Calathea (Peacock Plant, Rattlesnake Plant, Prayer Plant)
Spectacular patterns, color markings and often wavy-edged leaves make Calathea more than just another houseplant, for their exotic nature gives a jungle feel to the room. There is a wide range of types, including the Prayer Plant that folds up its leaves like praying hands at night.
Light - Best in the medium to high, indirect light of an east or west curtained window; avoid direct sunlight.
Temperature - Happiest at 60-70ยบ; if kept warmer, increase the humidity by standing plant on a water tray of pebbles.
Watering - Water when the potting mix is dry one inch down, using room temperature water.
Feeding - Give a light feed of houseplant fertilizer every two months.
Potting Mix - Houseplant mix, but with the addition of broken charcoal or coarse sand to improve the drainage.
Tips - Too much light bleaches out the leaf colors; too little causes a pale, anemic-looking plant. Calathea thrives in consistent conditions and hates drafts. If the leaf tips brown, try using rainwater instead of tap.
Written by Graham Rice