Prayer flower in your home: calathea and caring for her. Indoor plants that cannot be kept at home, photos, names, and which ones can be? How to save a flower from pests
After reading this article, you can find out which houseplants bring bad luck to your home. The superstitions associated with them were formed over a long time under the influence of real cases that happened to some people, and were passed down from generation to generation.
Despite the fact that most biologists are sarcastic about such beliefs, you must decide for yourself whether or not to believe in their validity, because even psychologists say that when choosing plants for a house, you should not be guided by superstitions, but trust your own feelings.
Do not forget that there are unhappiness in the house for well-founded reasons - many of them are poisonous, and some cause severe allergic reactions.
Basic data
The main superstitions associated with indoor plants are based on their death. So, for example, if a plant dies, it is believed that it took the misfortune away from the owner, and the opinion that stolen flowers take root better destroyed many beautiful plants, from which cuttings were separated without the consent of the owners.
Signs that there are unhappiness in the house were formed only in relation to the most popular houseplants. As for the species that have recently appeared in flower shops, such as orchids, they simply have not yet had time to earn a negative attitude towards themselves. At the same time, it is likely that in a few decades they will "overgrow" their own signs.
Below are the most famous houseplants that bring unhappiness, signs about which are often extremely contradictory.
Ivy
In the Middle Ages in Greece and Rome, ivy was not only a symbol of devotion, but also acted as one of the most common talismans for young girls. It was believed that it symbolizes not only the possibility of a successful marriage, but also allows the owner to maintain youth and attractiveness for a long time. To do this, it was enough just to wear a twig of ivy on the chest.
As for the present, in the East, they believe that it increases the life energy of the owner, prolonging his life. At the same time, in the post-Soviet territories, there is an opinion that ordinary ivy, which is massively distributed in the southern regions, attracts misfortune to the house. In addition, it is not recommended to put it in the house of the newlyweds, as it is capable of causing quarrels, as a result of which men leave their families.
Ficus
Even in pre-war times, ficus was considered one of the most pronounced symbols of well-being. It was believed that he attracts wealth to the family. That is why even the poorest segments of the population sought to get this plant. However, after the war, the attitude towards him changed dramatically. The opinion began to spread among the people that there were no ficuses in those families where men survived and returned from the war.
Since people called it "the widow plant", for a fairly short time, it was firmly entrenched in ill fame and most of the luxurious specimens of these plants were mercilessly destroyed.
Monstera
Monstera is a fast-growing vine with carved leaves. In China, it is customary to give it to respected elderly people, as it is believed that it can influence an increase in the number of days a person has to live. Because of this sign, there it is considered a wonderful gift for almost any occasion. However, in our country, people's superstitions about keeping a monster in a house are radically different from Chinese ones. It is believed that this is one of the most dangerous vampire plants that absorb human energy, which makes people lethargic and apathetic. In addition, it is not recommended to start it in families where there are people with heart disease or lung problems, as at night it can "strangle" a person.
But the monster can be placed in a public place where a lot of negative energy accumulates, for example, in a court. There she will not only delight you with her appearance, but will also consume excess negative energy.
Fern
The opinion about the "mystical" fern plant, the flower of which has been sought for a long time on the night of Ivan Kupala, is rather contradictory. So, in some places it is believed that by bringing a fern into the house, you will bring trouble along with it, and as long as the plant is in it, various misfortunes will be attracted to you. However, in other places, it is believed that the fern, on the contrary, protects the family from the evil that other people do, and all evil spirits. It is believed that if a fern dries up unexpectedly, then it has taken on the damage directed against the homeowner.
Violet
There is a widespread superstition that, if kept in a house, a girl living in it will never be able to marry for love. In fact, this plant is considered an invariable reason for a girl to remain alone until old age. In addition, it is not recommended to keep violets in the house due to the fact that the female part of the family may develop various diseases of the reproductive system.
Cyperus
It is believed that this plant has such a powerful energy that it easily suppresses the human biofield, exerting a powerful negative effect on the health of people who are in close proximity to it every day. People who have him at home are often and seriously ill. Despite the fact that today there is no scientific evidence for this fact, if you nevertheless decide to have a cyperus in the house, be sure to listen to your well-being.
"Plants-muzhegon"
There are a large number of plants that should not be started in the house from an emotional and psychological point of view. These indoor plants, which bring misfortune to the house, are called "muzhegon plants" from people.
- Scindapsus is one of the most popular tropical lianas. It is believed that she not only brings quarrels into the house and is the culprit for divorce, but also “expels” all men from the family, including even sons and grandchildren.
- Cissus - like scindapsus, belongs to the category of plants that have a direct impact on the fact that men leave families. In addition, cissus is considered a real magnet for attracting unhappiness to the family.
- Hibiscus - it is not recommended to have it for unmarried women, as their personal life begins to deteriorate, and the beloved may sooner or later leave for another.
- Hoya - it is believed that this plant can not only "drive" a man out of the house, but also squeeze him out of the world.
- Tradescantia - in the house where this plant is located, the marriage may soon collapse.
Signs associated with the color of flowers
As a rule, omens associated with flowers do not bode well. Often, flowers that bring unhappiness to the house are also divided according to their color. For instance:
- White flowers symbolize purity and innocence. That is why there is a belief that it is better for newlyweds to give flowers of this color to a wedding.
- Red flowers symbolize passion and love.
- Yellow flowers foreshadow an imminent separation.
- It is customary to give blue flowers to close people, as they symbolize sincerity and kindness.
Conclusion
Do not rush to throw away your favorite flowers just because someone told you that they bring misfortune into the house. Of course, believing or not believing in such statements is a personal matter for each person, but you should first of all trust your own feelings.
Even if you are personally acquainted with people whose life did not work out for some reason and there were some of the plants listed in this article in their house, this does not mean that people suffered exactly from their negative influence. Indeed, most countries have their own folk signs associated with plants.
Indoor flowers should be selected in the house only taking into account your taste preferences, because first of all they should delight you with their appearance and cheer you up.
Every house has houseplants. They decorate our home and bring benefits, purifying the air, and giving a good mood. Few people thought about the fact that flowers can bring not only benefits, but also harm. There are certain types of plants that can bring happiness to your home, wealth and good fortune. Some green friends can do harm under certain conditions.
How to figure out and surround your home with plants that will carry only positive energy? There are many signs and superstitions associated with the plant kingdom. We will talk about this in the article.
Dangerous "friends"
There are many signs and superstitions, among them there are those associated with plants. Most often they are related to indoor flowers. People have long known that each plant has its own magic and power... It is not for nothing that sorcerers have always used plants to prepare magic potions. Our contemporaries came to the conclusion that plants feel people, remember them and can feel pain, therefore they need a careful attitude.
You need to choose the right plants for your home. For example, curly flowers are best used only for their intended purpose. It is undesirable to buy vines with sharp and narrow leaves for the home. Climbing plants reflect offensive reflections from the sharp corners of the room and the ledge of the walls. To activate the energy at home, it is advisable to purchase flowers with fleshy and rounded leaves. Flowers with leaves and stems directed upwards and not downwards feed well with positive energy.
Now cacti have become fashionable, they are in almost every home, but this plant should be alarming. Cacti carry negative energy instead of positive. Their energy seems to permeate the living space. They are able to neutralize the harmful radiation of many household appliances:
- computer;
- microwave;
- TV set,
- notebook.
The plant, being close to the equipment, will remove their negative effects of magnetic vibrations. To this end also it's good to put a fern instead of a cactus.
Flowers with negative energy include azalea and wax ivy. In addition, wax ivy scares off grooms if there is a bride in the house. Bad radiation comes from palms with sharp and thin leaves.
Welcome guests in the house
There are many more flowers with positive energy. You should definitely find out about them and purchase them for your home. A few decades ago, one could see aloe or Kalanchoe in many houses. They are considered antiseptics, which is obviously why they were so popular. If you believe the signs, these plants can fulfill the wishes of household members.
Negative energy gradually accumulates in every house, and in order to remove it, you need to purchase at least one of these colors:
- geranium:
- chrysanthemum;
- mint.
They are keepers of peace can protect the occupants of the home from negative impact and disturbance.
There are many colors that can bring harmony, peace and love into a home. These include myrtle. The plant is a symbol of family well-being. Every family must have it in order to live in love and harmony for many years.
Violets and roses contribute to the birth of passion and love. It is good for a childless family to have a cyclamen; it is believed that it will contribute to the conception of a child. The flower must be placed in the bedroom.
Citrus plants good for relieving headaches, migraines, they help relieve stress. Balsam gives maximum positive energy and creates an atmosphere of light and kindness. Suitable for material well-being in the house:
- begonia - helps to improve material well-being, brings business success;
- primrose, arrowroot, dieffenbachia, hemantus - they attract money to the family budget.
Begonia and Kalanchoe also improve the well-being of all family members. According to herbalists, begonia can improve the well-being of people with respiratory disease. If you put geraniums on the windowsill, then your sleep will be stronger and healthier.
Syngonium: signs and superstitions
Many growers like this flower. A beautiful liana syngonium with unusual leaves attracts many with its appearance. It is impossible to say unequivocally about it. It is believed that the syngonium brings misfortune to the house, destroys the relationship between a man and a woman. Feng Shui experts believe that, like all other vines, the syngonium with sharp leaves brings negative energy into the house.
There is also an opinion that the flower is the keeper of home warmth and comfort, it is considered a symbol of positive changes in the house. Syngonium contributes to the recovery of sick household members. Positive changes can be judged by the leaves of the plant, they will change their shade. If you often have bad dreams, then it's time to start a syngonium in the house, it will give only pleasant dreams. It is also believed that the syngonium brings success in business.
Any plants need care. If the flower dies and it is no longer possible to save it, it is better to part with it immediately. The house should contain only fresh and healthy plants... Sick and dying flowers cannot give positive energy, they will radiate the energy of wilting and disease.
It is not recommended to keep many flowers in the bedroom, since plants do not emit oxygen, but absorb it in the dark. At night, you need to open the window so that there is access to fresh air if there are indoor flowers in the room.
It is advisable to always choose flowers to your liking for your home. It is worth reflecting on your desires, since they are always closely related to our tastes. If you believe the signs, then flowers with negative energies better to admire from a distance... Everyone must decide for himself whether to believe or not to believe in "flower" superstitions and in any case live in harmony with nature.
Superstitions and signs about indoor flowers will tell you how, with the help of correctly selected plants, to establish life and place which species in the house are best to beware of.
In the article:
It is believed that the house where indoor plants die is filled with negative energy. This is not true. Most of the plants, when you take good care of them and devote a considerable part of the time, are also able to negative programs from the owners. 
When one plant has dried up, this means that it has taken away a strong evil eye, damage or serious illness from you. But this does not mean the content of negative energy in the house. Thank the deceased flower, and then bury it on the street or on the site.
Household flowers dry up one by one - either there is a strong negative presence in the house, or. But when it's not about leaving. Some plants are whimsical, and some of them react to loud sounds. Not a bad explanation for the omen that says: flowers do not take root in a house where scandals are frequent.
Flowers get sick and wither for natural reasons. This bodes well for shopping.
With the help of them, the negative zones of the apartment are determined. When the plant growing well before the "move" begins to wither, for example, near the bed, then move the latter to another place.
When a plant blooms in the middle of winter, which is covered with inflorescences in summer, it is unexpected. In some regions of Russia and other countries - to death in the house. The interpretation also depends on the properties of the plant. Unexpected bloom money tree- to the unexpected appearance of money.
It is believed that it is impossible to donate plants in pots, this transfers the failures and problems of the donor to the person to whom the gift is intended. When you receive one, give back a coin of any denomination. So the plant will think that it was bought and it received a new owner, and it does not need the energy of the old one.
Good omens about houseplants
There are plants that carry positive energy and are suitable for everyone. TO rassula, or fat woman, attracts the energy of money into the house. With proper care and growing conditions, it will help you get rich. Choose a pot for her red or green - the colors. Insert coins into it when planting Crassula.
Fern protects against harmful radiation from electrical appliances, so place it near a TV or computer. This property allows them to replace the usual cacti, negative signs are associated with them.
spathiphyllum
Another name spathiphyllum- woman's happiness. This plant carries one positive energy - it brings family happiness and well-being. You can read more about it in a separate article on the site.
Bamboo carries the energy of career growth, striving for success and good luck in business and at work. But it brings happiness when the plant pot is placed on the desktop. In the bedroom, near the bed, such aspirations are useless.
Aloe serves as a normalizer of family relations and communication with guests, brings peace and tranquility to the house. This plant will protect against unwanted visitors and their influence. Therefore, they are placed near the entrance to the room.
Dilute sour when there are problems finding a suitable partner or in a relationship with an existing one. It normalizes family and love relationships.
Hibiscus- a flower of love and passion. Perfect for newlyweds and senior couples. Helps in strengthening and restoring normal family relationships. Avocado has a similar meaning.
Tradescantia protects the owner from gossip, and aspidistra adds stamina to character.
Purifies the air and, according to signs, brings happiness to family members.
Geranium combats stress, feelings of loneliness and depression, and also gives confidence. It makes a person's character calm, balanced.
Dracaena improves mood, shares energy, brings good luck and success.
All citrus plants favorable for placement in a dwelling. They bring good luck, happiness, wealth and love.
Home roses symbolize loyalty and chastity. When worried about your teenage daughter, place a box of roses in her room, preferably white. In the spousal bedroom, marriage is kept from betrayal and deception.
Bad omens about houseplants - which flowers bring misfortune
A common sign about home flowers warns unmarried women against breeding. ivy and ... They are considered muzhegons - they will prevent you from getting married, drive away potential spouses from you. And when the husband appeared, the omen does not prohibit buying ivy.
He is considered an energy vampire. But it takes both positive energy and negative. When you want to get rid of negative emotions, sit by the ivy. There are those who believe that it gives confidence.
Callas bring sadness.
According to popular beliefs, it is believed that monstera can strangle at night when standing by the bed. The fact is that the monstera absorbs oxygen. When they sleep near her, they wake up in the morning with headache and muscle pain, weakness and other negative symptoms. She is considered an energy vampire due to her ability to absorb oxygen.
Calathea is a houseplant extremely appreciated by flower growers for the attractiveness of its leaves and flowers. You can make up a whole collection of its types. Although it is quite difficult for a beginner to grow such an exotic at home, experienced flower growers boldly acquire calatheas, despite the possible difficulties of care. They can be understood by looking at this plant in bloom. Such an unusual beauty expiates the inconvenience and exactingness of the flower.
Description of the species
Calathea is a perennial herb native to the Amazon Valley in South America. In the arrowroot family, this is the most numerous genus. Currently, about 130 species of kalata are known, not counting the hybrids bred by breeding.... Calathea also favorably differs from other plant species that make up this family, known for the decorativeness of the leaves of all its representatives, in the presence of flowers.
Calathea leaves of different species are very different.
The name of the species comes from the Greek calathos - basket. American Aborigines still weave baskets from Calathea leaves. But this is not their only application. For example, in Brazil, freshly caught fish is wrapped in them so that it does not spoil longer, and in Colombia they make bags and hats.
The plant is not tall (65–75 cm), so it is well suited for growing at home. As a houseplant, calathea is prized mainly for the appearance of its leaves. They are large (25–30 cm long), strongly elongated, oval in shape. In most species, the leaves have petioles, although lanceolate variants are also found. The leaves are collected in rosettes. Their number varies: for some kalata with the most beautiful flowers, one leaf in the outlet is the norm.
Leaves are simply green in color, but in most kalata they are covered with patterns of randomly spaced spots and stripes of almost white, silver, yellow, light orange, pink, reddish or brick color.
Why does a flower raise leaves in the evening and lower them in the morning
A characteristic feature of Calathea is that its leaves are always drawn by the sun's rays. Therefore, if you do not want your plant to grow crooked in a pot, you need to turn it from time to time. In the evenings, the leaves rise almost vertically upward, revealing the lower side, in the morning they fall back. The raised leaves are very reminiscent of folded hands for prayer. For this feature, Calathea received its second name - "prayer flower". The first, the "crown of the Incas", is associated with the area of its distribution and the appearance of flowers. Many wild species of calathea have been discovered in Peru.
During the day, looking closely, you can see that the leaves of calathea tremble finely.
The leaves live for about a year, then die off and are replaced by new rosettes. Shoots are almost impossible to see - they are almost completely located underground, forming rhizomes. Only a vertical process 2–3 cm long emerges on the surface, on which a rosette of leaves is formed.
How the "crown of the Incas" blooms
Subject to proper care, calathea blooms from late May to mid-August. Its inflorescences resemble an ear, collected from three smaller spikelets. They form at the tops of the shoots or in the axils of the leaves.
The color of the flowers is very diverse: they can be white, yellow, orange, purple and more.
The structure of flowers in Calathea is very unusual, so their pollination in nature looks pretty funny. A bee, sinking onto a flower, tries to reach the nectar with its proboscis, but this is impossible, since there is an obstacle that is very similar in shape to a cocked pistol trigger. When an insect pushes it, this outgrowth sharply straightens, slapping on the bee. As a result, the pollen of this plant is transferred to it. At the same time, the bee shudders violently, thus shaking off the pollen of another flower.
The roots of Calathea are covered with frequent small spherical growths, which botanists call stolons. It is in them that the plant stores water and essential nutrients in reserve.
It is scientifically proven that calathea has a positive effect on the air in the room. Its leaves intensively absorb and destroy formaldehydes, which cause depression, apathy and chronic fatigue. Also, these substances are a common cause of allergic reactions. And in large cities, where the level of formaldehydes in the air regularly rises due to exhaust gases, they can provoke the development of tumors, including malignant ones.
Video: naughty sissy calathea
Popular varieties
Most often, the following types of kalata can be purchased in flower shops. Among them there are both natural species and hybrids created by breeders.
Calathea Bahema
The plant is not tall, about 35 cm. Leaves are lanceolate, without petiole, not too narrow (7–8) cm and long (15–20 cm), sharply tapering towards the top. The upper side of the leaf plate is light green with a noticeable silvery sheen, the lower one is lime-colored. A pattern of dark green spots along the central vein is characteristic. The flowers are rather large (5–6 cm) and are arranged on short peduncles.
The main decorative feature of Bachem's calathea is the silvery sheen of the leaves.
Calathea Varshevich
The leaves of this species are dark green, and purple below, with petioles, velvety to the touch. Above the leaves, there is a pattern of spots and stripes of a lighter shade, running along the central vein. The plant blooms with white, cream or pinkish flowers.
Calathea Varshevich has very beautiful leaves and flowers
Calathea Veitch
It is sometimes mistakenly called "Calathea Vicha". This is one of the tallest representatives of the species (75–90 cm). The leaves are large, 25–30 cm long and 12–15 cm wide. The color of the outer surface of the leaf is dark green, with a glossy sheen and a pattern of yellowish green stripes. From below, they look no less impressive - light green, with a reddish tint and a pattern of white and yellow stripes. The flowers are located on very long (18-22 cm) peduncles.
Calathea Veitch looks very impressive even without flowers.
Wonderful, or lanceolate (lansifolia)
The leaves of this calathea are long (25 cm), but narrow (3-5 cm), with a slightly wavy edge. Above they are light green, with a geometrically regular pattern of dark green ovals of different sizes, and below they are inky purple.
A characteristic feature of the remarkable calathea is waviness along the entire edge of the leaf plate.
Striped (zebrina)
The leaves of the zebra-like calathea are long (30–35 cm) and wide (15–20 cm), without petioles. Above - bright green, with a pattern of stripes, reminiscent of feathers, below - reddish green. Inflorescences are almost round or ovoid in shape, peduncles are short, flowers are white or pale purple.
Of all the kalatei, the zebra-like one is perhaps best true to its name.
Leopard
The height of this plant is about 40 cm. The leaves are without petioles, short (9–12 cm) and narrow (2–4 cm). The upper part of the leaf plate is light green, with elliptical spots that diverge from the central vein. The flowers are bright yellow.
Calathea leopard blooms very beautifully with yellow flowers
Calathea Litze
It is a medium-sized plant (55-60 cm). Leaves on petioles, about 15 cm long and 6–8 cm wide, slightly wavy along the entire edge. From above they are bright green, with a glossy, almost metallic sheen and wide stripes of a darker shade, and from below they are reddish-purple. The flowers are snowy white.
The leaves of the Litze calathea are not the most attractive, but the white flowers look amazing
Calathea Makoya
The plant is not tall (40-50 cm). The leaves are long and wide (15–20 cm and 10–12 cm, respectively). Above, on a bright green plate, there is a pattern of dark green stripes radiating from the central vein and reddish spots. Below the leaves are pale green, almost transparent.
Calathea Makoya has a spectacular leaf color
Painted
The leaves of this calathea are about 20 cm long. From above they are dark green, the central vein is always lighter, like a continuous strip along the entire edge of the leaf plate.
The pattern on the leaves of the painted calathea resembles brush strokes
Decorated (sanderiana)
This is a stunted plant (25-30 cm). Leaves on long (8–12 cm) petioles, 17–20 cm long and 7–8 cm wide, lime-colored, with a pattern of silvery and pinkish stripes. Below they are purple-violet. Inflorescences 7-8 cm long, white or lilac-purple on a very long (25-30 cm) peduncle.
Unlike the rest of the kalata, the decorated one has very long peduncles.
Saffron (crocata)
The leaves of this popular flower are dark green on top and brownish brown on the underside. The flowers are yellow-orange, saffron-colored, hence the name. Unlike other species, saffron calathea blooms in winter (January or February).
Calathea saffron stands out among other varieties for its beautiful bright flowers.
Video: caring for calathea saffron
Calathea Rufibarba
Literally the name means "red-bearded". It is associated with the presence of a light yellow-orange cannon on the underside of the leaf plate and petioles. The leaves of this calathea themselves are slightly wavy along the edge, bright green, without a pattern. Flowers are yellow or orange.
Calathea rufibarba differs from other species by the presence of a light "cannon" on the leaves
Calathea Burle Marx, or "Blue Ice"
Leaves are light green with a noticeable bluish tint. The flowers are snow-white, with a barely noticeable shade of blue.
Calathea "Blue Ice" blooms with amazing bluish flowers
Calathea Lubbers
Unlike most other kalata, in which the pattern on the leaves is more or less symmetrical, the Lubbers kalatea are lemon and pale yellow chaotically located spots on a bright green leaf. The leaves themselves are an almost regular ellipse, tapering towards the top. They are located on long petioles. The leaves are slightly lighter below than above.
Bright lemon spots on the leaves of Calathea Lubbers look very festive.
Mosaic (network)
The leaves of the calathea of this species are of a very light green hue, they appear translucent in the light. Veins of bright green or lime color divide them into small quadrangles. This explains the name - the leaves seem to be folded from pieces of glass of different shades.
The leaves of the calathea are mosaic as if they were collected from thousands of tiny fragments of translucent glass.
Pink-colored (roseopicta), or "Medallion"
It is a spectacular flower about 35-40 cm tall. Below, the leaf plate is inky-violet, on top it is dark green with wide veins of various shades (bright green, light green, silvery, pinkish), radiating from the central vein. A narrow, almost white border runs along the edge of the sheet.
It is hard to believe that pink-colored calathea is a creation of nature, and not a figment of the artist's imagination
Plant transplant after purchase and as it grows
The optimal time for transplanting calathea is early spring. This procedure is vital for the plant.... But do not transplant calathea at the wrong time. Therefore, new items for your collection should be bought at the end of winter or at the beginning of spring. Plants aged 1 to 3 years are transplanted annually, then every 2-3 years (depending on the state of the flower).
Calathea roots release specific toxins into the soil, which can lead to its death. For the same reason, it is recommended to immediately transplant a plant purchased in a store, because you do not reliably know its age and how much it is already in this pot.
Before starting a transplant, you need to take care of a suitable soil and pot. Purchase a special soil mixture designed for plants from the arrowroot family. If not, soil for growing azaleas or rhododendrons is suitable. Experienced growers prefer to prepare the soil on their own, mixing in a 2: 1: 1: 1 ratio of fertile soil from their own garden, humus, peat and coarse river sand. Another option is to mix in equal proportions earth, humus and peat. A prerequisite is a slightly acidic or neutral indicator of the acid-base balance. At the same time, only wood ash can be deoxidized.
It is better to pre-sterilize the soil by calcining it in the oven, spilling it with boiling water or holding it in a sieve over steam for 15 minutes.
The pot for calathea should be low, but wide and resemble a bowl in shape... This is due to the fact that the root system comes very close to the surface. As for the material, it is better to give preference to unglazed ceramics. This will provide oxygen access to the roots in the required volume.
The most suitable pot for calathea is similar to a basin or a bowl.
The transplant takes place as follows:
- When preparing for transplanting, water the plant abundantly in 1–1.5 hours. This will make it much easier to remove from the old pot.
- Before filling the pot with soil, take care of the drainage. The layer thickness must be at least a quarter of the container height. Expanded clay, river pebbles, small gravel, brick chips, small ceramic shards and even eggshells can be used as drainage. It is useful to sprinkle the drain with a thin layer of powdered charcoal or activated carbon. This is an additional prevention of root rot.
Good drainage is essential to aerate the calathea roots.
- The drainage can be filled with soil. The layer thickness should not exceed 2-3 cm. There is no need to tamp it.
Pour the soil into the pot little by little and do not tamp.
- Remove the calathea carefully from the old pot to avoid damaging the roots. No need to try to pull out one plant - take out the entire earthy clod.
Turn the plant pot on its side and carefully remove the earthen ball
- Rinse the roots under running cool water and carefully examine. All roots with traces of rot, mold and other damage must be cut with a sharp knife strictly perpendicular. The cut sites are disinfected with a pink solution of potassium permanganate and covered with crushed charcoal or sifted wood ash. Also trim off any old dry leaves.
- Place the plant on the soil. Spread out the roots carefully. Be sure to hold the calathea with your hand, constantly making sure that the growing point is above the surface of the substrate and does not move away from the center of the pot.
The growth point must be above ground level
- The soil is poured into the pot carefully, in small portions, stopping when 1.5–2 cm remains to the upper edge of the pot. It is slightly crushed, but not tamped. The roots left without air are the inevitable speedy death of Calathea.
Consider also the fact that after the first watering the soil will settle down a little.
- Then the transplanted calathea is watered abundantly and removed for 2-3 days in a cool place, protected from direct sunlight. This is necessary to minimize the consequences of the transplant.
The next time the transplanted plant is watered no earlier than after 8-10 days.
Necessary home care
It is quite problematic to create the natural conditions in which calathea feels best at home. However, a significant plus that made all plants of the arrowroot family extremely popular for home floriculture is the absence of a dormant period. Once the conditions have been created, they do not have to be changed regularly.
Calatheas feel great next to any other indoor plants. Moreover, other flowers keep the air humidity vital for this tropical sissy.
Lighting
Calathea do not like the bright hot sun at all. It can cause burns on the leaves as light spots, fading of bright colors and shrinkage of the leaf blade. This is easily explained if you remember what rainforests look like, in which the upper branches of tall trees, intertwining, form a canopy that is practically impenetrable to rays. These plants need diffused light.... Therefore, if you grow them on a windowsill, where direct sunlight falls, calatheas must be shaded in the daytime (from 11:00 to 15:00).
The most suitable place for calathea is the sill of a window facing east, southeast or west.
Another option is artificial lighting. Calatheas grow well under fluorescent lamps if the light hits them for 14-18 hours a day. The same lamps must be turned on from November to March, when the daylight hours are not so long.
Temperature regime
During the period of active growth and flowering (from early March to late August), the optimum temperature for calathea is 24–28º. In winter, the temperature should be kept at 17–22º. If it drops to 15º, the plant will inevitably die.
Calathea really does not like sudden changes in temperature, cold drafts and changing places. Therefore, determine a suitable place for the flower with a constant temperature in advance. Any deviations lead to the fact that the leaves rot and wither.
Air humidity
High air humidity (at the level of 90–95%) is one of the necessary conditions for the normal development and regular flowering of calathea. Therefore, daily spraying is extremely important for the flower. In winter, when the air in the room becomes drier due to the radiators, calathea is sprayed twice a day. In this case, the leaves should not be allowed to hang from the windowsill, almost touching the batteries.
Choose a spray that produces the smallest droplets. Excessively large, falling on the leaves, provoke the development of dark spots and rot.
To increase the humidity, place a humidifier in the room, and next to the calathea, place a container with water, wet moss, peat, expanded clay, sand or pebbles. In this case, do not pour water directly into the pan of the pot. Another care option is to hermetically seal the plants with plastic bags or glass caps at night.
Waterlogging and overdrying is destructive for kalata. In both cases, the plant simply rolls up and sheds its leaves.
If the leaves are leathery and dense, they can be regularly wiped with a damp sponge. In this case, as well as for spraying, use water that is warm (25–27 ° C).
How to water
Watering the kalatea needs abundant watering, but the plant should not be poured either. Calathea Makoya especially suffers from waterlogging. Water only when the topsoil dries up. Calathea is watered at intervals of 3-4 days (more often in summer), spending about 0.5-0.7 liters of water per adult plant.
For irrigation, warm water (25-27 ° C) is used for 2-3 days. It should never be hard, too chlorinated or high in fluoride. To soften the water, dip peat tightly bound in cotton or linen into a container. A couple of handfuls are enough. Ideally, you should use melt water or rainwater. Too cold liquid leads to the rapid development of root rot.
In winter, watering is reduced by about half, and the interval between two procedures is increased to 4–5 days.
The frequency of watering is directly related to the level of humidity. If the humidity exceeds 75–80%, one irrigation every 3-4 days is enough, but if it is low (35–40%), it is necessary to water more often.
Remember that frequent watering will not compensate for the dry air.
When and what can you feed
Calathea needs feeding only during the period of intensive growth and flowering (from March to September). Once every 12-15 days, fertilizer for arrowroot or universal flower fertilizer for decorative leafy crops is applied to the soil.
Fertilizers intended for decorative leafy indoor plants are suitable.
It is important not to overdo it with fertilizers. Therefore, read the instructions carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Calathea reacts especially negatively to excessive amounts of nitrogen and calcium.
The optimal time for top dressing is 10-15 minutes after watering, when the moisture is completely absorbed into the soil. Fertilizing overdried soil is strongly discouraged.
In winter, if you are satisfied with the condition of the plant, you can refuse feeding or carry it out every 1.5 months.
Video: how to properly care for calathea
How to save a flower from pests
Despite the fact that Calathea is quite capricious, it relatively rarely suffers from diseases and pests, if you create the right conditions for it. The most common problems are powdery mildew, spider mites, scale insects and whiteflies.
Mealybug
What is called powdery mildew is actually the result of a pest called a mealybug. They settle in whole colonies under the leaves. You can observe small pellets, as if from dirty cotton wool, dotting the leaves, their petioles and peduncles. Worms suck sap from plants. As a result, the more calathea suffers, the more its growth is inhibited, deformed, dry and leaves fall off.
For prevention, regularly carefully examine the plants, wipe the leaves with a damp sponge at least once every 15–20 days, cut off all yellowed, withered, dried leaves in a timely manner. The sooner you find the problem and start to deal with it, the easier it is to get rid of the worm.
Control measures:
- At an early stage, it is enough to wipe the leaves with a piece of bandage or a cotton pad dipped in foam of laundry soap, and then spray the calathea with a solution of potassium green soap three times a week (a teaspoon of fine shavings per liter of water).
- Another option is to wipe the leaves with 7-10% ethyl alcohol or an alcoholic tincture of calendula flowers diluted to the same concentration. A more concentrated solution can burn the leaves.
- In severe cases, use insecticides - Actellik, Fitoverm, Inta-Vir, Nurell-D, Karbofos. Before use, be sure to read the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer. The affected calatheas are sprayed with the prepared solution weekly until the pest is completely destroyed.
If one of the drugs gives no visible results, use the other until you find the most effective chemical.
- Those who prefer natural remedies can fight mealybugs with an infusion of garlic arrows, onion peels, and any citrus peels. 50–70 g of crushed raw materials are poured with a liter of boiling water, tightly closed with a lid and removed for 2-3 days in a warm, dark place. The ready-to-use infusion is filtered. Processing is carried out every 3-4 days in the evenings, alternating means. With a cotton swab dipped in the infusion, periodically changing it, wipe the leaves and flower stalks.
Spider mite
The spider mite is a pest that feeds on plant juices; it is a carrier of many pathogenic viruses, fungi and bacteria. On a kalatea affected by a spider mite, you can see thin threads twisting around the leaves or their petioles, as well as small whitish dots on the lower part of the leaf plate. If the process has gone too far, the plant literally hides under a thick layer of whitish mass that resembles a cobweb.
The spider mite feels great in insufficiently humidified air, therefore, regularly spray calathea leaves for prevention. Carry out sanitary pruning in a timely manner - remove faded flower stalks, old dried leaves.
You should not be overly zealous with moisture - the liquid accumulating in the axils of the leaves, especially in winter, will very quickly lead to decay of the flower. Also, do not hope to drown the pests by periodically submerging the entire plant in water. Ticks can form a bubble of air that effectively protects them.
Control measures:
- The fight against spider mites begins by wiping the leaves with a solution of laundry soap or dishwashing liquid in warm water.
Don't limit yourself to surface spraying. The spider mite prefers secluded places, such as leaf axils. It is also useful to handle the pots, stands for them and the window sill.
- If the pest has not yet hit the calathea en masse, water the plant abundantly (0.5 l of water) and cover it with a plastic bag on top for 2-3 days, sealing it on the pot. Due to the increased humidity, the pests inside the bag will die. All this time, watch out for calathea (especially in summer) so that sunburn does not appear on the leaves.
- In advanced cases, spraying the flower with solutions of Karbofos, Inta-Vir, Fitoverm, as well as products containing the oil of the Neem tree, will help. At the same time, Temik or Aldicarb granules can be added to the soil.
- In addition to high humidity, these pests do not like ultraviolet light. That is why they prefer to settle on the underside of the sheet plate. If you have a fluorescent lamp, irradiate the leaves with it.
- You can try the following folk remedies:
- Onion infusion. 10-15 g of finely chopped onion or 2 times less husk is poured with a liter of water at room temperature and insisted for 8-10 hours. Filter the infusion before use.
- Infusion of dandelion roots. Pour a tablespoon of finely chopped raw materials with a liter of warm water and leave for 2-3 hours.
- Garlic infusion. Gruel from peeled cloves (12-15 pieces) is poured with a liter of water and infused for 4-5 days. Then they mix thoroughly and take a teaspoon of liquid for spraying, again diluting it in a liter of water.
Shield
On the leaves affected by this pest, a sticky transparent coating appears, clearly visible in the sun due to its characteristic shine. The scale insects feed on plant sap, and their excrement creates a light and airtight film, negatively affecting the normal course of photosynthesis and cellular respiration of the plant. Calathea practically stops growing, the leaves are deformed, turn yellow and dry out.
For prevention, regularly inspect the plants for the presence of characteristic dark brown almost flat growths on the underside of the leaves, on the petioles and at the roots. At least once every 2-3 weeks, wipe the calathea with a soft cloth soaked in warm water.
Control measures:
- If literally the whole plant is affected by a pest, it is easier to destroy it, the pot and pallet can be disinfected, and the window sill and window must be thoroughly washed with hot water.
- When the problem has not yet become chronic, pour warm (about 45 ° C) water from a watering can or shower over the flower. Then wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in 70% ethyl alcohol. Be careful to spread the alcohol in a thin layer - this will evaporate faster. After 1–1.5 hours after rubbing with alcohol, the calathea is treated with a thick foam of laundry soap. The foam treatment is repeated every other day, and then after 3-4 days (only 7-10 times) until the pest is completely destroyed. The second and subsequent foam treatments can be replaced by thorough spraying with solutions of Inta-Vir, Aktara, Aktellik, Fufanon, Fury, Bazudin. It is important that the leaves are completely dry before the procedure.
Since some of the listed products are quite toxic, read the label carefully and follow all the safety measures described by the manufacturer. It is best to carry out the treatment on a balcony, loggia or outdoors.
Whitefly
Tiny insects with whitish wings appear on the underside of calathea leaves. If you shake the plant slightly, you can see them rise into the air. On the leaves, starting from the lowest ones, a shiny sticky coating is formed. The whitefly is very fond of heat and high humidity. Therefore, for prophylaxis in winter, it is useful to keep calatheas for 3-4 weeks at a temperature of about 18 ° C.
Control measures:
- Of the chemicals for pest control, Verticillin and Pegasus (no more than two treatments), Actellik (up to 4 treatments after 4-6 days), Confidor, Mospilan, Fufanon (one procedure) can be used at intervals of 7-10 days.
- Folk remedies for fighting whitefly:
- Traps. Pieces of cardboard, plywood, glass are painted in bright colors and placed next to flower pots, having previously greased with a mixture of petroleum jelly or rosin with honey, jam or sugar syrup. Whiteflies stick to the trap, attracted by the bright color. Homemade traps will successfully replace special sticky tapes designed for catching flies.
- Infusion of yarrow. 3 tablespoons of leaves and stems are finely chopped and poured with a liter of boiling water. Insist day. Filter the leaves before spraying.
- Garlic infusion. A teaspoon of finely chopped arrows or a gruel of 2-3 cloves is poured with a liter of water and infused for 24 hours.
However, any folk remedies are effective only when the problem is identified in a timely manner and there are still not very many pests.
Photo gallery: calathea pests
Small whiteflies are easy to see just by shaking the calathea 
Scabbards, resembling natural growths, are easy to miss at first, but they are very dangerous pests. 
It is simply impossible not to notice spider mites, especially when they have multiplied in large numbers - the calathea is literally hidden under the cobweb 
Large colonies of mealybugs are literally able to suck all the juices from the calathea.
Flower propagation
Calathea is propagated at home in three main ways. Reproduction by division requires the least time and effort.
Division of roots
Adult plants over 3-5 years old independently form several rhizomes that are practically isolated from each other, which are easy to finally separate during transplantation. Usually 3-4 new calatheas can be obtained from one plant.
Adult calathea reproduces successfully by dividing the bush, but this method is not suitable for all species
Procedure:
- The main thing when dividing is not to damage the roots. To do this, they are cut with a sharp knife, disinfected in a saturated purple solution of potassium permanganate.
- All sections are sprinkled with crushed activated carbon.
- New plants are planted in small pots filled with peat mixed with coarse river sand in a 2: 1 ratio.
- After transplantation, the soil is poured abundantly with cool water. The next watering is only after the soil is completely dry.
- The pots are placed in plastic bags that are loosely tied. Another option is to make several holes in them.
- The containers are placed in a warm place (25-28 ° C) until 1-2 new leaves appear.
- Then the plant is transplanted into a pot that is slightly larger in diameter (literally 2–3 cm) and placed in a permanent place. The composition of the soil is the same, but with the addition of humus in an equal amount with peat.
- A year later, the calathea is transplanted again and looked after, like an adult plant.
Cuttings
A somewhat more time-consuming method is grafting. A healthy leaf or part of the shoot is carefully separated from the flower, making sure that there is a growth point on it. A correct stalk should be at least 12-15 cm long and have a minimum of 3-4 leaves.
For subsequent planting, it is important to choose the right cuttings.
The stalk is placed in a prepared pot with the same soil, which is prepared for the calathea propagated by division, and covered with plastic wrap. They remove it only when the plant has 3-4 roots.
Planting by seeds
Seed propagation is a process with unpredictable results. In this case, daughter plants with almost 100% probability will not retain their varietal characteristics. But it is very interesting to wait for the result of the selection carried out with his own hand.
Calathea seeds look like small yellowish balls
The seeds are harvested in the fall, after waiting until the flower stalks of the calathea are completely dry. They are dried in the open air for a couple of hours and planted in shallow containers filled with a mixture of fertile soil and river sand in a 2: 1 ratio. The optimum temperature for calathea seeds is 22-25 ° C... As soon as the first pair of leaves appears, the plants are planted in small pots (7-9 cm in diameter) filled with the same soil.
Even under ideal conditions, no more than half of the seeds will sprout.
Difficulties and mistakes of leaving
It is quite difficult to create ideal conditions at home on the windowsill for calathea. Therefore, it is important to know what is the cause of the most common plant problems.
Table: common problems and their causes
| Symptom | Cause |
| The tips of the leaves are removed or dried. | Low air humidity. |
| Leaf tips yellowed or brownish, but not dry. |
|
| The leaves are curled into a tube, covered with spots lighter than the main tone of the leaf plate. | Insufficiently moist soil. The plant needs more frequent watering. |
| Decaying at the base of the petiole or base of the leaves. The leaves just lay down under their own weight. | Insufficiently high temperature in the room and excessively high humidity. |
| Leaves fall. |
|
| Leaves dry. |
|
| Light spots appear on the leaves. | Direct sunlight hit on the sheet plate. Or it is sunburn, formed in those places where large drops of water remained on the plant after spraying, which played the role of lenses. |
| Leaves become deformed, lighter, thinner and excessively stretched | The plant lacks light. |
| Small white crystals on the underside of the leaves. | If, at the same time, there are no cobwebs indicating a spider mite lesion, this is completely normal. On the back of the leaves, there are points of release of cell sap, which solidifies in the open air. |