Calathea

(Calathea picturata `Vandenheckei')

Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture

August 1996

Calathea

DESCRIPTION:

Pointed, oval, dark green leaves have silvery - white stripe down center of leaf and a scalloped stripe down each side of leaf near the margin. Red tint on underside of leaf.

FOLIAGE COLORS:

Dark Green and Silver

CONTAINER:

Small container, small planter.

LIGHT:

Medium. East or west window, about one thousand footcandles.

WATER:

Frequent. Water thoroughly, keep soil evenly moist to touch (not saturated). Don't let sit in water.

TEMPERATURE:

Warm. 71 - 85 (degrees F) days, 66 - 75 nights.

HUMIDITY:

Very high

FERTILIZER:

Every 2 months; don't overfertilize.

SOIL MIX:

1 part sterilized garden loam, 1 part clean coarse sand or Perlite, and 1/2 to 1 part sphagnum peat moss.

PROPOGATION:

Crown division

SELECTION GUIDE:

Select sturdy, shapely, healthy plant free from insect and disease damage. New leaf growth is desirable. Avoid those with yellow or brown leaf margins, wilted or water soaked leaves.

CARE:

Challenging. Difficult to grow under average home conditions. Hobby plant requiring knowledge and experience.

OTHER CULTIVARS:

`Argentea' - dark green border surrounding greenish-white area.

PROBLEMS:

Leaf scorch: Provide adequate water and humidity. Don't overfertilize.
Fertilizer burn: Leach pot with water 3 times between fertilizer applications.

COMMENTS:

Requires good drainage, high humidity, and warm night temperatures, which makes it somewhat difficult to grow.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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