Calathea bachemiana

Calathea bachemiana is a less commonly known but equally captivating member of the Calathea family, prized for its stunning foliage and elegant appearance. It has been recently reclassified into the genus Goeppertia.

Calathea bachemiana: An In-depth Look

Calathea bachemiana is distinguished by its lush, vibrant leaves that feature intricate patterns and a striking color palette. The leaves are typically elongated and oval-shaped, showcasing a mix of deep green hues with lighter, almost silvery patterns that highlight the plant’s ornate nature. The plant’s beauty is further enhanced by the contrasting colors found on the underside of its leaves, which can range from a deep purple to a rich maroon, adding depth and visual interest.

Native: Originating from the tropical rainforests of South America, Calathea bachemiana thrives in warm, humid environments. It is accustomed to the dappled light of the forest floor, making it well-suited for indoor environments that can mimic these conditions. It belongs to the arrowroot family (Marantaceae), along with the Prayer Plant.

Plant Type and Habit: Calathea bachemiana is an evergreen perennial with an upright growth habit. It grows upright, with leaves emerging from the soil in a rosette formation, creating a compact and bushy appearance. This growth habit makes it an ideal plant for indoor settings where space may be limited.

Size: Typically, Calathea bachemiana reaches a modest height of about 2 feet (60 cm) and a similar spread. Its size makes it a versatile houseplant, suitable for placement on tables, shelves, or as a floor plant in larger containers.

Flowers: While Calathea bachemiana is primarily grown for its foliage, it can produce flowers under the right conditions. The flowers are small and may not be as visually striking as the plant’s leaves, but they add an extra layer of interest for those fortunate enough to see them bloom indoors.

Foliage: The foliage is the star feature of Calathea bachemiana, with each leaf serving as a testament to the plant’s ornamental value. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors of the leaves make it a focal point in any indoor garden or living space.

Hardiness: Calathea bachemiana is hardy in USDA zones 11-12. It is not frost-tolerant and must be kept in environments above 60°F (15°C) to thrive.

Uses: Primarily used for decorative purposes, Calathea bachemiana is a popular choice for indoor spaces, including homes and offices, where it can contribute to a more inviting and vibrant atmosphere.

Toxicity: Calathea plants are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, making them a safe choice for pet owners and families. Their sap may irritate sensitive skin.

Benefits: Beyond its ornamental appeal, it improves indoor air quality by filtering out pollutants.

Calathea Plant Care

Caring for a Calathea plant involves creating a balanced environment that mimics its native tropical habitat.

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while too little light may cause them to lose vibrancy. A spot near a window with sheer curtains or an east-facing window is ideal.

Soil: A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is suitable. Incorporating perlite or vermiculite can improve drainage.

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Use distilled, rainwater, or filtered tap water to avoid brown tips caused by fluoride and other chemicals in tap water.

Temperature and Humidity: Thrives in temperatures between 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (24°C). Avoid sudden temperature drops and cold drafts. Requires high humidity levels, ideally above 60%. Low humidity can lead to brown leaf tips and edges. Use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or group it with other plants to increase surrounding humidity.

Fertilization: Fertilize every 4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer. Reduce fertilization in fall and winter.

Pruning: Trim away yellow or brown leaves at the base to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage new growth.

Cleaning: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and help the plant breathe.

Repotting: Every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time for repotting.

How to Propagate Calathea – A Step-By-Step Guide

Propagating a Calathea plant, like many other members of the Calathea genus, is best done through division. This method ensures the new plants have a good start with established roots and foliage.

Choose the Right Time: The best time for propagation is in late spring when the plant is in its active growth phase.

Prepare Your Tools and Workspace: Ensure you have clean, sharp scissors or a knife, pots for the new plants, and appropriate potting mix (peat-based or similar to what the parent plant is in). Sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution to prevent the spread of disease.

Remove the Plant from Its Pot: Carefully take your Calathea plant out of its pot. You may need to tap the pot’s sides or gently pull the plant by the base to ease it out.

Inspect and Separate the Rhizomes: Look for natural divisions in the root ball where the plant has formed distinct clumps or sections. These are your propagation points. Gently tease the roots apart with your fingers or cut through them with your clean, sharp tool if necessary. Ensure each division has a good amount of roots and at least one or two shoots (leaves).

Pot Up the Divisions: Fill your new pots with a suitable potting mix, making a hole in the center for the division. Place each division in its pot, ensuring it sits at the same depth as in the original pot. Fill around the roots with more potting mix, gently firming to support the plant.

Water and Care for Your New Plants: Water each new Calathea plant thoroughly after potting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the new plants in a warm, humid spot with indirect light, similar to the parent plant’s preferred conditions.

Monitor and Maintain Humidity: To ensure high humidity, you can cover the pots with plastic bags to create a greenhouse effect. Ensure to open the bag daily for fresh air and check the soil moisture.

Be Patient: Growth may be slow initially as your Calathea plant adjusts and develops new roots and foliage. It can take several weeks to see significant growth.

Calathea: Pests, Diseases, Common Problems

Calathea is relatively resistant to major problems, but like all indoor plants, it can encounter some pests, diseases, and common issues.

Pests

Spider Mites: These tiny pests can be identified by the fine webs they weave on the plant. They cause yellowing or speckled leaves. Increase humidity around the plant and wash it with a strong stream of water. For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Mealybugs: These white, cottony pests tend to cluster in leaf axils and under leaves, sucking sap and weakening the plant. Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs or apply neem oil.

Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that can be green, black, brown, or pink, aphids typically feed in groups on the undersides of leaves. Combat them with a gentle spray of water, neem oil, or insecticidal soap to protect the plant’s health and appearance.

Scale insects: Hard or soft-bodied insects that attach themselves to the stems or leaves, causing yellowing and growth stunting. Scrape off with a fingernail or use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be used.

Diseases

Root rot: Often a result of overwatering, leading to brown, mushy roots and wilted leaves. Prevent by ensuring good drainage and letting the soil partially dry between waterings. Affected plants may need repotting with fresh soil after cutting away any rotten roots.

Leaf spot: Fungal or bacterial infections causing spots on leaves. Avoid wetting foliage when watering and improve air circulation. Remove affected leaves and treat with fungicides if necessary.

Common Problems

Brown Leaf Edges/Tips: Often a result of low humidity or fluoride in tap water. Use distilled water or rainwater and increase humidity around the plant.

Curling Leaves: Can indicate under-watering or too low humidity. Ensure consistent soil moisture and raise humidity levels.

Fading Leaf Color: Insufficient light can cause the vibrant patterns of your Calathea to fade. Provide bright, indirect light, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.