Calathea White Fusion, also called peacock or prayer plant, is a beautiful houseplant to grow. This unique name comes from its glossy green leaves embellished with white streaks and a protruding pale purple from the underside.
The unique leaves and color combinations draw people’s attention when the plant is placed in a room. Calathea goes by the scientific name Calathea lietzei. The plant belongs to the Calathea plant family of Malaysian origin.
It is considered a tropical plant as it thrives in a rainforest environment. The plant folds its leaves as if it is in a prayer position. It’s why it is called a prayer plant. The plant is quite rare, and you’ll not always find it available for sale in local plant shops or flower stores.
It is an indoor plant that can grow up to one to two feet tall. It is a high-maintenance plant and requires that you offer the correct water and humidity levels. Now that we know some basics about Calathea White Fusion let us talk about the care tips to help you grow a healthy plant.
Calathea White Fusion Care
Like other plants of the Calathea family, this plant needs specific care requirements to grow. While it loves moisture, it shouldn’t be excessive. Also, a little sun exposure is good, but too much will kill it. You also need to avoid extreme temperatures if you don’t want to stall your plant’s growth.
Additionally, the plant needs to be wiped down regularly to remove dust. Note that dust on the leaves blocks them from breathing. But when wiping, don’t use any leaf shine product as it can damage the leaves.
Sometimes you may notice some discoloration. This is normal as long as it is not extreme. Expect to see brown tips as the plant has delicate foliage.
Soil
Calathea isn’t that different from other plants. The same way you provide the right soil mix for your other indoor plant is the same way you should do that for this plant.
The commercial soil mix used for African Violets will suit this plant. That’s because it will retain enough moisture and drain excess water.
You can also create your potting mixes. A good mix includes peat moss, perlite, and potting soil in 40%, 40%, and 20%. But combining 50% potting, 20% charcoal, 20% orchid bark, and 10% perlite also works well.
There are other endless combinations you can try. What is important is that the mix can retain and drain moisture. It also needs an acidic soil pH.
Light
The plant requires medium indirect light. It can also thrive in slightly low light environments but don’t go too low as it can cause the plant to lose its variegation. Plus, it will also slow down the growth. However, you can fix this by moving it to a place that has more light.
Also, avoid too much bright light, especially from the sun, as it can bleach its foliage. Remember that you need to be moderate with this plant to keep its vibrancy.
Water
While you should keep your plant moist, make sure the soil is not soggy or waterlogged. Too much water in the soil can cause the root to rot and fungal and bacterial issues.
Check that the pot has enough drainage holes. Water your plant regularly but keep confirming that the water drains out through these holes. If you notice that the top inch of the soil is dry, supply your plant with more water.
You’ll probably need to water it two times a week during summer. But because the growth is slow during winter, you may not need to water it that frequently. Once every two weeks should be enough.
Touch the top inch of the soil using your finger. If it is not moist, your plant probably needs water. Also, crispy leaves may indicate that the plant is dry. Also, note that while many people use rainwater or collected distilled water for this plant, room temperature water is fine.
Temperature and Humidity
Calathea White Fusion does well in a consistently warm location. The ideal temperature range is 65 and 80 °F (18 to 27°C). Avoid placing your plant near a heating source, draft, or air conditioner.
Also, note that the plant needs high humidity of about 85% or more to thrive. You can provide this by using a humidifier or placing the pot in a pebble tray filled with water.
Additionally, you can put the pot in your bathroom window, but you’ll have to be careful not to spray hot water on it. It’s again advisable that you place it with other plants that love humidity.
This way, they can create their microclimate. But ensure that you provide enough space to allow for air circulation. Remember that pests also love humidity, especially in places where the air is stagnant.
Fertilizer
It would be best to fertilize the white fusion when it is growing. Then stop during the winter when its growth slows down.
Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer and remember to dilute it to half dose. In the spring until fall, apply the fertilizer once every month.
This plant does not need too much plant food. Therefore, a general fertilizer with high nitrogen levels will be enough. However, avoid feeding it with too much fertilizer. Remember that too much fertilizer can burn and damage the roots.
Pruning
Pruning mainly involves removing discolored and curled leaves. You only need to cut them at the stem. Don’t worry if there is more than one to cut. Eventually, with proper maintenance, the leaves will grow back quickly.
If there are any dying and faded blooms, you also need to remove them. This process is called deadheading. Trim off flowers that look faded to pave the way for new growth. When pruning, use a damp cloth to clean if you notice dust on the leaves.
Propagation
Big Calatheas tend to produce some clumps on their side. You can separate the clumps and allow them to grow as new clumps. This process is called propagating.
The best time to propagate this plant is during spring or summer, as it is when it’s quickly growing. Remember to water some days before repotting it.
To propagate, remove the plant from the point, get rid of old soil, then divide the plant naturally where the roots separate. Please be careful since White Fusion has very fragile roots.
Also, remember to keep the plant in warm places with enough moisture and humidity. And keep it in areas that have little light for the first few weeks until it grows.
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