Calathea: description, care and reproduction at home

Calathea crocata belongs to the Marantaceae family. The birthplace of the plant is Brazil.

This attractive species, a relative of the arrowroot (Maranta), stromanthe (Stromanthe) and ctenanthe (Ctenanthe), has recently appeared on the sale of flower shops. The name of the plant "kalatea" has a Greek origin from the word "kalathos", which means "basket". Initially, the locals of Brazil used its leaves to make baskets, which explains such an unusual name. Today, such a flower is more an aesthetic decoration than a raw material for production. Its appearance fascinates not only admirers of the beautiful, but also experienced flower growers who have seen more than a dozen attractive ornamental plants.

Domestic varieties of the calathea flower stand out among the indoor "oasis" with their variegated and majestic foliage. In turn, the inflorescences with bright orange-yellow flowers look luxurious against the background of dark green leaves with a red-brown underside. The flowers last for a long time. The flowering period most often falls on the spring-summer period. The height of this wonderful green "pet" can be 80-90 cm, while its oval leaves reach a length of about 35 cm. For a year, with proper care, it can please its owners with the appearance of 5-6 new leaves.

Indoor plant species of calathea have been decorating rooms for many years, but for normal development they require periodic transplantation. Among professional florists, there is a comic nickname for this flower - "prayer". This is due to the peculiarity of the placement of leaves in the evening. They rise and, turning to each other, resemble palms closed in prayer. The charm and beauty of such a home plant in a flower shop will surely attract the special attention of the buyer.

Varieties and varieties of indoor plant calathea: photo, name and description

The arrowroot family, of which the calathea is a representative, pleases with its diversity and abundance of all kinds of interpretations of colors, inflorescences and shapes. According to modern breeders, there are many types of calathea and more than a hundred varieties in nature. But not all of them are cultivated and can grow at home.

For a more detailed acquaintance with the existing types of "home" calathea, take a look at the photo with the indicated names and read the brief description.

Saffron (crocata) flower is considered the most decorative representative among its domestic relatives. The Amazon coast is considered a habitual habitat. Oval leaves with corrugated edges have a rich green hue with a bright brown underside. The inflorescences are located on elongated stems and attract with variegated orange colors. It was this trait that gave the plant the nickname "eternal flame". Attractive fire flowers bloom in winter and delight the eye for more than 4 months.

Especially exquisite is the amazing calathea plant called Medallion. A relatively short representative of his family, whose height barely reaches 40 cm.Distinctive features are its oval leaves, where rich silvery spots can be seen against a dark green background, creating a unique and inimitable ornament. The purple underside of the leafy plate becomes visible in the evening as they gently turn to prepare for "sleep."

The decorated calathea shown in the photo is a type of plant, the name of which confirms the presence of an elegant pattern on deciduous plates:

Contrasting white streaks on juicy green leaves give them a special brightness and attractiveness.

At home, experienced florists cultivate one of the most beautiful varieties of this type of calathea - Sanderianu. Such an amazing flower reaches more than 50 cm in height with wide oblong leaves, on which there are characteristic white and pale pink stripes from the central vein to the edges of the deciduous plate. The reverse side of the leaf is painted in a noble burgundy color.

Another variety of this type of calathea was named Roseolineata due to the smooth transition of shades on the leaves from bright pink to silver-white... Such variegated stripes, located in pairs from the central vein to the edges of the leaf plates, look very neat and elegant.

The lanceolate variety of the calathea flower is rightfully considered the most attractive representative of its kind. That is why the people have another name for it - wonderful. The height of this plant in the wild reaches 70 cm, however, for its indoor varieties, the maximum value of this parameter is 45-50 cm. The foliage is distinguished by a lanceolate structure, wavy edges and a slightly convex vein in the center. The color of the deciduous plate is the main advantage of this type. Dark green stripes in combination with light ovals create a unique ornament that bewitches and attracts the eye.

A rather rare species of calathea was named Lancifolia. Even at home, this plant can reach 80 cm in height. The leaves of the flower are elongated with a distinctive light green color, on which dark spots are located along the inner central vein. Delicate inflorescences of white or pale pink color are compactly located on low legs, creating a luxurious lush bouquet.

Varshevich's calathea is distinguished by its exceptional sophistication, which will easily decorate any room. The tall plant, reaching 90-120 cm, has beautiful wavy leaves with a velvety surface in dark green colors and a lighter center. The flowers of this type of calathea outwardly resemble spikelets of white color with barely bent petals.

The tropical species of Calathea is striped or Zebrina. A bright representative of its family, which is characterized by wide oval leaves with a length of about 40 cm and clearly visible stripes. The inflorescences are placed on short legs and, depending on the variety, are white or lilac.

Admire this type of calathea by looking at the photo of its varieties:

Calathea Makoya is interesting for flower growers exclusively for its abstractly "painted" leaves, since this plant is not characterized by flowering.

In terms of its external parameters, which is confirmed by the proposed photo, this variety of calathea belongs to the number of compact plants, the height of which does not exceed 30-40 cm:

The leaf blades have a silvery surface with dark green stripes and spots, creating original patterns and ornaments in their combination. Long lilac leaf petioles have a slight hairiness. The reverse side of the leaf plate duplicates the pattern from the "front" side, but in darker shades of brown-purple.

For greater clarity of the above description, take a look at the photo of the species of calathea and their varieties with the indicated names:

This beautiful plant fascinates with its variety of patterns, shades and shapes of graceful leaves.

General information

Calathea is one of the representatives of the Marantov family. The homeland of the plant is South and Central America, although it is found in almost all tropical zones.

The genus of Kalatei is extensive and includes many decorative deciduous herbaceous or liana-like perennials. The leaves of most of them are oblong-oval or lanceolate, collected in rosettes. Their distinctive feature is a pattern of geometrically regular, symmetrical spots. The lower part is most often colored purple, sometimes has pubescence. As with the related arrowroot, the leaves of some species can fold and fall as darkness falls. For this feature, they are called prayer flowers.

The size of the bushes can reach 1.5 m, but indoor species are more compact. Shoots are mostly underground, less often short vertical ones. Some varieties form only one true leaf per outlet; others "release" 5-6. Leaves quickly evaporate moisture, so the plant dies in arid climates. With the exception of two species, calatheas do not bloom. After flowering, the aerial part may die off.

Conditions for caring for the indoor flower calathea

Growing a calathea plant is a rather difficult and difficult task. Any experienced florist will confirm the capriciousness and exactingness of this home flower. Therefore, not everyone can provide the necessary conditions for the normal life of an ornamental shrub. It is necessary to pay attention to the proper air humidity, temperature stability, sufficient lighting.

• Location: semi-shade, which does not provide for direct sunlight.
• Temperature: increased all year round, even in winter not lower than 16 ° С. It is important to ensure the stability of the temperature regime, which in the warm season would be + 21 ... + 25 ° C, and even in the harsh winter it would be at least + 16 ... + 19 ° C. The absence of drafts is a prerequisite for the normal growth of home motley beauties.
• Air humidity: high - 80-90%. Good conditions are created by a closed showcase for indoor plants, which provides the necessary lighting, maintains a constant temperature and humidity. It is necessary to spray regularly with softened water or provide high humidity in a non-contact way.
• Substrate: flower potting soil, which can be purchased at any specialty flower shop.

The specified list of vital conditions for the normal development of this home shrub is far from exhaustive. Therefore, further it is worthwhile to figure out in detail how to properly care for the graceful indoor flower calathea, before decorating your home with it. But all efforts and efforts will be rewarded with extraordinary beauty and attractiveness!

What does Uranus warn about?

Catalea is a name whose meaning is due to the negative aspects of Uranus (it can cause drastic life changes). Catalans should beware of electrical accidents and be careful when handling various equipment.

Nervous disorders are possible, provoked by failures in the sensitive nervous system. Those close to you need to understand that Catalea is a name, the meaning of which gives both pros and cons. However, pay a little more attention to your charming lady, and troubles will bypass her.

How to properly care for indoor flower calathea at home

The whimsicality of the calathea flower increases the requirements for caring for it at home. And despite the fact that the "whims" of this ornamental shrub for many will seem impracticable, it is still possible to achieve the desired result.The healthy shine of wide colorful leaves with unique patterns and pronounced stripes is something for which it is worth making efforts and efforts.

For many novice amateur flower growers, the highest level of skill is considered to be the cultivation of an indoor flower calathea, since what care should be taken for it is not clear to everyone.

And if an amazing shrub brought from a flower shop pleases and attracts the eye, then after a couple of weeks there are many reasons for concern. Dry leaves, yellow color of their tips, wilting are not the whole list of those problems that beginners may face.

The recommendations of experienced professionals in the industry below will help you figure out how to properly care for a calathea plant in your usual home conditions and achieve the best results.

Short description

What is “calathea medallion”? This plant is prized by amateur flower growers mainly for its beautiful variegated leaves. Their color is very bright and effective. The wide blades of the flower are oval in shape. At the same time, in the center of each of them, as it were, another lighter "leaf" with beautiful wavy white edges and a huge number of yellow and pink veins is drawn. This color looks really original.

The leaves of this plant grow in the form of tubes, gradually unfolding. In the morning, the plates are arranged horizontally, and in the evening they begin to take a vertical position. Their underside is dark pink.

Leaves are the only merit of such a plant as "calathea medallion". Its flowering is not too spectacular and abundant. The corollas of this flower have only one value: the seeds formed in them are often used for reproduction. But there are interesting varieties of flowers.

Sometimes on sale there are very effective hybrids of the plant "calathea medallion". For example, varieties with leaves painted in all shades of purple both above and below are very popular among lovers of indoor flowers.

Watering and feeding when leaving calathea (with video)

• Watering: use soft, well-purified water at room temperature. Water in moderation all year round, making sure that the soil is always slightly moist. Excess moisture that flows into the pallets must be removed immediately so that the soil does not rot and fungi do not form. It is important to regularly spray the surface of the leaf plates with water at room temperature in order to achieve a healthy shine and rich shades.
• Top dressing: in the summer, once every 2 weeks in small doses. As a fertilizer, it is better to give preference to mineral complexes that are intended for deciduous domestic plants. For better care of indoor shrubs of calathea, in the presence of flowers, it is advisable to use fertilizing for flowering plants.

In winter, to create the required level of humidity in the air, it is advisable to resort to using special devices - air humidifiers. A positive effect on the condition and growth of ornamental shrubs is exerted by periodic plowing of the soil, which is enriched with oxygen, vital for the rhizome.

Following these recommendations will help to avoid unpleasant nuances while growing such a capricious and demanding green "pet".

For a more detailed description of the basic principles of caring for calathea, watch the video, where experienced florists will demonstrate all the most important subtleties:

Spraying the plant

As already mentioned, this procedure is mandatory when growing "calathea". The plant should be sprayed correctly. You only need to humidify the air around the leaves. Water should not get on the plates themselves.Otherwise, they may get burned or dark spots. Spraying should be done several times a day. If there is not enough time, then you can do a little differently - put the flower pot in a larger container, and fill the resulting empty space with wet moss. This natural moisturizer should not be allowed to dry out in the future. It is necessary to spray the flower, of course, in this case as well. However, this procedure can be carried out less frequently.

Why do the tips of the leaves turn yellow and dry in calathea, what to do in this case

From the description of the varieties of calathea, the fact of their attractiveness and whimsicality to living conditions remains indisputable. And as soon as the slightest "requirement" is not met, the plant makes it known in the form of diseases. That is why beginners in floriculture often encounter problem situations when the tips of the leaves of calathea begin to turn yellow and dry. But in order to eliminate such an unpleasant "symptom" of the disease, it is necessary to understand its causes.

The leaf plates of this ornamental plant can acquire a yellowish tint at different levels. If the lower leaves begin to turn yellow, then there is no cause for concern, since this indicates the passage of the usual processes of natural rejuvenation. However, if a large part of the deciduous crown of a bush acquires a yellow color, then it is worthwhile to deal with the main prerequisites for such an unsafe phenomenon.

Most professional florists, when asked why the leaves of the home calathea begin to turn yellow, give an explanation in the form of the following reasons:

1. Watering was performed incorrectly: excess or lack of moisture.
2. Low-quality water was used for soil irrigation: untreated, chlorinated or cold.
3. Insufficient air humidity.
4. Overdoing it with fertilizers.
5. Cold temperature conditions.

And if it is established what led to a situation when the leaves of the room calathea began to turn yellow, then the question of what to do will disappear by itself. After all, the elimination of the causes of the disease is the recipe for its treatment! So, by normalizing the volume and composition of the liquid during watering, you can avoid the unpleasant syndrome of "unhealthy leaves". Creating the necessary stable air temperature and humidity is an important step towards the healthy shine of the deciduous crown of an exquisite ornamental shrub at home.

How to fertilize correctly?

The plant should be fed in the spring-summer period approximately once every two weeks. Complex formulations for decorative deciduous indoor crops are best suited for this. Calathea medallion does not like too much fertilizer. Therefore, in the process of feeding, you need to use only half of the dose recommended by the manufacturer. In order not to destroy the plant, this advice should be followed strictly. You need to start feeding in the middle of spring. Finish fertilizing at the end of summer.

Why do Calathea leaves curl and dry around the edges

A widespread disease for calathea leaves is curling. The reason for this ailment lies mainly in the atmosphere:

• Decreased air humidity.
• Changeable temperature regime with a predominance of coolness.
• The presence of drafts in the habitat of the home flower.

Having studied the conditions in which the plant grows in the house, you can easily understand why the leaves of the calathea begin to curl. And this is more than enough to determine in which steps the solution and the way out of this situation are hidden.

The requirements of the capricious green "beauty" to living conditions are significant, but, of course, doable. And as soon as the basic rules of care are violated, this can be immediately determined, since the thin tips of the graceful leaves of calathea dry out. At the same time, in order to eliminate such a consequence, it is worth understanding the root causes.

If the drying edges predominate with yellowness, then the plant is on the sunny side of the room, and direct rays burn its foliage.

In the case when the leaves of the calathea gradually dry around the edges, with the appearance of dark spots, it is worth reducing the amount of spraying or revising the temperature and composition of the water used for this purpose.

The advice of experienced flower growers on how to react and what to do when the leaves of the calathea dry up is to study the place where the plant lives: light, temperature and its changes, drafts. The second line of action is to track irrigation regimes for both soil and foliage. And if in the described conditions there are no deviations from the "norm", then the matter may lie in mineral fertilizers and possible parasites.

How to choose a seat?

Flower "calathea medallion" refers to shade-resistant plants. Indeed, in the wild, it grows in the lower tier of tropical rainforests. Experts recommend keeping this flower in partial shade. If you put the pot in the sun, then the plant, perhaps, will withstand such conditions that are not too suitable for it. However, in this case, its leaves will not be too bright. It is best to place the flower on the north window behind the curtain. The only exceptions to this rule are purple hybrids. It is better to install them on the east or west window.

Air humidity for this flower needs very high - 90%. Even in a bathroom in an apartment or house, such conditions cannot be created. Therefore, the flower should be sprayed very often. This procedure cannot be neglected. Otherwise, the plant will die.

Pests causing leaf diseases in calathea

Among the main pests that cause diseases in calathea, there are:

• False shields.
• Red spider mite.
• Thrips.

A more detailed description of the damage caused by these insects is given below.

Red spider mite - an insidious parasite that is very dangerous for many indoor plants with insufficient air humidity. The main sign of its appearance is a thin cobweb, with which it "envelops" the graceful inflorescences of an ornamental shrub. In addition, many small white spots appear, and the edges of the leaves of the calathea gradually dry out. If you do not get rid of such a pest in time, then the houseplant can completely wither away.

False shield - a parasite that feeds on the cell sap of a flower, as a result of which the leaf plates wither and dry when characteristic brown spots appear. It is not difficult to determine the presence of such pests, since its wax plaques are very noticeable on the surface of bright green leaf plates.

Thrips appear with excessive watering, and their presence is indicated by white spots on the surface of the leaves, which subsequently grow, dry and turn into holes.

Therefore, to the question of why the tips of the leaves curl and dry in the beautiful calathea, the answer may lie in the presence of harmful insects.

To combat such parasites, experienced flower growers are advised to learn the main points.

• Firstly, the main task in treatment is to isolate the "focus" of the lesion in time, since all insects multiply and spread at a tremendous speed.
• Secondly, high humidity is a condition in which pests die, therefore such a step is no less important as the subsequent spraying.
• Thirdly, it is possible to eliminate the false shield and thrips using an insecticidal preparation, but to improve the effectiveness of such a procedure, it is necessary to first treat the affected leaves with a concentrated soap solution.
• Fourth, the most difficult task is to eliminate the red spider mite in one procedure, which is easily adaptable to most chemicals.

Often, calathea is affected, in addition to pests, by the fungal disease rhizoctonia, the cause of which is excessive moisture in the soil. It is she who leads to decay of the rhizome and creates favorable conditions for the development of rhizoctonia. The recipe for treatment for such a fungus is the use of fungicides as spray preparations.

A beautiful and healthy ornamental calathea bush requires compliance with all the conditions for its normal life. In this case, as a token of gratitude, he will delight his owners with beautiful broad-leaved crowns with variegated shiny coloring and amazing flowering.

What pests most often infect a plant?

In case of insufficient spraying, "calathea medallion" can be affected by spider mites. This pest settles on the back of the leaves and envelops them with many thin white threads. The mite is very small and almost invisible to the human eye. When a pest appears, the plant should be sprayed with some kind of insecticide.

Sometimes "calathea medallion" is also affected by thrips. They form numerous colonies on the underside of the plant. As a result, the color of the plate even changes. For treatment in this case, you can use a soap solution or an insecticide. After spraying, the bush needs to be lightly fed.

Often scale insects settle on the green parts of the calathea medallion flower. This is the name of the small black bugs that feed on the sap of the plant. Like thrips, scale insects can be destroyed with soapy water. They should shed all the green parts of the flower abundantly.

Transplant when caring for calathea at home: how to transplant a flower

A necessary requirement for home care for kalata is its transplant, which should be carried out immediately after purchase or upon reaching a certain age and size. Periodic replanting is performed as needed in the spring.

Only the acquired plant should not be transplanted immediately, you need to give it a few days to adapt to the new living conditions. Initially, flower growers recommend to track the condition of the flower, check for parasites, "pamper" with a warm shower, and then perform the entire procedure for transplanting an elegant calathea in your usual home conditions.

Professionals recommend transplanting in a clear sequence.

To begin with, choose a pot that should be wide and shallow, in order to avoid the accumulation of excess moisture. The base layer in the transfer tank is expanded clay drainage, which will prevent unwanted waterlogging of the soil. The width of the expanded clay layer is determined by calculating the height of the pot and the size of the rhizome, since the distance between the roots of the plant and the drainage must be at least 2 cm.

A substrate for arrowroot and azaleas is suitable as a soil, but before use it must be carefully reviewed for the presence of parasites. For prevention, it is advisable to pre-disinfect the soil with special solutions and preparations in order to avoid undesirable consequences.

The transplanted plant should be cleaned of excess soil on the rhizomes, straighten the roots and carefully place them in the prepared soil. It is not worth tamping the ground around the "seedling", let the roots independently adapt to the new "place of residence" and have access to oxygen.

To maintain moderate soil moisture, you should not overdo it with watering and carry out the first irrigation procedure 2-3 days after transplanting.

During the incubation period, special attention should be paid to loosening the soil and light spraying from a fine dispersion spray, so that the moisture barely touches the leafy plates in the form of a cloud. Spraying with a solution of zircon can have a beneficial effect on the condition of a newly transplanted flower.

Such a detailed procedure will help even beginners figure out how to properly transplant calathea and achieve optimal results in floriculture.

Transfer

Calathea bushes grow intensively. Young plants are transplanted annually, adults - once every 2-3 years. Calathea tolerates this procedure most easily in early spring, in early March.

Finding the right pot and soil

Soil for calathea should be moisture-consuming, loose and have a slightly acidic reaction. A mixture of leafy soil, peat and sand (4: 2: 1) will be optimal. Be sure to add components that retain moisture - perlite, vermiculite or hydrogel - in the amount of 15-20% of the total volume.

A small amount of coniferous soil or sphagnum moss is used for acidification. Some growers recommend mixing a small amount of charcoal into the substrate to prevent root rot. You can buy ready-made soil for decorative deciduous plants. Pots choose wide and low.

Transplant process

Calathea transplant is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. The plant is removed from an old container along with an earthen clod, taking care not to damage the roots.
2. If necessary, neatly separate the daughter sockets.
3. A good layer of drainage and some fresh soil are placed in a new pot.
4. Place the bush vertically so that it does not have to be buried.
5. Sprinkle the substrate on the sides without tamping it and water it abundantly.

In order for the calathea to recover faster after the stress suffered, it is placed in greenhouse conditions for several weeks.

Reproduction of calathea by cuttings and leaves

An important stage in the life of any home plant is its reproduction. It is this process that allows you to breed green "pets" and create unsurpassed greenhouses and indoor flower gardens.

Florists use several types of reproduction of calathea in ordinary home conditions: by dividing large plants in September or by apical cuttings in spring, when the earth warms up to 20 ° C. Each of the possible methods has its own characteristics, nuances and advantages.

According to many experts in this field, the most effective technique involves reproduction by dividing an adult shrub. In such a procedure, it is worth considering the important points and features of the procedure.

It is possible to correctly divide the flower only during transplantation, when the structure of the rhizome and leaves is clearly visible. The temperature regime during transplanting should not be lower than + 20 ... + 22 ° С.

A selected pot for a "young" shoot should correspond to its size, not exceeding a diameter of 7-9 cm. The substrate must include three components: sand, leafy soil and peat. It is necessary to place such a shoot in a warm place with the desired level of air humidity.

However, it is worth remembering the capriciousness of this plant and you should not expect rapid rooting.

Another way to propagate home calathea is with the help of sheets, that is, cuttings. The sequence of this process consists of clearly arranged steps.

• Firstly, an aerial shoot with several healthy leaves may be a suitable cuttings.
• Secondly, a carefully separated stalk should be planted in a previously prepared moist soil and covered with a film.
• Thirdly, the duration of such an artificially created "greenhouse" depends on how quickly the sprout takes root.
• Fourth, the stalk with overgrown roots is transplanted into a small pot and given the opportunity to grow stronger, after which it is worth repeating the transplant into a large container.

Such a procedure can only be done by professionals who know exactly all the features of cuttings and can create the necessary greenhouse effect for young shoots.

Reproduction

Calathea reproduces by basal processes and rhizome division. Daughter sockets are separated during transplantation.In order for the bush to take root, it must have 2-3 full-fledged leaves and a developed root system. Young plants are carefully separated, trying to cause as little damage to the mother as possible: the roots of calathea do not tolerate interventions well.

The separated bushes are transplanted into a cramped dish in a mixture of peat and perlite. Be sure to place them in a greenhouse or cover them with a plastic bag to maintain constant humidity and temperature. A month later, when new roots grow, the plant gradually begins to accustom to open air, opening a greenhouse every day.

The method of dividing the rhizome is more traumatic for calathea - both delenki can die. Moreover, different varieties react differently to the procedure. Therefore, if you are the owner of a "capricious" variety, it is better to refuse this method of reproduction. The division is carried out with a spring transplant. The rhizomes are cut into 2 parts, sprinkling the cuts with crushed charcoal. Each section should have several points of growth. They are planted in tight containers in a substrate with a large amount of peat and perlite; placed in greenhouse conditions for a month.

How calathea reproduces by seeds

For those who want to comprehensively study the question of how indoor calathea multiplies, it is worth remembering another alternative technique - using seeds. In life, it is used very rarely, since, along with significant efforts, not every experienced grower manages to obtain the expected result. The technology of this breeding method covers several simple procedures.

Prepare the soil thoroughly by mixing sheet earth with sand in a 2: 1 ratio. Plant seeds in a moistened substrate. It is important to observe the temperature regime - 22-24 ° С heat and air humidity not less than 80%.

Plant densely sprouted sprouts, giving them the opportunity to develop and grow stronger.

Plant young rooted sprouts in pots with a diameter of no more than 7 cm and carefully look after them until they reach a more "mature" state, after which repeat the procedure with transplantation.

Such a breeding process can take more than six months, so many initially discard the possibility of its application in practice.

It is not so easy to achieve the desired results when growing, reproducing and transplanting calathea, but all efforts and efforts will be rewarded with sophistication, sophistication and extraordinary beauty of the ornamental shrub. Such a miracle of nature can create a cozy atmosphere in any room with hints of tropical exoticism.

cultivation experience

at home ... read

What should be the soil?

A pot for indoor flowers "calathea medallion" is filled with a substrate of the following composition:

• peat - 1 part;
• earth mixed with humus in equal proportions - 1 hour;
• sand - ½ h;
• ground charcoal - ¼ part.

You can also buy ready-made potting soil for Marantov family plants at a flower shop. In order for "calathea medallion" to feel good in a pot, pebbles and broken shards should be placed on the bottom of the container.

Flowering, pruning

Calathea grows quite intensively - in good conditions, the plant produces 5-7 leaves every year. Flowering in different species can occur from early spring to late summer and lasts an average of three weeks. The inflorescence looks like an ear. It contains small, rather inconspicuous flowers of different colors - white, yellow, pink, purple.

Flowering calathea redbeard

The flowering species were separately mentioned above. Kalata have such a feature - in some species, after flowering, the entire aboveground part dries up and dies off. This should not be feared. You need to continue to moderately water the plant and after a while young leaves will appear from the rhizomes, and the plant will come to life again.The same can happen with some drying out of the earthen coma, when all the leaves are dry. It is only necessary to carefully, without going deep, cut off everything dry, and soon the plant will restore its foliage. Sanitary pruning (that is, dry, rotten, black and brown leaf spots) indoors is essential to prevent disease.

Which zodiac sign is best suited

Calathea influences the creation of a strong character, therefore it is suitable for many signs of the Zodiac, but especially this plant is considered the flower of Aquarius. However, it is undesirable for such Zodiac Signs to have Calathea: Aries: for Aries, she is capable of disrupting the energy of the room and causing discomfort; Gemini: For Gemini, she is a poorly compatible plant. Leo: for this sign, she is able to disrupt the energy balance and increase the negative impact, which can become destructive. Leos are especially contraindicated to keep Calathea in living rooms.

Varieties

There are about 130 types of kalata, many of which are widespread among home growers. Almost all of them are distinguished by beautiful decorative leaves, and the saffron calathea also has bright orange flowers.

Photo gallery: crocata, zebrin, sanderian and other varieties of calathea, differing in leaf color

Calathea Lubbersa is distinguished by asymmetrical bright yellow spots on oval green leaves

Calathea red-bearded has an interesting feature: the cuttings and the underside of the leaves are covered with a light down; leaves are narrow and long, green, without stripes

Round-leaved calathea is distinguished by round green leaves with gray stripes; does not tolerate temperatures below 16 degrees - deforms and sheds leaves

Mosaic calathea has a very interesting mosaic pattern: this effect is achieved by bright green veins on a light background of leaves

Calathea Varshevich has dark green leaves with light stripes

Calathea Makoya is distinguished by a unique pattern on the leaves in the form of a green feather on a silver background

Colored calathea leaves look contrasting due to the combination of a light middle of the leaf and a dark green strip along the edges.

Decorated calathea, or sanderian, is considered one of the most spectacular calatheas: dark green leaves are decorated with white, silver, pink stripes

Calathea saffron differs from other species in beautiful orange-red flowers; in order to ensure long-term flowering, it is necessary to keep it in the shade from October to December, and then in winter the plant will delight with long flowering

Calathea Medallion has wide leaves with pink stripes, but over time, the pattern tends to lighten

sanderian

Calathea Litze, in comparison with other species, looks modest

Calathea lanceolate is distinguished by an elongated shape and wavy leaf edges

Calathea striped - one of the most common indoor species

Calathea Veicha is a large plant with large shiny leaves. The drawing represents green stripes diverging along the veins of the leaf.

Calathea leopard got its name because of the spotted leaves, light green, with clear oval spots of a darker color

Photos with the name "calathea mix" are often found on the net. This is not a variety, but a composition of plants with different leaf colors.

Feng Shui meaning

According to the Eastern teachings of Feng Shui, calathea is associated with the Sun and Mars, which enrich it with fiery energy. Therefore, the plant is endowed with the ability to warm the human body and protect it from colds and hypothermia. Another healing property of the flower is the resorption of blood clots in the blood vessels and the prevention of their appearance.

Calathea in the home has a positive effect on personal life and is conducive to business success. Timid and shy people with the help of the plant will become more decisive, find a purpose in life, gain an inner core and strength of mind.

According to Feng Shui, calathea is essential in a house where a large family lives. After all, the flower absorbs the energy of aggression, encourages household members to set the right goals, open new interesting activities and hobbies to their liking, freely and without conflict to achieve all this.

The presence of calathea in the home normalizes the flow of vital energy in the house, ensures harmony in relationships and positive communication between family members.

Why does it bloom?

Real flowers appear in periods when the duration of daylight hours drops to 8, to a maximum of 10 hours a day. Therefore, the flowering of the "prayer book" can be expected only very early in spring, or in late autumn.

From a mystical point of view, the flower blooms during a period of well-being or being in the house of a sick person, in the flowering state, an energetic effect occurs, which is stronger than when the plant does not bloom.

What if the leaves dry?

Most often, calathea owners are faced with the fact that its leaves wither. So the plant signals its following problems:

1. Cold air. At temperatures below 18 °, the leaves begin to turn yellow;
2. Fluctuations in temperatures. Therefore, you can not often rearrange the calathea, for example, from the floor to the windowsill;
3. Reduced humidity. Although in this case the leaves may not wither, but will acquire a brown tint and shrink.

It turns out that Calathea Lubbers needs regular care. Its owner should be willing to spend money on good fertilizing and soil. In order for calathea to delight with its green leaves, you will also need to humidify the air and maintain an optimal temperature.

Testimonials

This beauty lives at our work (and now it is already at home) and pleases the eye with a striped cap of green leaves. Small oval leaves resemble bunny ears in shape, which is why colleagues called the stranger that way. Loves humidity and dim lighting. Does not tolerate drafts and sudden temperature changes. Calathea grows quickly enough, expelling the tubules of leaves around the main bush. It blooms, but we haven't seen it yet. Propagated by cuttings. We just dig in and with the roots we separate the shoots from the mother plant. I really like this whale, I recommend it!

mitina3112

I do not like too whimsical flowers. < …> Calathea Makoya is just such a flower. They gave it to me, I wouldn't buy it myself in my life. The impression is that it is enough to look at him "wrong" - and he will start to wither. It has been worth a couple of years in such a frozen state - it does not really grow, it periodically begins to wither. The leaves, of course, are beautiful, and even blooms with small purple inflorescences. Calatheas are photophilous, but they cannot stand the direct sun, they love warmth, in no case should they be flooded, it is necessary to often spray.

julijamilaja

Calathea absolutely cannot stand dry air. And in winter, with central heating in an apartment, there is no other, so in winter the plant begins to wither, for some it just dies. Regular spraying does little to help. It is especially difficult to maintain a plant that was purchased directly from the greenhouse. It seems that Calathea is just experiencing a shock, getting from the greenhouse into an ordinary apartment. And not all plants survive after this shock. If you really want to start a calathea, then it is better to take a shoot from a plant that has already survived several seasons in an apartment environment and has managed to adapt.

ViCamilleri

The houseplant calathea appeared three years ago, presented for my birthday. Those who donated were in the know and chose a flower for the north window. Flower shop sellers advised calathea. And now the plant pleases me for three years, it does not stand on the window, it feels pretty decent. I water it as needed, but if you pour it, nothing terrible will happen yt. I have already transplanted my flower, new shoots have appeared.

Solution of problems

Table: curling drying leaves and other signs of care errors

The cell sap of arrowroot is considered poisonous, thanks to which the calathea is resistant to diseases. And pests affect, as a rule, plants already weakened by improper care.

Table: how to save a flower from pests

Catalea (name for a girl): meaning

We talked about negative features, but there are also positive ones, there are much more of them. Catalea has a charisma that manifests itself at an early age. She attracts the attention of both peers and adults. People admire her, want to chat, play. This girl is like a gem, for the possession of which there is an irreconcilable struggle. By the way, this quality prevents young Catalya from successfully mastering the school curriculum. Either one friend will do the lessons for her, then another will distract her in the classroom, the girlfriends definitely need to chat with her during recess, and the teachers constantly strive to attract her to participate in the events. It is necessary to ensure that such popularity does not contribute to the development of laziness in the girl. She cannot relax, since her life will be difficult.

The girl grows up sociable, inquisitive, active. Its energy should be directed in a constructive direction. It is useful for Cataleys to practice music and dance. These girls have an innate understanding of beauty that needs to be developed.

Common types of calathea

There are many types of flower. The most common are those that do not require much attention when organizing the care of calathea flowers.

Medallion is a type of plant that is popular and common in Northwest Brazil. Its height reaches 40 centimeters. The leaves are purple below and dark green above. In order for this species to grow well, it is necessary that the plant is in a sunny and closed room. Calathea plant Medallion care requires careful, taking into account many nuances. The air temperature must reach at least 16 degrees Celsius, and the soil must be at least 20. In the worst case, the plant will start to rot.

Lasenenri is a type of calathea that grows well in Colombia, Bolivia, Peru or Ecuador. The plant is very beautiful, as it has original pointed white flowers and light green leaves.

Can I keep at home

Without a doubt, calathea will become a decoration of the apartment, but at the same time, efforts will have to be made to organize suitable living conditions for this exotic beauty. Not every grower can grow it at home. You will have to carefully control the frequency and volume of watering, monitor the humidity and temperature in the room.

The reward for your efforts will be the benefits that Calathea will bring to your home. It is a versatile filter that can reduce the content of harmful microorganisms in the room.

For beginner growers and people who, due to lack of time, cannot provide the flower with appropriate care, it is recommended to abandon the cultivation of calathea. A capricious plant loves attention and without it will literally wither before our eyes. But, if you have patience and devote a little time to the flower, it will delight your eyes with attractive foliage and become a talisman for your home.

What does a room cattleya look like?

Natural species of Cattleya served as the basis for the selection of indoor hybrids. Today, there are several thousand species of them, differing from each other in terms of flowering, colors and sizes. An adult indoor orchid has a height of no more than 35 cm. Moreover, the main reason for such a small growth is that it is inconvenient to keep a large plant in modern apartments - it can break and fall. Therefore, specimens of indoor orchids are transplanted with pseudobulbs.

Young Cattleya mossia has 1–2 leaves, and their number gradually increases as the plant grows. The length of the peduncles does not exceed 20 cm. The indoor specimen does not give long branches during flowering, such as phalaenopsis. The orchid is adapted to survive in an apartment, but for its flowering it is necessary to comply with certain conditions - the correct temperature and light conditions, good watering.

Flower shape and color

Indoor options have 3-5 flowers, the diameter of which is from 12 to 24 cm. Each flower can stay fresh up to 21 days. The flowers have a shape characteristic of the orchid family, a prominent wide lip with edges that resemble an openwork pattern. Common colors of blooming orchids:

• crimson;
• citric;
• white;
• pale pink;
• purple;
• soft golden;
• bright combinations of the above shades.

Signs associated with calathea

Calathea protects family happiness. It consumes negative energy, which reduces the emotional stress of all household members. Calathea exudes a positive attitude and attracts happiness.

It is believed that the plant gives courage and determination to insecure people. Often the person next to him begins to more actively strive to achieve goals. Calathea endows hot-tempered people with the ability to pacify their anger.

If you put the plant in the nursery, then the baby will be protected from the evil eye and damage. His sleep will become sound, and his behavior will be calmer.

Calathea is also suitable for the elderly. This lush flower is believed to restore an aura that is often weakened in old people due to illness.

general information

Many talk about her as the queen of orchids: she has a wide palette of colors, delicate aroma, an unusual flower shape in the form of a lip in the middle and several petals.

Leaves of 2 types: single-leaved and double-leaved, that is, with the appearance of a new pseudobulb, 1 or 2 leaves will grow. Usually, no more than 5 flowers bloom on a plant, but there are more; flowering lasts about 4 weeks.

There are about 40 species of Cattleya orchids in the world., but geneticists and breeders are still developing new varieties. They have a wonderful smell and large flowers, and are much easier to adapt to living conditions.Examples of breeding crops: astilba cattleya and others.

Gallery: calathea (52 photos)

How to save calathea from diseases and pests

This indoor flower is affected by spider mites, scale insects, thrips, and fusarium wilting. This is often the result of improper plant care.

Table: methods of treating a flower from diseases and pests

Photo gallery: diseases and pests that affect calathea

Spider mites can be recognized by cobwebs and white bloom on the leaves.

The scabula looks like rounded plaques.

Thrips leave discolored dots on the sheet

Fusarium wilting is very dangerous and cannot be cured.

Sooty mushroom - a frequent companion of pests on the plant

What to expect from a flower?

It is noticed that with the purchase of calathea:

• those living in the house have goals (study, work, career in art), in the achievement of which there are no special obstacles, all issues are resolved without conflicts and as if by themselves;
• new serious hobbies are discovered, suitable in spirit and desire;
• the energy field of sick and elderly people is strengthened and restored;
• insecurity disappears in shy people, firmness and decisiveness in actions appear;
• communication with family and friends becomes more lively, bringing carefree fun, like in childhood.

For women

Particular attention is paid to calathea in the house of women, the presence of a flower in the house guarantees the renewal of good relations, it can be:

• family relations with her husband - you need to place a pot with a plant in the bedroom, and then the couple's relationship will experience a new romantic period, the relationship will be filled with harmony and love;
• relationships at work with colleagues and supervisors - you need to place a pot with a plant on your desk;
• relationships with others.

Content

• Listen to the article
• Growing features
• Caring for calathea at home How to care
• Fertilizer calathea
• Calathea transplant