The Lancifolia Calathea derives its name from the Latin words ‘lancea’ meaning lance and ‘folium’ meaning leaf. It has upright, lance-shaped leaves with wavy edges. The underside of the leaves is reddish-purple and velvety to the touch, while the top of the leaves is variegated with dark green strokes on a pale green background.
Zebra plants, rattlesnake plants, or peacock plants—all names are of the same plant, the striped and mystical Calathea. Most of these names are due to the unique stripe patterns on their leaves. Calatheas symbolize a new beginning.
The Calathea is a part of the “prayer plant” family. This nickname comes from the peculiar behavior of its leaves. They move up during the night, resembling praying hands. During the day, the leaves spread out and relax back. These movements happen very slowly and allow the plant to get as much sun as possible. Fascinating, won’t you agree?
There are around 300 species of the Calathea plant, each exhibiting a different color and pattern of leaves. You’d find these species differ in terms of the leaf shapes too. These may be waved, ridged, round, pointed, or oval.
Unlike many indoor plants, Calatheas are non-toxic. This makes the plant pet-friendly and a great choice in homes with curious kids.
Calathea Plant Care
Light and Temperature Requirements – Calathea plants thrive in medium to bright partial sunlight, but can tolerate low indirect light. Different varieties have different requirements. Usually, the darker the leaves, the lower the light requirements. Like most tropical plants, Calatheas need a higher temperature.
Soil Conditions – Calathea plants require porous, moist, and well-drained soil to grow well.
Water Requirements – Water your Calatheas every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to semi-dry between waterings.
Food Requirements – Fertilize your Calathea plants every 2-3 weeks. Use a well-balanced plant fertilizer or compost to feed your plant.
