A Detailed Guide to Propagating Calathea lancifolia by Cuttings
The survival rate of the cutting method is far lower than that of division propagation.
Cutting time
It can be done whenever the temperature is not below 20°C.
Cutting method
Generally use the tender tips at the top; the cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long, and depending on the size of the leaves, keep one third or one half of them.
The cuttings can be treated with indoleacetic acid, indolebutyric acid or ABT rooting powder, and the cuttings will root in about 30-50 days.
After treatment, insert the cuttings into the seedbed, preferably with a plant-to-row spacing of 5×10 cm, and cover with a film arched shed.
The above is an introduction to the propagation methods of Calathea lancifolia. Now let us introduce the pest and disease control of Calathea lancifolia!
Propagation methods of Calathea lancifolia
Division propagation of Calathea lancifolia
This is the most commonly used propagation method for Calathea lancifolia and is suitable for home growing.
Division time
Generally choose late spring to early summer when the temperature is around 20°C, though 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 the pot, and use a sharp knife to cut apart the root clumps that have stems and leaves or leaf buds.
After dividing, pot them up and water immediately, place in a cool place, control the temperature and humidity well in the early stage, and once new roots have grown, normal care can be carried out.
Cutting propagation of Calathea lancifolia
The survival rate of the cutting method is far lower than that of division propagation.
Cutting time
It can be done whenever the temperature is not below 20°C.
Cutting method
Generally use the tender tips at the top; the cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long, and depending on the size of the leaves, keep one third or one half of them.
The cuttings can be treated with indoleacetic acid, indolebutyric acid or ABT rooting powder, and the cuttings will root in about 30-50 days.
After treatment, insert the cuttings into the seedbed, preferably with a plant-to-row spacing of 5×10 cm, and cover with a film arched shed.
Propagation methods of Calathea lancifolia and how to grow Calathea lancifolia
Calathea lancifolia is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant grown mainly for its foliage, and is usually potted indoors to beautify the home environment. The propagation method for most plants is cuttings, which is not only simple to do but also has a relatively high survival rate. I wonder whether Calathea lancifolia uses the same control methods? And what points should be noted?
Propagation methods of Calathea lancifolia
I. Division propagation
1. Division time
Generally choose late spring to early summer when the temperature is around 20°C, though as long as the temperature and humidity are suitable, it can be done all year round.
2. Division method
First, take the mother plant of Calathea lancifolia out of the pot, and use a sharp knife to cut apart the root clumps that have stems and leaves or leaf buds.
After dividing, pot them up and water immediately, place in a cool place, control the temperature and humidity well in the early stage, and once new roots have grown, normal care can be carried out.
II. Cutting propagation
1. Cutting time
It can be done whenever the temperature is not below 20°C.
2. Cutting method
Generally use the tender tips at the top; the cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long, and depending on the size of the leaves, keep one third or one half of them.
The cuttings can be treated with indoleacetic acid, indolebutyric acid or ABT rooting powder, and the cuttings will root in about 30-50 days.
After treatment, insert the cuttings into the seedbed, preferably with a plant-to-row spacing of 5×10 cm, and cover with a film arched shed.
How to grow Calathea lancifolia
1. Temperature
Calathea lancifolia is native to tropical and subtropical regions and is tolerant of high temperatures. It is suitable to be kept in 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, it likes semi-shade and is best placed in a bright spot indoors. Avoid direct sunlight and scorching sun, so as to prevent the leaves from being scorched. In summer, do a good job of shading and ventilation.
3. Watering
During the growing period of Calathea lancifolia, water it thoroughly and keep the potting soil moist, while also taking care to avoid waterlogging in the soil, to prevent root rot and even the death of the plant. Because the leaves of Calathea lancifolia are relatively large, water evaporates fairly quickly, so keep the air humidity around it relatively high. You can often mist the leaves to keep the air around the leaves moist, which helps the leaves grow and spread. Once you find the leaves curling or shrinking, it means 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 the continuous high temperatures of summer, stop fertilizing.
What to do when Calathea lancifolia leaves turn yellow
1. Improper light
Calathea lancifolia likes shade. Too strong light may scorch the plant's leaves, cause yellow spots on the leaf surface, and make the leaves of Calathea lancifolia dry out and turn yellow. In this case, move Calathea lancifolia to a cool, shaded place indoors.
If there is too little light, the leaves cannot get enough light and cannot form chlorophyll, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. In this case, supplement sunlight appropriately.
2. Improper watering
The leaves of Calathea lancifolia are relatively large and water evaporates quickly. If the old leaves begin to scorch, turn yellow and fall off, and the leaf tips and edges dry out and curl, it means Calathea lancifolia is being watered too little. Water more and mist more to keep the potting soil and the surrounding air moist.
When the young leaves of Calathea lancifolia are dull and lusterless, and the stems and new shoots are shrunken, small and yellow-green, it is very likely caused by overwatering. At this time, place Calathea lancifolia in a ventilated place, dry out the soil ball, and reduce the watering frequency, watering less and only moistening the soil.
3. Improper fertilizing
During the growing process of Calathea lancifolia, if the leaf tips of new leaves appear yellow-brown and the old leaves scorch, turn yellow and fall off, it is because the fertilizer concentration is too high, causing the plant to turn yellow. Stop fertilizing immediately; if the situation is serious, replace the potting soil and wash off the fertilizer residue on the roots and leaves of Calathea lancifolia.
If you usually fertilize very little or not at all, the yellowing leaves may also be due to a lack of nutrients. Repot in time and just apply light fertilizer frequently.
Does Calathea lancifolia bloom
Do not be fooled by the appearance of Calathea lancifolia and assume it is only a foliage plant. Calathea lancifolia does bloom, it is just that blooming is relatively rare and uncommon. It can only bloom in a good environment with suitable temperature and humidity, together with careful care.
Because of the lower temperatures and relatively dry air in northern regions, Calathea lancifolia is not easy to get to bloom under such climatic conditions, while the humid and warm environment of the south makes it relatively easier to encourage Calathea lancifolia to bloom.
That is all for the propagation methods and care tips for Calathea lancifolia, and I hope it is helpful to everyone. Although the propagation method for many plants is usually cuttings, in the case of Calathea lancifolia, the editor still recommends division propagation, because the survival rate of cuttings is far lower than that of division.