!.
Is it OK to mist Calathea?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to mist Calathea. This tropical and subtropical plant loves indirect, bright sunlight and bright, artificial light. Misting the Calathea with water is important, as this will help with the humidity levels that Calatheas need in order to thrive.
Additionally, misting will help keep the foliage looking fresh and healthy. Be sure to water the soil of the Calathea lightly and avoid getting the foliage wet. Adjust misting intervals based on how dry the soil is and how humid your home is.
For a good rule of thumb, mist two to three times a week.
How often do Calatheas grow new leaves?
Calatheas typically grow new leaves when their conditions are ideal, meaning that their soil is kept consistently moist and their pot is not overly cramped. Depending on the species, they may grow new leaves on a weekly or monthly basis.
Generally, Calatheas will produce a new leaf every 2-4 weeks, with most of the growth occurring in the warmer months of spring, summer and early fall. If the conditions are not ideal, the new leaves may take up to 6 weeks to appear.
Additionally, the size and shape of the new leaves may vary depending on the environment they’re in. In order to encourage faster growth and more vibrant new leaves, it’s recommended to fertilize your Calatheas and make sure that they’re receiving adequate lighting (at least 12-16 hours of indirect or filtered sunlight per day).
How do you encourage Calathea growth?
In order to encourage the growth of a Calathea plant, first and foremost provide it with a warm, humid and well-lit environment. Temperature should be between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and avoid drafts. Note that Calathea plants are not fond of temperature extremes.
Make sure humidity levels are between 60-80%. To achieve this, you can mist the leaves regularly, place the pot on a tray of wet pebbles and make sure the potting soil remains consistently moist (but not soggy).
In terms of light, indirect bright light is best for Calathea plants, and they can tolerate minimal amounts of direct sunlight in the morning, however, direct sunlight should be avoided as much as possible.
Lastly, fertilize your Calathea plant regularly during the growing season (May – September) with organic liquid feed every two weeks, and use a balanced fertilizer (i. e. , 10-10-10) in spring and summer.
Are Calatheas pet friendly?
Yes, Calatheas are pet friendly and make a great addition to any household. They are nontoxic and are safe for cats and dogs if they like to nibble on plants. Calatheas come in many varieties such as Marantaceae, Maranta and Ctenanthe which have colorful foliage and unusual patterns, making them a beautiful accent to any living space.
Additionally, these plants don’t require a lot of maintenance, with occasional watering and bright, indirect sunlight being all that’s necessary for them to thrive. As an added bonus, some varieties, such as the Zebra Plant, are known to purify the air, reducing the amount of harmful pollutants and VOCs that can cause health problems.
How cold can Calathea tolerate?
Calathea plants are tender tropical plants and can be sensitive to lower temperatures, generally falling somewhere in the range of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures outside of this range can result in damage to the plant and its foliage.
The plants can also be sensitive to drafts and should not be placed near windows if they’re likely to come into contact with colder air. If you live in a cooler climate, it’s a good idea to keep the plant away from any cold drafts or sources of heat.
Placing your Calathea near a humidifier can be beneficial to help the plant stay happy and healthy.
How can I make my Calathea grow faster?
To make your Calathea grow faster, the first step is to provide optimal growing conditions. Make sure the plant is receiving enough light but not too much- partial shade is ideal. Also make sure that the temperature is never too cold, as Calatheas prefer temperatures between 65 – 80 F and will suffer if exposed to cold temperatures.
Additionally, ensure that the soil is consistently moist- not soaked, but never dry- and fertilize every couple of months with a balanced fertilizer. Finally, repot in fresh soil and a larger pot every couple of years, as this will give the plant plenty of space to grow and establish.
What is the most beautiful Calathea plant?
The most beautiful Calathea plant is debated among plant enthusiasts, but many agree that the Calathea Ornata is the most beautiful. It has vibrant, bright green leaves with elegant dark green stripes, giving it an eye-catching retailing.
The leaves can also appear almost like a velvet texture, which has led to its nickname “The Velvet Calathea”. Other beautiful Calatheas include the Calathea Zebrina, the Calathea Makoyana, and the Calathea Veitchiana.
Do Calathea like to be root bound?
No, Calathea plants generally do not like to be root bound. The plant prefers to have plenty of room to grow, so keeping it root bound for an extended period of time can limit its ability to grow and may even lead to some health issues, such as root rot.
If your Calathea is root bound, you should consider repotting it in fresh soil and a larger pot. When repotting, it is important to use the potting soil that is specifically meant for Calathea, as it helps provide the proper drainage and environment for healthy growth.
Additionally, you should ensure your Calathea is in a pot that has drainage holes in it, as the plant does not like to be over-saturated with water. Providing plenty of room for this plant to grow will give you the best results and a healthy, thriving Calathea.
Where should I place my Calathea?
The ideal location to place your Calathea would be an area in your home that receives bright indirect light. Avoid placing your Calathea in a spot that gets direct sunlight, as the leaves may burn or dry out.
You’ll also want to keep it away from any direct drafts of air, including cold air from an AC vent or heat from a fireplace.
When it comes to your Calathea’s soil, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix. A succulent or cactus mix will work perfectly. To help maintain high humidity levels for your Calathea, consider grouping multiple plants together in one area or using a humidifier nearby.
Make sure to water your Calathea when the top inch or two of soil is dry. If the soil appears dry and the leaves begin to curl, it means the plant needs more water.
How do I make my plants more full?
Making plants more full is a great way to make gardens and planters look lush and vibrant. Depending on the type of plants you have.
If you have leafy ornamental plants like ferns and English ivy, regular pruning is key. Prune your plants by cutting off any dead or brown leaves, as well as any flowers or stems that are longer than the rest.
This will encourage your plants to produce new leaves and look fuller.
If you have short and woody plants, like shrubs or ground cover, you can use mulch to encourage new growth. Spread a layer of mulch on the soil to help retain moisture, as well as to provide nutrients to the soil.
Doing this regularly will encourage new growth.
You can also divide some of your plants, such as perennials, to create a fuller look. To divide, carefully dig up your plant, gently separate the roots and re-plant them at least 6 inches away from each other.
This will help create more, fuller plants than before.
Making plants more full is a great way to spruce up a garden. Use these three tips and watch your plants flourish.
How do you fix leggy Calathea?
Fixing leggy Calathea can be done a few different ways, depending on what the issue is.
First, check the amount of light that your Calathea is receiving. Leggy growth can be a sign that it’s not receiving enough light. If this is the case, move it to a location with bright, indirect light.
Next, look at the temperature and moisture of the air around your Calathea. Calathea prefers high humidity and temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the humidity and temperature in the room your Calathea is in are off, make sure to adjust them accordingly.
Try placing a humidifier in the room, or grouping your Calathea with other plants to increase the humidity.
Finally, check the soil of your Calathea. Over-watering is another common reason for Calathea to become leggy. If this is the issue, water it less often, and allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
Making these adjustments should help your leggy Calathea get back to its normal, healthy growth.
Should I cut off crispy Calathea leaves?
No, you should not cut off crispy Calathea leaves. Calathea plants are sensitive to over- or underwatering – if the leaves are crispy, it’s a sign of dehydration. Often if the leaves look wilted or crisp, they just need more water.
Additionally, if you’re dealing with pest problems, small black flies can also cause crispy leaves. That said, you shouldn’t attempt to prune the leaves as a solution to dehydration. Further, you can attempt to add more moisture in your plant’s environment – position plants away from cold drafts, and mist the leaves at least once a week.
It is also recommended to use lukewarm, filtered water on your calathea instead of regular tap water. Additionally, you can monitor the soil according to the instructions of the plant (check it for wetness to make sure it’s been well hydrated) – or invest in a humidity monitor to ensure that the foliage is receiving enough humidity.