If you like calatheas plants then surely you either have or Have you seen the Calathea roseopicta. You know how it is? And the care you need?
Although they may seem like easy-care plants that can be kept indoors, they are somewhat complicated to maintain. For this reason, here we leave you the Calathea roseopicta file so that you do not have a problem and know everything you need to maintain it. Shall we start?
How is the Calathea roseopicta
Calathea roseopicta is also known as calatea rosa or calatea rosae. It is native to South America, specifically northern Brazil. They live in tropical forests, so this can already indicate that, when it comes to having it at home, it will need a lot of humidity and a humid soil, but very little sun.
This calatea can reach 50 centimeters in height. But perhaps that is not the important thing, but the enormous hours that you can spend. These will be green with a pink stripe around the leaf and a line in the middle of them. From behind it will be completely pink. Now, when the leaf is young and growing, it will have a green hue that will darken, until the leaves appear black, in its adult age.
It is true that, in its natural habitat, it could flourish, although it is not as easy as it may seem. The problem is that, indoors, this is completely impossible for it to happen. Even so, you should know that it is a plant whose flower is not at all flashy, and it does take away a lot of energy, so some prefer that it not flower so that health does not deteriorate. EITHER they even cut it off before the flower stick gets very big.
Calathea roseopicta care
Now that you know more about Calathea roseopicta, How about we tell you about the special care that you are going to have to provide? They are not many, and they will almost be the same as with other plants. But knowing them and applying them will make the difference between whether the plant is healthy or not.
Location and temperature
We start with the best place to keep it and, without a doubt, it will be indoors. We do not want to say that you cannot have it outside, yes you can, but you will have to provide it with conditions similar to those of its natural habitat. That is, high humidity, shade, constant watering, temperature...
Therefore, Inside the house it is easier for you to keep all those conditions. Of course, at home, where? Well, you should start by putting it in a place that receives lighting and but not direct sun. In its natural habitat it never receives sun because the big trees cover it, so here you should do the same (don't put it in the sun).
In fact, if you do, you'll notice that the leaves burn easily (despite being almost black).
Regarding the temperature, the Calathea roseopicta cannot be below 16ºC because it suffers. In fact, it is usual that, if that happens, the plant begins to have rolled and burned leaves, that it stops its growth and that the leaves dry out. If that happens, try to find the cause soon or you will end up losing it.
Although we already warned you that, if that happens, and you find a suitable area for it, the best thing you can do is leave it still and wait, because sometimes it can sprout again (as long as you have not drowned it with watering).
Substratum
The best soil for Calathea roseopicta is one that provides some moisture. Therefore, you can make a mixture with universal substrate, peat or coconut fiber and perlite to give it all the nutrients and conditions it needs. Keep in mind that, if when watering it takes it out of the drainage holes very quickly, then it is best that you water it more often (but without going overboard, of course).
Irrigation
Irrigation is one of the most "peculiar" care for Calathea roseopicta. And it is that it is where you can fail the most, and with it lose the plant. You see, this plant loves to be wet. But it does not like anything to be puddled or with too much water.
So, when it comes to watering, you have to look first at how the land is to know if it is going well or not. It is better to be a little thirsty than to spend it because it is very delicate and you will lose it.
Experts recommend that only when half of the substrate is dry, you water. And do it until water starts coming out of the holes in the pot. At that time, stop and wait about five minutes for the plant to finish throwing out the water and/or absorbing the water from the dish. Then take it off.
Humidity
Almost more important than watering is moisture. And it is that this plant needs to maintain a constant humidity in the leaves so that they have that beautiful aspect. In general, the humidity you need will be around 60%.
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During the spring and summer it is advisable that, at least once a month, you add a fertilizer mixed in the irrigation water. Of course, do not give the full dose but only half of it.
Pruning
Although the Calathea roseopicta is not a plant that needs pruningYes, you will have to be aware to remove withered, sick or weak leaves before they can be attractive to pests or spoil the appearance of your plant.
Plagues and diseases
The Calathea roseopicta, like other Calatheas, can have problems with pests, especially aphids, red spider mites or mealybugs. These will attack it if the environmental humidity is not adequate. Therefore, increasing this should be eliminated.
As for diseases, the most important is excess water, which will end up rotting the plant.
Multiplication
The propagation of the Calathea roseopicta is almost always done through the division of the plant, that is, separating several groups so that they come out with roots and are planted individually.
We can tell you little more about the Calathea roseopicta. If you take good care of it, you will enjoy those peculiar leaves and it will also grow little by little. Do you dare to have it?