Calathea lancifolia care guide: how to grow and what to watch out for
Calathea lancifolia has rich colors, with several different colors on a single leaf, and its leaves are broad and unique, with many small black dots on the leaf surface, just like a little cat's eyes, especially beautiful and elegant, very suitable for indoor ornamental cultivation. So do you know the care tips for Calathea lancifolia? Let's find out together below!
How to grow Calathea lancifolia
Since Calathea lancifolia is not cold-tolerant or drought-tolerant, and fears scorching sun exposure, direct sunlight will burn the leaves, causing localized scorching at the leaf edges, stopping new leaf growth, and yellowing leaf color, so shading must be attended to during cultivation. However, the growing environment must not be too shaded either, otherwise it will cause the plant to grow weakly, and for some variegated varieties the patterns on the leaf surface will fade or even disappear. It is best placed in a spot with bright light but no direct sunlight. Calathea is fairly sensitive to water; during the growing period it should be watered thoroughly to keep the potting soil moist, but the soil should not become waterlogged, otherwise it will lead to root rot and even plant death.
Because Calathea leaves are relatively large and evaporate water quickly, it has high requirements for air humidity. If the air humidity is insufficient, the leaves will immediately curl, reacting very sensitively, especially during the new leaf growth period, when the plant should be misted more often; otherwise, dry air will make it difficult for new leaves to unfurl, cause leaf edges to scorch and yellow, and make leaves small and lusterless. In varieties such as Calathea zebrina, the leaves lose their velvety texture, seriously affecting their ornamental value. Therefore, indoor cultivation must maintain air humidity at 70% to 80%. For appearance's sake, you can often wipe the leaves with a clean soft cloth dipped in clean water, so that the leaves are bright and glossy. In midsummer, when the temperature exceeds 35°C, it is unfavorable for leaf growth; attention should be paid to ventilation and misting to lower the temperature, giving the plant a cool and moist environment.
Calathea lancifolia cultivation methods
1. Temperature
Calathea lancifolia originates from tropical and subtropical regions and is heat-tolerant. It is suitable for a growing environment of 20-30°C. In winter, the growing temperature should best be maintained at around 16-18°C.
2. Light
A shade-tolerant plant that likes semi-shade, it should be placed in a bright spot indoors. Avoid direct sunlight and scorching exposure, to prevent the leaves from being burned. In summer, do a good job of shading and ventilation.
3. Watering
During the growing period of Calathea lancifolia, water thoroughly to keep the potting soil moist, while also taking care to avoid waterlogging the soil, to prevent root rot and even plant death. Because Calathea lancifolia leaves are relatively large and evaporate water quickly, maintain relatively high air humidity around it. You can often mist the leaves to keep the air around the leaves moist, which helps the leaves grow and spread. Once the leaves are found to be curling and shrinking, it indicates that the plant is in a state of water shortage.
4. Fertilizer
Follow the principle of “apply frequently and lightly.” During the winter dormant period and under sustained high summer temperatures, stop fertilizing.
Precautions for growing Calathea lancifolia
1. Repotting
Repot once every other year, and choose a fertile, loose, slightly acidic soil with good air permeability and drainage, containing rich humus.
2. Pest control
Common pests mainly include scale insects and red spider mites. For scale insects, depending on the severity of the infestation, you can spray 40% omethoate 1000x solution or 50% dichlorvos 1000x solution, or 2.5% deltamethrin 3000x solution for control. For red spider mites, control is generally carried out during the adult stage after the eggs hatch; you can use 20% dicofol emulsifiable concentrate 1000x solution, or spray with 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate 1000x solution.
How does Calathea lancifolia get through winter
1. Temperature
In winter, if the temperature stays below 13°C for a long time, the leaves of Calathea lancifolia will suffer cold damage. Therefore, the wintering temperature for Calathea lancifolia must not be lower than 13°C. It is recommended to keep the temperature above 15°C, otherwise it will inhibit the plant's growth.
2. Light
In winter, because light is relatively scarce, you need to meet Calathea lancifolia's light requirements, so at this time let it be exposed to more sunlight. Also make sure not to let Calathea lancifolia receive strong direct sunlight, as it may burn its leaves.
When the winter temperature is too low, do not place it in an overly hidden environment, as it will affect the plant's growth momentum and cause the patterns to fade or even disappear. During winter care, it is recommended to place the Calathea lancifolia plant in a bright spot without strong direct light for care.
3. Watering
Calathea lancifolia leaves are relatively large, and during winter care you should also pay attention to ensuring sufficient water and moist potting soil. If the air humidity is insufficient, the leaves will immediately curl and affect the ornamental value. However, it should not be too much either, otherwise it will cause root rot, and in severe cases the plant will die. You can always pay attention to the water conditions of Calathea lancifolia; if it lacks water, mist the plant more. Whether in winter or summer, Calathea lancifolia should have a moist and cool growing environment.
As described above, Calathea lancifolia is evergreen all year round, and its adaptability and vitality are relatively strong, making it a particularly easy foliage plant to grow. Although easy to grow, you still need to pay attention to the methods! If the method is incorrect and causes the leaves to turn yellow, it will seriously affect its appearance!