If you're looking to add a smaller indoor plant with quirky beautiful leaves into your collection, then check out the Calathea Family! Calatheas have become very popular for their top leaves' intricate patterns and beautiful range of colours on the undersides.
Commonly known as a Prayer Plant, Calatheas are closely related to the Maranta plant (also called a Prayer Plant). Although both plants move their leaves towards the light, Calatheas don't move up at night like Maranta.
The Calathea Family are relatively easy-care but do need some extra love at times, but don't let this deter you from adding this beautiful plant to your home. Here are our favourite Calatheas and tips on how to keep them happy and healthy!
Calathea Rufibara plants are one of the coolest plants out there! Although its leaves do not have intricate patterns, its foliage is gorgeously green and purple and also has an extra special trait... IT'S FLUFFY! Calathea Rufibarba's get many nicknames such as the velvet, fuzzy, furry or feather plant - we definitely recommend patting the leaves if you ever spot one! They are as soft as velvet. Bonus points: this is one of the easiest Calatheas to care for. Calathea Rufibara appreciates added humidity from a humidifier, placing pebbles or river stones on its water tray and/or regular misting.
Calathea Makoyana is known for its beautiful leaves that follow the sunshine during the day, making them an awesome gift for a plant lover. Calathea Makoyana plants are happy to live in low light conditions - just adjust your watering as they may intake less than you'd think.
Also, these plants LOVE humidity! If you live somewhere quite dry, try using a humidifier or create your own humidity with a mister! Check out our blog The Benefits of Misting your Indoor Plants to find out more. As Calatheas love to move to the light remember to regularly rotate them to create full foliage.
This BEAUTIFUL plant definitely lives up to its name! These gorgeous foliage plants have striking pinstripes that almost look painted on. Calathea Beautiful Star's foliage, like the rest of its family, will follow the sunshine during the day. Water them evenly to keep this plant happy and healthy and prevent the edge of the leaves from browning. A Calathea Beautiful Star thrives best with more humidity. Misting them once to twice a week in the warmer months will keep them very happy.
Care Guide
The Calathea Family come in all colours shapes and sizes but all love the same care plan
Light: Bright indirect/indoor filtered. Direct sunlight can cause damage such as burn marks on their foliage.
Temperature: Calatheas love warm temperatures as they will not tolerate cold or frost. They love a humid environment. Try adding a humidifier to your home all your plants will love you for it!
Water: Calatheas like to be watered weekly. They can be a little fussy as they like to keep moist but do not like to sit in soggy water. The key to this balance is good-quality soil. In the winter months, reduce your watering as your plant isn't intaking as much light. We recommend misting once to twice a week and once a fortnight in winter
Feed: Plant food is a great way to help your indoors thrive. Only feed your plants in the growing season. Feeding in winter might cause the plant to go into shock as they are not getting enough light to intake food.
Tips: Rotate your plant periodically to ensure even growth and keep away from hot air cold air/drafts
Bonus Points: All Calatheas are non-toxic to your pets and curious children
We hope you love your new Ficus! If you have any further questions or concerns about your Ficus email us at info@plantcollective.co.nz