Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Calathea roseopicta or Rose-painted calathea

The genus Calathea, family Marantaceae, comprises 100 species of herbaceous plants native to the tropical forests of America, Africa and Australia. Some species are: Calathea roseopicta, Calathea ornata, Calathea makoyana, Calathea lutea, Calathea crocata, Calathea zebrina, Calathea insignis.

Common name: Rose-painted calathea. This species is native to northwest Brazil.

They are very interesting herbaceous plants because of their decorative rounded leaves, slightly wavy margins, purple underside and petioles, and green color (light or dark) with pink or cream spots. The flowers have no ornamental interest. They bloom in summer but do not usually do so indoors (they do in a greenhouse).

These tropical plants are used as indoor or greenhouse plants.

Calathea roseopicta needs a light exposure but always avoiding direct sun. The temperature should not be lower than 16 ºC (60.8 ºF); avoid drafts.

The soil can be a mixture of 2/3 peat and 1/3 perlite. Transplant in early spring if roots appear at the bottom of the pot.

Water frequently (with lukewarm water without lime) so that the substrate is always damp (never overwater). Reduce irrigation in autumn and winter. High humidity is very important: spray the plant periodically and place a plate under the pot with wet pebbles.

Fertilize every 20 days with mineral fertilizer in spring and summer; use half the normal dose.

They do not need pruning.

If the humidity is low, they can be attacked by mites, mealybugs and aphids.

They propagate by division in spring.

Images of the indoor plant Calathea roseopicta or Rose-painted calathea