Description
This is a relatively new hybrid – Calathea louisae ‘Electric Shock’ – with bright yellow and green variegated foliage. Leaves are thin and brown easily on the edge when its thirst is not quenched. Soil must be well drained and kept moist. Prefers a bright spot but not direct light.
Plant comes in a 5″ growers pot. Plant shown is representative of what you will receive.
Harmful To: Pets
Height: 10 – 24 Inches
For optimal performance, keep at 60-85°F (15-29°C).
Prefers higher humidity to prevent leaf edges from browning.
Feed once per month at half strength when plant is actively growing.
Protect furniture when watering.
Calathea prefer shady areas with bright shade to low light (not not too dim!) Directly in front of windows that have no direct sun will work. Windows with early morning or late afternoon sun are also great options. Avoid mid-day direct sun.
They need moderate to high levels of humidity with leaf damage occurring when humidity levels drop to 40% or less.
They should not be watered with tap water, unless it has been filtered. Distilled water is a good option as well. The plants are sensitive to impurities and salts in tap water, which can cause leaf edges to burn.
Calathea also prefers to have moist, but not wet soils. If the soil gets too dry it can cause leaf curl, which is a symptom of dry soil. Water when the top inch or so of soil is dry. If your soil is very dry you may want to soak your pot in water until the soil is rehydrated. It can take half an hour or more to rehydrate the soil. Allow the pot to drain once the soil is moist through.
Do not allow the plant to sit in water over extended periods of time.
Add some perlite and/or orchid bark to help fluff up the potting mix and provide better drainage.
It will do best with high humidity. A pebble tray may help add humidity if needed, but a humidifier is a better option.
