Suitable Growing Environment and Hydroponic Cultivation Tips for Calathea

Calathea, of the Marantaceae family and the genus Calathea, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to South America and has been introduced to Taiwan, China. This species has beautiful leaves and is cultivated for ornamental purposes; the color of the stripes on the leaf surface changes with the growth period, differing between old and young plants. So what environment is suitable for Calathea to grow in? How to cultivate it hydroponically?

I. What environment is suitable for Calathea to grow in?

Calathea prefers semi-shade and conditions of high temperature and high humidity. The growing period is from April to September, with an optimum growth temperature of 15°C to 30°C and an overwintering temperature of 10°C to 15°C. In the heat of summer it fears scorching sun; at ordinary times it should have sufficient soft light, fresh and moist air, and must not be too shaded. It requires a loose, fertile growing medium with good permeability.

II. How to cultivate Calathea hydroponically?

1. Cultivation method: Use the root-washing method. Before hydroponic cultivation, disinfect the roots with a potassium permanganate solution at a concentration of 5G/L, keep them in clean water for 1-2 days, and once the water is clean, cultivate them with nutrient solution. Leave 1/3-1/2 of the roots exposed above the water surface to solve the problem of oxygen deficiency in the plant.

2. Nutrient solution: Choose a nutrient solution for foliage plants; the concentration can be diluted to 1/2 of the original. PH 5.8-6.5. Replace the nutrient solution once every 3-4 weeks.

3. Sunlight: Calathea should be placed in a bright location without direct light for care. It should avoid scorching sun exposure, otherwise excessive light will cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow, and even produce scorched spots on the leaf surface, seriously affecting growth and ornamental value.

4. Temperature: The growth temperature is 20-25 degrees; in winter keep the temperature above 10 degrees, as below 5 degrees it will suffer cold damage.

5. Care: It has certain requirements for air humidity, so water should often be sprayed on the plant and the surrounding ground, especially during the high-temperature, dry summer, to keep the leaves fresh and moist. To keep the liquid surface looking nice, regularly wipe the leaves with a clean soft cloth; the water used for wiping should preferably be cool boiled water with a few drops of edible vinegar added.

III. What should be noted when caring for Calathea?

Calathea is very sensitive to direct light and air humidity; even a short period of strong sunlight exposure may cause sunburn, making the leaves curl and the leaf surface turn yellow and scorch dry. If the air humidity is too low, the leaves will also curl and dehydrate, causing them to lose their ornamental value. Therefore, whether cared for indoors or outdoors, it should be placed in a spot with scattered or refracted light and no strong wind.