How To Care For Calathea Ornata: A Comprehensive Guide

July 24, 2023 Post a Comment

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Calathea Ornata is a popular houseplant known for its striking foliage with pink stripes on dark green leaves. However, taking care of this plant can be challenging for beginners. In this guide, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to know to keep your Calathea Ornata healthy and thriving.

Lighting Requirements

Calathea Ornata prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while low light conditions can cause the plant to lose its vibrant colors. Place your plant near a window with filtered light or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light. If you have limited natural light, you can use artificial grow lights to supplement the lighting requirements.

Watering and Humidity

Calathea Ornata is a humidity-loving plant that thrives in moist soil and high humidity levels. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and make sure to use filtered water or rainwater as tap water can contain minerals that can harm the plant. Calathea Ornata also benefits from regular misting to increase humidity levels. You can also place a tray of pebbles filled with water under the plant to create a humid microclimate.

Soil and Fertilizing

Calathea Ornata prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to create a well-draining soil with good water retention. Fertilize your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid using a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen as it can cause the leaves to grow too quickly and lose their color.

How to Prevent Pest Infestations

Calathea Ornata is susceptible to pest infestations, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To prevent infestations, make sure to keep your plant clean and free from dust and debris. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat pest infestations. If the infestation is severe, you may need to isolate the plant and prune the affected leaves to prevent the pests from spreading. In conclusion, taking care of Calathea Ornata requires attention to detail and a bit of patience. However, with the right lighting, watering, soil, and pest prevention strategies, you can enjoy the beauty of this plant for years to come.

Lighting Requirements	Watering and Humidity	Soil and Fertilizing	How to Prevent Pest Infestations
Bright, indirect light	Water when top inch of soil is dry; mist regularly	Well-draining soil with organic matter; balanced liquid fertilizer	Keep plant clean and free from dust and debris; use insecticidal soap or neem oil