Calathea flower - description of the types of medallion and crocata
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The houseplant calathea is highly prized among gardeners for its unusual appearance and variety of species. Each variety has its own distinctive features, so you can put together a whole collection of kalata at home. Due to the unusual ability of the leaves to have an erect appearance in the evenings, and in the morning to go down, the calathea was called the "prayer flower". It is quite demanding to care for, so when growing it is necessary to adhere to certain rules.
Calathea flower: variety of species
The name Calathea comes from the Greek word "Calathos", which literally means "basket". Calathea belongs to the Marantov family and is the most numerous of its genus. Unlike other members of its family, the plant is distinguished by the presence of flowers. To date, almost 130 species are known that occur in nature. This number includes only naturally occurring calatheas, not counting the hybrids that were bred by breeders.
Collection of different types of kalata
A short plant 70 cm in height has oval-shaped leaves 30 cm long. Leaves, depending on the type of calathea, are lanceolate or petiole-shaped. Color coloration may also vary.
Homeland of a herbaceous perennial plant, are the river valleys of the South African Amazon. Therefore, the flower is sometimes called the "Queen of the Incas" or "Princess of the Incas". Despite the fact that in Russian latitudes the plant is used only for decorative purposes, in its homeland it is used in everyday life. It is known that in Brazil fresh fish is wrapped in calathea leaves, so it is stored much longer. In Colombia, the leaves are used for weaving bags and baskets. In some tribes of South Africa, calathea leaves are still used to make yarn and make clothes from it.
Below we will consider the types of calathea that are popular in Russia.
Calathea medallion
The type of medallion is also known under other names - calathea roseopicta and pink-colored. The plant is distinguished by an unusual color of the leaves, which on one side have patterns in the form of circular ornaments, painted in different shades of green and silver. The edges of the leaf plates are surrounded by a thin white strip. On the reverse side, the leaf plate is dark pink and purple. Because of this feature, roseopicta is often used in floristry for decorating bouquets and flower arrangements.
Medallion, or roseopicta
Calathea medallion is a compact species, it grows no more than 40 cm in height. In caring for a flower, mistakes are often made, which is why the leaves begin to dry out and curl. To avoid such a problem, it is necessary to create good conditions for the plant: eliminate drafts, apply fertilizers and protect the flower from direct sunlight.
It is believed that the medallion is able to take away all negative energy and bring peace and tranquility to people's relationships, therefore it is often grown in offices.
Calathea crocata
Crocata is also known under another name - saffron calathea. It is named so because of the saffron color of the inflorescences. Crocata leaves are oval in shape with wavy edges. The upper side of the leaf is colored dark green and the underside is brown or dark purple.Unlike other types of calathea, saffron does not differ in the presence of large leaves, but it blooms well at home. Small yellow-orange flowers. Klateya saffron begins to bloom in winter: in late January or early February.
Crokata, or saffron
Caring for the crocodile calathea at home should be carried out carefully, since the flower is very moody and requires special cultivation measures. It is better to grow the species in humid greenhouses and special aquariums, since the plant requires increased air humidity. Dry air, especially in winter due to artificial heating, affects the shedding of foliage and buds. Crokata begins to dry quickly and may die if no action is taken.
If it is not possible to grow a flower in aquariums, then you need to monitor the humidity of the air. The plant must be periodically sprayed with water from a spray bottle. For additional moisture, a container with water is placed next to the calathea so that it evaporates and increases the humidity level.
Calathea Varshevich
A small bush with velvety oval leaves. Green leaves near the veins are noticeably lighter in color. The reverse side of the leaf plates is painted in a bright lilac color. The surface of the leaves is soft and pleasant to the touch, reminiscent of velvet.
Varshevich blooms with delicate pastel colors
The inflorescences of Varshevich's calathea are similar to small spikelets, their bracts are slightly bent like those of rosebuds. The plant is adorned with delicate pink, cream and white flowers during the flowering period. Rosettes are formed on the nodes of the cranked peduncle, which can later be used for reproduction.
For abundant flowering, Varshevich's calathea must be fed with fertilizers. Therefore, experienced gardeners are advised to regularly make special complex additives for flowers or crops of the Marantov family. It is better to feed the plant after watering, when all the water is well absorbed into the soil.
Calathea Lancifolia
The description of the calathea lancifolia bush is rather unusual for its family. The plant is distinguished by the height of its bush, which reaches almost one meter. Thin leaves are oblong. The leaves are almost 50 cm long, they have oval-shaped patterns of different sizes. They are located near the veins and are much darker than the main color of the leaf plate. The leaves are light green and the patterns are dark green. The other side of the leaf is a solid dark purple color.
Lancifolia is a tall ornamental plant
A fairly large plant must be carefully looked after. Since the long thin leaves are standing, any neglect in the care will lead to diseases of the bush and a deterioration in the appearance of the ornamental plant. This calathea is especially demanding on air humidity, watering and feeding.
Calathea Sanderian
The Sanderian species was bred by a selection method from another species called the ornata, or decorated. The plant grows up to 30 cm.The leaves of the plant are elliptical and reach a length of 20 cm.The leaves are located on long thin petioles, the height of which is about 10 cm.
The flower is capable of releasing specific toxins into the soil during the growth process, therefore, a transplant is required every 2 years in order to change the soil.
Sanderiana - compact flower
Calathea Sanderiana is one of the most beautiful species of this family. The unusual pattern on the leaf plates makes it desirable among gardeners and florists.Along the entire length of the bright green leaves, thin white lines are located tightly to each other. The surface of the sheet plates is glossy and smooth to the touch.
Calathea Orbifolia
The plant reaches a length of 60 cm and has dense foliage. Light green leaves of calathea orbifolia are round in shape, their surface is smooth. Light, almost white stripes extend from the central vein on the leaf to the edges. The flower has an attractive appearance due to its large striped leaves.
Orbifolia is distinguished by its round leaves
Often, powdery mildew spoils the beautiful appearance of orbifolia. The disease is spread by pests - mealy worms, which settle on the back of the leaf plates. Signs of the appearance of the parasite can be seen with the naked eye: small dark pellets appear on the cuttings and leaves. If you do not get rid of the pests in time, the plant begins to dry out and lose leaves.
Powdery mildew is treated by wiping the sheets with 10% ethyl alcohol or calendula tincture. But the editors of various magazines and publications on floriculture and horticulture advise not to resort to folk methods, but to use special insecticides: phytoferms or actellik.
Calathea rufibarba
Calathea rufibarba is also called the red beard. A tall plant can reach up to 1 m in height. She was nicknamed Redbeard because of the presence of an orange cannon on the back of the leaf plates. The outer side of the leaves is a rich green color with a smooth glossy surface. Thin leaves with wavy edges are arranged on long, stable cuttings. In its shape, the leaf resembles a sword. The reverse side is painted in a burgundy shade.
Rufibarba is called the red beard
Perhaps the color of the bush does not have any remarkable features, but rufibarba differs from other species in the position of the foliage, which is lowered down. The plant has bright orange and yellow flowers that grow right at the base of the leaves.
Two types of kalata were bred from rufibarba by the selection method: White Star and Blue Grass.
Calathea makoya
Calathea makoya can rightfully be considered the most famous and popular species grown indoors. The plant can grow up to 60 cm in length. Makoya leaves are tender and soft to the touch. The fact is that the sheet plates are very thin; upon close examination, they appear transparent. They reach 20 cm in length and 10 cm in width.
Makoya is the most popular home-grown calathea.
On the upper side, the leaf is bright green with dark patterns. They are round in shape from the main vein at the edges. The coloring is somewhat reminiscent of the patterns on the tail of a peacock, which is why makoya is called a peacock.
Whiteflies appear when the temperature regime is not observed and at low air humidity. Whiteflies are fought with insecticides and homemade traps. Honey or sugar syrup is smeared on cardboard or glass next to the pot to trap the whitefly.
Calathea Leopardina
Leopardina, unlike other species, does not have stems. Reaches a height of half a meter. The leaves are short and narrow, the upper side of which is light green in color with patterns in the form of an elliptical leaf. The patterns are colored dark green and are located from the central vein to the edge of the leaf plate along its entire surface. The reverse side of the leaves is colored dark pink.
Calathea Leopardina is often planted in open ground, since the species is most resistant to harsh conditions. Planting is carried out in the spring after warming up the earth. The place is not chosen on a hill in order to avoid a constant lack of moisture in the soil. You should also avoid open areas that are exposed to direct sunlight.
A drainage layer in the form of expanded clay chips, pebbles or sand is first laid in the dug holes to avoid stagnation of moisture in the soil and oxygen access to the roots. Then the rotted foliage, needles or bark are mixed in equal proportions with the ground and a little of this mixture is placed on top of the drainage. Only after that Leopardina is planted on the site and plentifully watered with slightly cool water.
In addition to the listed species, the following are sometimes grown at home:
- calathea vitata. White thin lines are located throughout the leaf plate. The plant is not tall, but very attractive;
- Calathea Lubbers. Didn't receive much attention from gardeners and florists. Perhaps the point is in disproportionate and chaotic patterns on the foliage. In addition, the reverse side of the leaf plate is green, which is atypical for calathea;
- calathea Bahema. It is easy to grow and does not require special care, but it has not gained much popularity due to its inconspicuous appearance, unlike other species;
- calathea misto. In appearance, it looks like a litze calathea, so they are often confused with each other. In Misto, the pattern on the leaves is closer to the base of the central vein. It looks like a light green brush stroke. Closer to the edge, the pattern merges with the main color of the sheet.
Breeders breed all new calathea hybrids in order to create the most resistant plant to different environmental conditions. The flower is not cheap, and there is a possibility that it will not be able to take root in a new place. Therefore, before buying a calathea, you must familiarize yourself with the basic rules for plant care and create all the necessary conditions for growing it.
