Calathea

Calathea: a living indoor flower as a gift

Decorating the interior and simultaneously creating a cozy atmosphere is the ability for which home gardeners love the calathea plant. It is popular in the interior of residential buildings and apartments, offices and establishments, it is loved and known in many countries of the world for its unusual coloring and leaf patterns.
Calathea comes from Central and South America, this genus includes over 100 species. It got its name from the ancient Greek word "kalathos", which means "basket" and indicates the practical use of the plant by the Indians.
Depending on the specific type, calatheas grow up to 4 m, their shoots are unbranched, the flowers are small and asymmetrical. In indoor conditions, such a plant is popular primarily as a decorative foliage, but flowering species and varieties are also grown at home.
In everyday life, calathea is often called a prayer plant for the property of its leaves to curl up at night and uncurl in the morning: when folded, the leaves look like the hands of a person praying, which is why the flower was named so. There are also species that are called "zebras" or "leopards" for the corresponding color of the leaves, and Calathea lancifolia is often called a "rattlesnake" - again, for the similarity in color and pattern with this animal.

Popular types and varieties of calathea for the home

Different types and varieties of calathea differ in size, color and care features. They can be used in the interior to decorate tables and shelves, placed on the floor near a bed or sofa, added to the design of the work area in the office or used in the decor of the foyer.
You can find a suitable option for both sunlit areas and darkened corners, so that even low light will not be a problem. Indoors, the least demanding and at the same time decorative varieties of indoor calathea plants are popular:

• Orbifolia;
• Medallion;
• Beauty Star;
• Warszewicz;
• Leopardina.

Each variety has its own characteristics. For example, Calathea orbifolia has large, round leaves decorated with silver stripes, Calathea Medallion flaunts oval dark green leaves with colored spots, but Calathea Beauty Star is valued for its bright green leaves with white lines. Calathea Vashkevichii is interesting because its foliage is velvety, burgundy below, and decorated with light geometric patterns above.

How to care for calathea flowers?

The exact rules of care depend on the specific variety of the plant, but there are also several general aspects. Firstly, all species prefer indirect lighting, since direct sunlight can burn the plants. And if you put a pot or vase with calathea on a windowsill, you need to shade it slightly.
Secondly, representatives of the Calathea genus like humid air, so in the room with the flower you need to use a humidifier or periodically spray water from a spray bottle. In addition, you can fill the pot tray with water so that it gradually evaporates.
Thirdly, these plants need proper watering. The calathea flower needs frequent watering, but the water should not stagnate, so good drainage is required. It is advisable to use filtered or at least settled, slightly warm water.
Finally, fourthly, you need to take care of maintaining the optimal temperature in the room with calathea. The most suitable range is considered to be from 18 to 24 ° C, sharp changes should not be allowed. Also, the plant is not recommended to be exposed to drafts - this can harm it.

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