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Calathea Leopardina

185.83

1 in stock

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Single plant(3-5 leaves)| Pot Included

Light

Unlike other houseplants, Calathea can be placed in direct sunlight. Be sure to only place the plant in a well-lit area without direct sunlight from a window. If you do not have direct sunlight from a window, you should place the pots inside a room with indirect light. This will also allow for proper watering of the soil, which is essential.

Soil

It is important that you fill the pots with enough soil for them to thrive. The soil should be a very high-quality, well-draining potting medium. Calathea will need a lot of drainages, and a mix of small peat pellets and perlite is good. These peat pellets can only be used if they are sifted through a screen or with a special gardener tool. Do not use large rocks in the soil as they could injure the roots.

How To Grow The Calathea Leopardina

Calathea Leopardina Care

Growth habits

Calathea can reach between one to three feet in height, depending on the size of the pot, and can be pruned back to any size you wish to keep. They do not bloom much because their leaves are so thick. However, they will start to grow new foliage quickly when they are kept indoors. After about six weeks, you can plant them out again during spring or summer. If you want your Calathea Leopardina to flower, it will need at least two flowering seasons.

Staking

If needed, you can stake your plant up to prevent it from falling over. The stake should be placed at least six inches away from the leaves. The tip of the stem should only go two inches below the top of the pot. Use a metal stake that is sturdy but not too thick. Calathea does not require staking during winter, but it can be helpful for its protection against insects that are often present during this season.

Watering

Calathea does not require that much water. However, if left sitting in a pool of water, they can drown. Make sure the soil is always moist. Watering will be necessary whenever you notice new growth has started (in spring) and sometimes during the winter if the plant is placed outside of outdoor areas. Watering should be done sparingly to avoid root rot or root burn. A good technique is to let the soil dry out between watering; this will prevent withering and encourage new growth on the plant.

Fertilizing

Calathea is easily fertilized. It does not require regular feeding because it grows very well without fertilizer. If you decide to feed your plant, then use a good organic fertilizer high in nitrogen and controlled release. You can fertilize them anytime during late spring or early summer, according to the instructions on the fertilizer package. Be certain that you mix the fertilizer slowly, so it does not create too much dust.

Humidity

Humidity should be high. During the winter months, you can place the plant in a pot with fresh sphagnum moss placed loosely around its base. This will help it retain moisture and prevent root rot. Calathea loves humidity, but it only needs high humidity when it is in direct sunlight. If you are not able to have direct sunlight, then placing your plant in a sealed room with plenty of ventilation is best. Keep the windows open when possible so that the room stays humid during winter when dry outside.

Mulching

Mulch is not necessary with Calathea. If you want to, you can use an un-organic mulch such as peat but avoid charcoal, affecting the root system. If you don’t want to place your Calathea in a planter with sphagnum moss, you can use mulch around the plant base. This will help it retain water throughout the winter months. Using mulch on top of organic potting mixes is essential because they help keep moisture in so that your plant can absorb it through its roots.

Trimming and Pruning

Trimming and Pruning are not necessary for Calathea because it rarely goes dormant or blooms. However, if you want to produce a bushier plant, you can trim excess foliage and dead branches off the plant before it flowers. It is also beneficial to prune during the early spring so that new growth will come out and look nice and fresh throughout the season.

Pot and Repotting

Calathea Leopardina does not need frequent repotting. Using the same potting soil will allow for new roots to grow. If you are not having success with your plant, consider placing it in a larger pot so that new roots can grow. If you do repot, only do so every two to six years, depending on the size of your plant. You can also cut down on watering if necessary and see if that makes a difference with your plant’s growth. This is especially true during winter when an indoor Calathea Leopardina may be less succulent than one outside of its natural environment.

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