Silver Variegated Calathea
Family
Marantaceae
Origin
Venezuela
Description
Calathea picturata 'Argentea' is a tender, evergreen, perennial suitable for indoor use. It has pale, silvery-green, ovate leaves with dark green band around the outer edges. and wine red undersides that are held singly on tall stems. Flowers, if produced, are white, small and formed in spikes in summer.
Zebra plant is a special, highly-decorative houseplant with colourful, variegated foliage. It is a houseplant that really purifies the air, so it is a true eye-catcher in every interior that also makes a contribution to a better and healthier indoor climate.
Calathea is also called the living plant because it closes its leaves at night and opens them again in the morning. The plant owes this ability to a small joint between the leaf and stem. Light moves the joints and, as a result, Calathea s leaves open and close - which is sometimes accompanied by a rustling sound.
Environment
A beautiful tropical houseplant, calathea thrives in spots with high humidity. Calathea is referred to as a shade plant, since in nature it grows in the densely vegetated tropical rainforests of South America. A North facing windowsill would be the first choice here, but any other situation will be acceptable providing you can provide shielding from the direct sunlight these places would receive at some point during the day.
Spraying the plant occasionally will be beneficial. Do not allow the pot soil to dry out completely - but take care: water standing in the pot means wet roots, which Calathea does not like. So give the plant regular but small amounts of water!
Giving fertiliser once every 14 days will ensure that you can enjoy your houseplant for a long time. Giving fertiliser once every 14 days will ensure that you can enjoy your houseplant for a long time:
The plant will continually develop new leaves. The leaves of a plant that is not happy will curl and shrivel, and will stop growing.
Landscape Use
Calatheas will do well in a container garden, terrarium or as a houseplant as it prefers low light and is easy to care for. They are very suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
