I have two mature specimens, the larger being 8 feet which is supposed to be the maximum height, though this guy doesn't seem to believe ...Read Moreit and is crawling past that mark!
They don't really differ in care from smaller Calatheas - as always with this genus, spend extra time up front on potting mix and exact plant position, and save headaches later. It seems not to be quite as sun-tolerant as the even larger "Calathea Lutea" (known as the Cigar Calathea or Havana Cigar), but bright indirect light (as per smaller Calatheas) seems to suit it fine.
Potting mix must drain well (the standard rule), I use a mix of fertile black organic soil, compost, river sand (not too fine), and add a mix of coir, charcoal and thoroughly sun-crisped twiglets & leaves for aeration. The final result should feel "springy", not heavy. Soil should be slightly acidic, go easy on coir and charcoal as these push the pH the other way.
They drink water ravenously in our tropical heat (the leaves are huge, so on a large plant on a hot day, transpiration is quick) but the crucial thing is never to leave the plant waterlogged (yet again, the standard Calathea rule.)
They have great body language for plants and can tell you when they're underwatered (leaf fold, inwards) and undernourished. Fertilise with weak balanced liquid food, and I give mine an occasional boost of high N fertiliser. Leaves should not tend to yellow-green, that indicates a deficiency.
The "rattles" are prolific and long-lasting in flowering season. I cut them off when they start to turn brown and lose shape, as their biological job is done and the plant's energy should go elsewhere.
A really great plant overall, very little care needed if it's in the right place and the mix and watering are right. And you get the night-time, slimmer "folded" version as well, for two plants for the price of one!
Interesting flowers that look a bit like a rattlesnake rattle, and even rattle a bit like one once dried. Comes in three colors: green, ...Read Morered and pale yellow (the most common variety). Plant itself gets rather tall (up to 8' or more) and likes to live in swampy areas. Looks a bit like a member of the Heliconia or Ginger family. Have only seen this plant in Hawaii, but descriptions of it say it's 'semihardy', whatever that means.
I have two mature specimens, the larger being 8 feet which is supposed to be the maximum height, though this guy doesn't seem to believe ...Read More
Interesting flowers that look a bit like a rattlesnake rattle, and even rattle a bit like one once dried. Comes in three colors: green, ...Read More