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Calathea housepalnt

motorman1motorman1 Posts: 42
in Plants

Hi

Just wondering how they grow the Calathea houseplant to have such nice big leaves. I have a round leaf version and the new leaves are about half the size of the older original leaves. I know they don't like sunlight and like humidity so thought it might be a no brainer. Has anyone had any success with these?

Thanks image

Posts

  • Heather MichaelsHeather Michaels Posts: 328

    Sorry can't help but putting this here will bump this back up the list and someone may see it who can help 

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,738

    Has the plant been repotted into fresh compost or have you given it any fertiliser lately?

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • motorman1motorman1 Posts: 42

    Thanks for bumping this up again, very nice of you. image

    It is fertilsed by a slow release fertiliser- Osmocote all purpose, I think it has an fairly even spread of nutrients. The plants haven't been repotted since bought a year or two ago. image

    This calathea seems to bring out good sized leaves but the round ones seem to be small

    http://d180359.u32.icghosting.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Calathea-Stromanthe1.jpg

     

  • staffsmagsstaffsmags Posts: 230

    I have one of these, but not variegated.  I keep mine behind the curtain so it gets no direct light.  I take care that compost never dries out and always water with rainwater.  It's not as tall (5ft) as when I got it but I think that is because I can't give it the humid conditions it would like.  Mags

  • motorman1motorman1 Posts: 42

    I've done quite a bit of googling and it seems they don't like to be pot bound so I'll pot mine up. Drainage needs to be good but it needs moisture so a compost perlite. mix.

    I've put a small one of these plants on a south window sill because the winter sun isn't too strong plus the modern glass these days seems to filter out a lot of the sun's rays so it's quite different than single pane glass.

    See how it goes.image

    Thanks

  • Frances2Frances2 Posts: 2

    Our Calathea Mix has been lovely, but these past few months, the leaves have become furled inwards and gone a little brown.  Also new leaves seem to be furled.

    Any ideas about what we can do please?

    Thank you

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,738

    It sounds to me as if the atmosphere is too dry - do you mist the leaves? 

    Place the pot on a tray of pebbles and keep the pebbles moist.  Also ensure the plant isn't getting any direct sunlight - it may need to be moved into a shadier cooler corner for the summer. 

    Last edited: 22 August 2016 08:50:45

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • Frances2Frances2 Posts: 2

    Thank you for replying.

    We didn't used to mist the leaves, but have recently started regularly misting.

    The plant is placed on the floor in the hall, although the room is light and airy, it's doesn't get any direct sunlight

    Will take your advice about placing on a bed of pebbles, and hope that these measures help this gorgeous plant to revive.

    Much appreciated.

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