A Detailed Guide to Propagating Calathea lancifolia by Division

This is the most commonly used propagation method for Calathea lancifolia and is well suited to home growing.

Timing of Division

It is generally carried out in late spring to early summer when the temperature is around 20°C; however, as long as the temperature and humidity are suitable, it can be done all year round.

Division Method

First, take the mother plant of Calathea lancifolia out of its pot, and use a sharp knife to cut apart the root clumps that bear stems and leaves or leaf buds.

After dividing, pot them up and water immediately, then place them in a shady spot. Control the temperature and humidity well in the early stage, and once new roots have grown out, normal care can be carried out.

Propagating Calathea lancifolia by Cuttings

The survival rate of the cutting method is far lower than that of division.

Timing of Cuttings

It can be done whenever the temperature is not lower than 20°C.

Cutting Method

Generally, the tender tips at the top are used; the cuttings are about 10-15 cm long, and depending on the size of the leaf, one third or one half of it is kept.

The cuttings can be treated with indoleacetic acid, indolebutyric acid or ABT rooting powder, and the cuttings root in about 30-50 days.

After treatment, the cuttings are inserted into a seedbed, preferably at a plant and row spacing of 5×10 cm, and covered with a film arched shed.

The above is an introduction to the propagation methods of Calathea lancifolia. Next, let us introduce the pest and disease control of Calathea lancifolia!

Is Calathea lancifolia Toxic? Propagation Methods for Calathea lancifolia

Calathea lancifolia is very much loved, but many friends do not know: is Calathea lancifolia toxic? What are the propagation methods for Calathea lancifolia? Today we will explain the answers to everyone.

Is Calathea lancifolia Toxic?

Regarding this question, the editor can tell you with certainty that Calathea lancifolia is not toxic. Not only is Calathea lancifolia non-toxic, it can also purify the air and absorb harmful gases such as formaldehyde and ammonia. The formaldehyde-removal effect value of Calathea lancifolia is half that of the spider plant, but compared with ordinary plants it is still much higher, so placing Calathea lancifolia in a newly renovated house is ideal.

Calathea lancifolia is also an expert at removing ammonia pollution from the air; within 10 sq m, Calathea lancifolia can remove 0.86 mg of formaldehyde and 2.19 mg of ammonia, so placing Calathea lancifolia in the bathroom is also a good choice. Calathea lancifolia is a common indoor foliage plant, evergreen all year round, with high ornamental value. Calathea lancifolia is not toxic, so everyone can grow it with peace of mind.

Propagation Methods for Calathea lancifolia

Calathea lancifolia is generally propagated by division, usually in late spring to early summer when the temperature is around 20°C, in combination with repotting and changing the soil. When the temperature is too low, dividing Calathea lancifolia easily damages the roots, affecting survival or causing weak growth. When dividing Calathea lancifolia, tip the mother plant out of the pot, remove the old soil, and use a sharp knife to cut along the direction of underground rhizome growth to divide the densely growing plant so that each clump has 2-3 shoots and healthy roots. After dividing, pot them up immediately and water thoroughly, place them in a shady spot, and after one week gradually move them to a place with better light. Water should be controlled at first, and only after new roots have developed should they be watered thoroughly.

Calathea lancifolia requires loose soil rich in organic matter with good drainage. For potted Calathea lancifolia, a loose, fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic loam rich in humus is suitable; generally, 3 parts leaf mold, 1 part peat or sawdust, and 1 part sand can be mixed together, with a small amount of bean cake added as a base fertilizer. Avoid heavy garden soil. When potting Calathea lancifolia, first line the bottom of the pot with a 3 cm thick layer of coarse sand as a drainage layer to help drainage. When repotting Calathea lancifolia, add new potting soil and cut off the residual roots and withered leaves, then replant, to promote the growth of Calathea lancifolia.