Calathea
De Calathea is een hele toffe plant met een unieke uitstraling waarvan je zeker nog even een keer terug loopt om er nog eens goed naar te kijken. Die moet je in huis hebben dus!
The Calathea: a living work of art for the home
The Calathea is a striking houseplant which is known for its beautiful leaf markings and rich colors. From deep purple undersides to vibrant green patterns, each Calathea is a living work of art.
Originally from the tropical rain forests of South America, the Calathea grows in the shade of tall trees. This natural habitat has shaped it into a true shade lover. The Calathea is also called the "Prayer Plant" or "Living plant. indeed, at night the leaves fold together, as if going into prayer. A special phenomenon to which the plant owes its nicknames.
Is the Calathea air-purifying?
The Prayer Plant is known for its air-purifying properties. Like many other houseplants, the Calathea has the ability to filter certain toxins from the air and improve the air quality in the home. Among other things, the plant absorbs harmful substances such as benzene, formaldehyde and toluene.
Is the Calathea poisonous?
Fortunately, the Calathea is non-toxic and completely safe for children and pets! The plant is therefore confidently listed under our category animal-friendly houseplants.
Is the prayer plant a difficult plant?
In general, Calatheas are often seen as reasonably easy to care for houseplants, but practice shows that they require quite a bit of attention. They are sensitive to changes in their environment and have higher requirements than many other houseplants. They do well in places with indirect light or partial shade, but the Living Plant tolerates less light than many other species. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can quickly damage the leaves. Keep the potting soil slightly moist: don't let it dry out, but don't over-wet it either. Finding the right balance can sometimes take some searching, making this plant somewhat less suitable for the novice plant lover.
The different types of Calatheas
At Green Bubble, we offer several varieties of beautiful Calathea. We've listed our favorites for you!
Calathea Compactstar
The beautiful leaves of the Calathea Compactstar are light green with dark green markings. The underside of the leaves are colored purple.
Calathea Orbifolia
This is one of our favorites. The Calathea Orbifolia has unusual, silver striped leaves with a fresh green color. The plant is an eye-catcher in any interior.
Calathea Warscewiczii
The deep green, dark leaves of the Calathea Warscewiczii steal the show at your home. The leaves look like velvet!
Calathea Medallion
The beautiful leaf drawings on the Calathea Medallion really make an impression. Combined with the dark red base, this plant is an asset to your interior.
How do you care for the Prayer Plant?
The Calathea is a beautiful houseplant, but it is important to provide proper care.
- Watering: water the plant weekly. The soil should remain slightly moist, but not too wet. Check regularly to make sure the soil is dry before watering again.
- Light: the Calathea grows best in normal daylight or light shade. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn.
- Pruning: prune dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and promote growth. Pruning also helps maintain the desired shape.
- Humidity: Calatheas love high humidity! If the air in your home is dry, you could spray the plant regularly with a plant sprayer.
The ideal location for the prayer plant
The Calathea is not a fan of bright sunlight. The plant feels much more at home in a mostly shady spot. Avoid spots directly in front of a window or above a heater. This is because the Living plant loves a humid environment, and above a radiant radiator it does not feel in its element. In fact, a radiator gives off a lot of dry air, as does underfloor heating.
Pruning and cutting the Calathea
Pruning and cutting a prayer plant is not very complicated. If you take good care of the plant it will not soon be necessary to prune the Calathea. Old or dead leaves can easily be cut off near the main plant. This way you make sure that the plant directs its energy to the healthy leaves.
How to propagate the Calathea we explain in our blog "How do I cut my Calathea?
Diseases and pests in the Calathea
It is good to know that any houseplant is susceptible to plant diseases, but fortunately the prayer plant is generally quite resistant. During the winter months, the plant may be susceptible to spider mite. Spider mites can result from too dry air around the plant. You can spray the leaves preventively for this with a plant sprayer filled with water. Spraying the leaves not only increases the humidity but also significantly reduces the risk of spider mites.
Buy Calathea at Green-Bubble
Buy a colorful Prayer Plant at Green Bubble! When you buy a plant, of course you always want the healthiest and most beautiful choice. We strive every day to send only the highest quality plants. Our plants come directly from the grower.
Want to buy a Calathea but don't feel like going all the way to the store? At the Green Bubble you can easily order all your houseplants online, which will be delivered to your front door within a few working days. This way we make sure you never have to drag plants around again. Shop at Green Bubble now!