How do you care for Calathea Exotica?
How do you care for Calathea Exotica?
Calathea Exotica is a tropical plant that is a low-maintenance plant that only needs to be watered occasionally and does not require a lot of sunlight.
However, it is important to note that Calathea Exotica does not like to be over-watered, so it is important to only water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.
Additionally, this plant should be fertilized once a month with diluted liquid fertilizer.
There are many ways to care for Calathea exotica. One way is to make sure the plant has;
Sunlight
It thrives in indirect light ranging from mild to bright. It is tolerant to modest levels of indirect light. Calathea Exotica is a good houseplant and thrives best in moderate light. It does not thrive or tolerate direct sunlight.
Water
Water every 1-2 weeks, leaving the soil halfway down to dry out between irrigations. Water more frequently in brighter light and less frequently in reduced light.
Calathea Exotica likes to be kept moist but avoid water logging of the soil. Water it from above by placing it in a saucer with water 2 inches deep. Keep drained when the top 1 inch of soil is dry when watering Calathea Exotica from above keep the moist medium evenly moist at all times.
Soil
Plant your Calathea in a container with drainage holes at the bottom, even though it prefers damp soil. The roots must not stay wet for too long because it has the probability to cause rots in the roots, which can eventually kill the plant if not treated.
Calathea exotica should only be watered when necessary, and it would be good to use a water-retaining soil so that less water is needed to fill up a pot of these plants.
Humidity
If feasible, grows better under increased humidity. Dew in the morning or a humidifier in the room will help the plant.
Temperature
In general, temperature is 50 degrees F and can tolerate a range from 55 to 85 degrees F. are beneficial for Calathea Exotica. It can tolerate slight variations in temperatures, although extreme temperature changes are best avoided.
Cold frames and/or cold rooms will help to maintain ideal conditions for this plant. Plants that have been grown indoors will grow very slowly outdoors if they were kept too cool during their first year of life.
Fertilizer
Add a liquid plant food at half strength every time you water, and use a balanced fertilizer for indoor plants monthly. Most any commercial houseplant fertilizer will do fine. Feed regularly with a fertilizer rich in micronutrients, such as Miracle-Gro Organic All Purpose Plant Food. This is most important after periods of stress such as repotting or transplantation.
Repotting
Calathea Exotica can be easily repotted. Most growers recommend repotting every two or three years. The plant naturally grows in small pieces that are easily removed, and can be divided by snapping off the rootstock, which does not hurt the plant in any way.
Calathea Exotica is very slow growing and will grow more rapidly when watered more frequently. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy at all times and neither too dry for a long period of time because this can damage the roots.
Propagation
Propagation is by tip cuttings. The rhizome can also be divided when repotting. The rhizome has many suckers along the stem that are easily removed. Propagation of Calathea Exotica is best by stem cuttings, which can also be made from side shoots. Stems should be placed in a plastic bag and kept moist until they root. The rooted cutting can then be planted in soil.
How big does Calathea Exotica get?
Once such conditions are met, these tropical flourish and develop rapidly, frequently reaching a mature height of one to two feet in a year. (And even faster under ideal conditions. Calathea Exotica grows very rapidly. It can also be grown indoors.)
Calathea exotica are a tropical plant. It prefers full sun, but does survive in partial sun exposure as well. It is a very forgiving plant and can thrive on a variety of soils, as long as it is well drained. Calathea Exotica is a beautiful foliage plant with translucent, lanceolate leaves that are spotted in white and shades of green and pink.
With proper care, it can live for several years. It originates from tropical regions of South America. As with most Calatheas, you cut the stems back to a few inches above the soil line. This will cause new stems to grow from lateral buds lower on the stem and thus encourage compact growth. Calathea Exotica must be watered moderately but frequently and the soil should be kept evenly moist.
When should I repot Calathea Exotica?
When your plant outgrows its container, repotting is necessary. Take care not to overcook. Simply increase the size. During the spring and summer months, healthy plants can be repotted annually or semi-annually. During the winter months, you may repot once every two or three years.
When planting in a deeper pot, it is advisable to pot up the roots as well; this allows the shooting at ground level to be done more easily. When repotting, use a very fine container with small drainage holes. The soil should be very well drained but moist.
Add a layer of coarse material such as broken pieces of terracotta to the bottom of the pot.
Calathea Exotica likes to be lightly fertilized during the growing season, but do not fertilize it during the winter months. Fertilization can kill or damage roots and leaves that have been stored through the winter, preparing for growth in spring. Feed with a half strength fertilizer solution once a month during the growing period and withhold fertilizer during winter rest.
Is Calathea Exotica hard to care for?
Calatheas are difficult to maintain for due to its exotic foliage and specific water, light, and fertilizer requirements. A great deal of patience is required. The plant will not thrive in the wrong environment.
Calathea Exotica is not recommended for novice growers. Cultivated as houseplants, they are relatively easy to care for and propagate but they require a degree of diligence on the part of their keepers which is often lacking. Unfortunately, many die shortly after being purchased because they were not given proper care right from the start.
It enjoys lots of indirect sunlight and must be watered regularly, making regular adjustments to the watering can essential.” In addition to the above, Calathea Exotica likes bright light and needs a humid atmosphere.
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Can Calathea Exotica grow in low light?
Calathea Exotica thrives in medium to low light conditions. Calathea Exotica, like many tropical indoor plants, demands low to medium light and plenty of humidity.
If you have low light conditions in your home, Calathea Exotica will accommodate it. Calathea Exotica is one of the few plants that can tolerate both charcoal-filtered and normal water. The soil should be well-drained, so a good potting mix should be used.
These tropical grow best in lightly balanced liquid houseplant fertilizers. A plant food with a micro-nutrient base will help to retain the health of your plant. Calathea Exotica is known to prefer a light acidic and slightly alkaline soil.
Where do you cut Calathea Exotica leaves?
Regularly removing yellowed or browned outer leaves enhances your Calathea Exotica plant’s look. With a pair of sharp scissors, trim the leaves at the base of the plant where it connects to the vital stem. You should keep a few leaves at the tip to protect the plant when it rains.
You should also trim your Calathea Exotica close to the bottom of the stem as it has a tendency to grow too long and be annoying.
How much water does Calathea Exotica need?
Keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet. Water thoroughly when the soil is almost dry to the touch throughout. Plants that are watered only when they show signs of wilting may be subject to root rot and other problems.
Calathea Exotica likes a humid environment as well as good light and can be watered with room temperature or tepid water from the faucet.
Be sure to allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Do not overwater the Calathea Exotica, which can cause root rot.
Why are the tips of my Calathea Exotica leaves turning brown?
The most typical cause of browning on the margins of your Calathea Exotica leaves is tap water. Salts, chlorine, minerals, and fluoride are all present in tap water. These components are the primary reason for your plant’s leaves to burn, become brown, and curl up at the tips.
If you suspect the problem to be the cause of your plant’s browning, change the water. If you are unable to change your Calathea Exotica’s watering routine, trim off the brown tips with a pair of sharp scissors.
You may also use a water filter or filter your water before watering your Calathea Exotica. If you have a problem with your Calathea Exotica’s leaves turning brown, it is because of over-watering. Cut off the brown tips and wait until the soil dries before watering again.
Do Calathea Exotica plants clean the air?
Calathea Exotica is an air purifying houseplant that is an eye-catcher in any environment and adds to a more pleasant and healthy indoor atmosphere. It is a favorite of those who live in hot and humid homes because of how it cleans the air.
The leaves of the Calathea Exotica are a natural air purifier. They release a chemical known as linalool which removes toxins from the air and makes it more “cleansed”. The Calathea species remove toxins from the air that plants cannot remove themselves and improve indoor air quality. In addition to the leaves, the Calathea Exotica can release the chemical called Isobutyraldehyde.
You may find it difficult to get your hands on a plant of Calathea Exotica if you live in a dry environment. If this is the case, try placing a small bowl or vase of water with some Calathea Exotica leaves in it. The water will evaporate and the leaves will clean the air in your home with their natural chemical compounds.
Where should I place my Calathea Exotica?
Placing your prayer plant in an area of the room that receives low to moderate indirect light is ideal. Calathea Exotica plants with indoor palms usually thrive in indirect light. They will grow well in a sunny location if they are watered thoroughly and the soil is kept slightly moist.
When you are sure the plant needs water, place it on a tray or newspaper and allow it to sit until completely dry.
Although Calathea Exotica does best when positioned at waist level, you can keep them on stands or other higher places for maximum effect.
Is Calathea Exotica an indoor plant?
Calathea Exotica plants are popular as indoor plants due to their low maintenance requirements. It grows well in a variety of containers and places. If you are hoping to use your Calathea Exotica as an indoor plant, look for one that is about 6 to 8 inches in height. Be sure to keep the soil moist and do not overwater the plant.
Calathea Exotica plants are commonly seen as indoor plants because they require minimal tending and respond well to indirect sunlight which can easily be found within the home. They grow slowly, but they make up for it with their ability to adapt to any environment. Although Calathea Exotica is primarily an indoor plant, it does well in tropical outdoor gardens as well.
How do you make Calathea Exotica grow faster?
To promote rapid development, place the Calathea Exotica in bright indirect light and water it just enough to maintain a slightly damp soil.
Any plant will grow more rapidly in a warm environment than when it is kept in a cool one. So if you want to make your Calathea Exotica grow faster, place it where it will receive warm temperatures and high humidity.
Calathea Exotica’s growing speed can be accelerated by increasing the temperature of the area where you keep it. Warm weather and good sunlight help Calathea plants to grow quickly as well.
The roots of Calathea Exotica plants also benefit from moderating temperatures, with the hottest temperatures being the most stimulating.
How often do I water Calathea Exotica?
Water every 1-2 weeks, letting the soil halfway down to dry out in between. Water more frequently in brighter light and less frequently in reduced light. Calathea Exotica plants need water to keep them hydrated, but they don’t tolerate over-watering. To avoid this, water the plant until water begins to drain out of the bottom of your pot.
Calathea Exotica plants can be overwatered, which can cause root rot and other damaging effects. To avoid this, allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Calathea Exotica likes to be watered with tepid water from the faucet. Room temperature is also acceptable. Never use ice cold water because it will shock the plant and cause root rot. Water your plant with lukewarm water. If your Calathea Exotica is sitting in a bright spot, skip watering for a week or two so it does not become over-watered and sickly.
How can I propagate Calathea Exotica?
Calathea Exotica can be propagated by dividing the root into two or more pieces. You can also uproot a small section of the plant and place it in its own pot.
Calathea propagation is a simple affair that can be done easily at home. The roots of this plant will grow into new plants when you carefully divide them into sections. Be sure to divide the root ball just above where the bottom leaves meet to prevent shock from the separation.
Calathea propagation is easy and shows good results. The new plant that is formed from division should be potted in a small pot and fed until leaves form.
Calathea Exotica plants can also be rooted from stem cuttings. After taking a cutting, remove the bottom leaves and place it in warm water for 24 hours.
Then plant it in soil mix with either perlite or vermiculite added to it, which will make the soil light and airy. Calathea Exotica propagation from stem cuttings is an easy way to make new plants at home.