- Botanical Name
- Calathea insignis Syn. Goeppertia insignis. C. bicajoux. ‘Dottie’: C. roseopcita. ‘Rosy’, ‘Maria’: C. roseopicta. C. makoyana.
- Family
- Marantaceae
- Plant Type
- Evergreen perennial
- Size (HxW)
- 20-60cm x 20-60cm
- Depth & Spacing
- Plant at the same level as in the pot with roots spread evenly below soil surface. See plant tag for spacing.
- Soil
- Moderately fertile to humus rich, moist, well drained soil. In pots use a good quality potting mix.
- Aspect
- Bright, filtered light.
- Climate
- Cool to Tropical
- Frost
- Sensitive
- Water
- Water to establish then only if rainfall is low. In pots water regularly, checking to see when the mix has almost dried out. They do not like to be cold and wet so reduce watering through winter and avoid placing too close to heating/air conditioning vents. Rolled in leaves mean they need more water. Brown edges, not enough humidity or, it is too dry. Pale, droopy leaves, too much water. Yellow leaves, this could be your tap water, use filtered water, or let your watering can stand overnight to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
- Fertiliser
- Apply a well balanced liquid fertiliser in spring.
- Flowering Time
- Spring to winter, insignificant.
- After Flower Care
- Remove spent foliage to tidy.
- Notes
- Look out for mealy bugs that can gather at the base of the stem, a cotton bud dipped in metho/clear alcohol will soon sort them out. Give the leaves a spruce up with a cloth if they become dusty. Repot every couple of years to renew vigour in the plant.
