would you like to discover Curiosities about Calathea? If this is one of your favorite plant varieties, now is the time to learn more about it. Discover everything that is hidden in what for many is one of the most beautiful indoor plants.
In addition, you probably already know that there are many varieties such as white fusion, freddie or roseopicta, among others.
Origin and habitat of the Calathea
You may have already guessed its origin from its appearance. Yes, it is a tropical plant, and it is part of the Marantaceae family.
It comes from the tropical regions of America, especially the Amazon rainforest of Brazil and others. South American countries such as Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
In its natural habitat it grows under the canopy of trees in the jungle, in a warm climate, where it finds the humidity and shade it needs to develop its curious leaves with striking patterns and colors.
Outside of its place of origin, Calathea has adapted to being grown as an indoor plant, although for it to be beautiful we have to try to provide it with environmental conditions as similar as possible to those it finds when it grows wild.
A genre with many varieties
The first of the curiosities about Calatheas that we want to tell you is that within this genus we find a great variety of plants. Among the most popular are these:
- Calathea orbifolia. It has large rounded leaves with silver stripes on a green background, and stands out for its elegant appearance.
- Calathea lancifolia. It has elongated leaves with wavy edges and some dot-shaped markings that are combined with dark green lines on a lighter green background. Because of this curious appearance, it is called the rattlesnake plant.
- Calathea makoyana. You can identify it by its leaves with dark green spots that resemble the feathers of a peacock; it is perhaps one of the most exotic varieties.
- Calathea roseopicta. It has large leaves with a central pattern that is usually pink or purple surrounded by dark green.
- Calathea medallion. It features round leaves and a green, white and pink central pattern reminiscent of a medallion.
Nyctinastic movement
Calatheas develop what is known as nyctinastic movement in response to changes in light that occur in the environment. During the day the leaves unfold and orient themselves horizontally to try capture as much light as possible and thus carry out photosynthesis. When night comes, the leaves fold upwards.
This is possible thanks to the pressure changes that occur in the cells at the base of the petiole of the leaves, in a structure called the pulvinule, which acts as a kind of hinge. When there is pressure, the cells swell and the leaves unfold, but when the pressure decreases the leaves fold.
This curious movement helps the plant survive, because it minimizes the loss of water through transpiration at times when it cannot carry out photosynthesis because there is no light. It is also considered a defense against carnivores., by making the plant less visible and accessible at night.
They purify the air
Another interesting fact about Calathea that you should know is that it is one of the indoor plants with the greatest capacity to absorb toxins and clean the air.
The small pores in its leaves are responsible for absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. And they are particularly effective when it comes to remove common volatile organic compounds such as benzene from the air, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
Once the toxins are absorbed, they are taken to the roots, where soil bacteria are responsible for their decomposition and convert them into less harmful compounds that the plant can later reuse as nutrients.
Sensitivity to water quality, one of the curiosities about Calathea that helps you take care of it
Finding the right watering pattern for each plant is not always easy and, in the case of plants like Calathea, achieving good results can be a little more difficult. Because it turns out that This genus is particularly sensitive to water quality.
Tap water contains chemicals like chlorine and fluoride that are not good for you. Chlorine can accumulate in the leaves and cause yellowing and necrosis, while Fluoride may be responsible for the appearance of burns on the tips of the leaves.
High levels of salts and minerals such as calcium or magnesium are also not good for you. They accumulate in the soil and end up reducing the plant's ability to absorb nutrients, which causes growth problems. Furthermore, if the accumulation is excessive, the roots can burn.
To avoid this problem, it is best to water Calatheas with rainwater. If this is not possible, filtered or distilled water is the next best option and, ultimately, tap water that you have let sit for 24 hours before using it.
The leaves require special care
The leaves are the most striking element of this plant, but also the most delicate. So that they stay beautiful and healthy and can carry out photosynthesis, you should clean them periodically with a soft, damp cloth, removing any dust that has accumulated on the surface.
Also, be sure to mist the leaves with filtered or distilled water every few days. This not only helps keep them clean, but allows the plant to access the moisture it needs to develop properly.
Pay attention to any changes in the leaves, because it could be a sign that something is wrong:
- Leaves with brown edges. They usually appear when there is low humidity, insufficient watering or chemicals in tap water are affecting your health.
- Yellowed leaves. They appear in cases of excess watering, nutrient deficiency or direct exposure to sunlight.
- Stains on the leaves. The most common thing is that they are caused by pests such as mites or thrips, or that they are the result of the action of fungi.
These curiosities about Calathea will help you learn more about this genus and give your plants the care they really need.