Can Calathea orbifolia be grown in water? Home hydroponic methods and precautions

Most people like to grow some green plants at home, whether for decorating the home environment or for cultivating the mind, this is the value that green plants bring. However, quite a few plant lovers are no longer limited to soil potted plants; hydroponics is more attractive. Because hydroponics has high ornamental value, and mainly because it is relatively simple to care for. So can Calathea orbifolia be grown hydroponically? Today the editor will introduce it to everyone.

Can Calathea orbifolia be grown in water

Calathea orbifolia can be grown hydroponically.

Home hydroponic cultivation methods and precautions for Calathea orbifolia

1. Home hydroponic cultivation methods for Calathea orbifolia

1. Hydroponic preparation

The container can be a plastic pot, a ceramic flower pot, or a glass product. Choose a plant that is robust in growth, without withered or yellow leaves, with glossy leaves and bright colors, and free of pests and diseases. The nutrient solution used for hydroponics can be a special foliage plant nutrient solution or a compound flower fertilizer, used after dilution with water.

2. Hydroponic method

Before hydroponics, first wash the roots of Calathea orbifolia. Soak the plant in water close to the ambient temperature, with the water reaching about one-half or two-thirds of the root system. After the potting soil becomes loose and falls off, change to clean water and gently wash away the fine soil sticking to the roots.

Then remove the withered leaves from the plant, cut off the old roots or rotten roots, and soak them in a 1 percent potassium permanganate aqueous solution for one hour. This not only disinfects and sterilizes, but also promotes the plant to grow new roots early. After taking it out, rinse it clean with water, then plant it in a container, add clean water, and let 1/3-1/2 of the root system be exposed above the water surface.

Precautions

1. In the early stage after hydroponics, the leaves of Calathea orbifolia may curl. Place the container in a ventilated and shady place, and spray water on the leaves appropriately. Change the clean water once every 1-2 days, and new roots will grow after about 10 days.

2. When the plant has adapted to the hydroponic environment and the leaves no longer curl, nutrient solution can be added for care. The first time nutrient solution is added, it should be diluted 3-5 times. Replace the nutrient solution once every three to four weeks, and usually only need to top up the water.

3. During the care process, if rotten roots are found on the roots of Calathea orbifolia, they need to be cut off in time, and the roots should be rinsed with water to prevent the breeding of pathogens.

What are the values of Calathea orbifolia

1. Greening value

Calathea orbifolia can be planted under tree shade in parks and along roadsides. South China has already applied Calathea orbifolia on a large scale in landscaping, while North China mostly grows it in greenhouses for garden landscaping.

2. Decorative value

Calathea orbifolia can be planted in hotels, shopping malls, meeting venues, and other places by means of mass planting, clump planting, or arrangement in combination with other plants, and used for permanent arrangement in corner areas of public places.

However, when planting indoors, attention should be paid to supplementing light in time, and spraying water on the leaves on schedule to increase the air humidity in the environment.

3. Purification value

As a leafy plant, Calathea orbifolia also has a certain effect on purifying the air. It can absorb impurities and dust in the air and purify particulate matter, so it is one of the best choices for home cultivation.

4. Potted plant value

Because the plant has a relatively beautiful appearance, a large number of leaves, many colors, and relatively strong survival ability, cultivation and management are relatively easy. It is often used for indoor potted ornamental display and is one of the most famous indoor foliage plants in the world.

For home cultivation, it can be placed on the balcony, in the living room, bedroom, and so on. During cultivation, every once in a while, place Calathea orbifolia in a place with relatively strong sunlight such as a balcony or outside a window, so that it can absorb scattered light, which is beneficial for vigorous plant growth and convenient for long-term viewing.

How often should Calathea orbifolia be watered

1. Watering time

Generally, water three times a day, once each in the morning, noon, and evening.

2. Watering method

1. From March to October each year is the vigorous growth period of Calathea orbifolia. The most suitable relative air humidity for its growth is 75%-85%. Higher air humidity is extremely beneficial to the leaf growth of Calathea orbifolia, so it needs frequent watering.

2. In summer, water 3-4 times a day. It is best to spray the leaf surface in the morning, water the soil surface at noon or in the afternoon, and water the whole plant in the evening, and frequently spray the leaf surface.

3. In autumn and winter, the growth rate of Calathea orbifolia slows down, and the amount of watering should be gradually reduced. According to different weather conditions, you can choose to water once a day or once every 2 or 3 days.

3. Precautions for watering

1. When new leaves of Calathea orbifolia emerge, if it is too dry, the edges of the leaves will curl and later become deformed, seriously affecting the ornamental effect, so attention must be paid to watering.

2. Watering in summer should also be moderate, following the principle of “small amounts and multiple times”. The soil should not be too sticky or too wet, otherwise Calathea orbifolia is prone to root rot and disease.

3. When the temperature is relatively low, keep the soil dry to avoid Calathea orbifolia being damaged by freezing.

As mentioned above, Calathea orbifolia can be grown hydroponically. Plant lovers in need can try the hydroponic method above. During hydroponics, root rot may be relatively likely. Plant lovers should not forget to deal with rotten roots in time to avoid breeding bacteria.