If you want to have a plant that looks like the more expensive ones, but doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg, then calatheas may be your solution. But not just anyone: we are talking about the Calathea white fusion, the variegated plant that will be the envy of all who pass by.
But how is this plant? Is it for anyone? What care do you need? If in this moment you fell in love with the main image of this article, continue reading and you will know much more about it.
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How is Calathea white fusion
The first thing we have to tell you is that Calathea white fusion, also called Calathea Charlotte, it’s not really a prayer plant. That is to say, although it has the characteristic that its leaves fold at night, in reality it does not do so like a real maranta, which is the kind that has this ability. It does this according to the lighting it receives.
It is native to central Mexico and South America, and it is an evergreen shrub that can reach 60 centimeters in height (it would be up to 30 centimeters wide).
It was discovered by Taiyan Yam in 2007. and it was he who propagated it from its mother plant, which is Calathea Lietzei. Being so beautiful, many wanted one and that is why it is one of the most appreciated, although now it is relatively easy to find.
White Fusion Calathea Leaves
Regarding the leaves, we will tell you that they are dark green but with white spots. It is as if it were a variegated calathea. Behind it maintains the magenta tone in its leaves, which reaches the stem.
grows quite fastat least as far as the leaves are concerned, and if given the proper care you won’t have a problem with it.
What you need to know, as with many variegated plants, is that it can be reversed, i.e. its leaves may begin to turn completely green and lose those characteristic white spots. When this happens there is usually no turning back and the main reason is usually the lack of adequate lighting.
Do you throw flowers?
Not all calatheas flower, and in the case of Calathea white fusion it does in its natural habitat, but as a houseplant it usually does not.
The flowers of this plant are small and purple, white or yellow.
White Fusion Calathea Treatment
Now that you know a little more about Calathea white fusion, you might want to own one. And that’s where we’re going to stop. This plant is not ideal for beginners. Nor for people who have a lot of plants and may not be aware of it.
And it is that it is quite demanding in terms of care, to the point that it can die and lose its leaves if you are a little careless. A lot or little sun, a lot or little watering, a lot or little humidity… everything has an influence. Therefore, it is not a plant that we recommend you have and forget, because you will lose it.
So either you find its place or the plant suffers.
Therefore, if you still see yourself capable, follow these conditions to have a better chance of success.
location and temperature
Calathea white fusion likes light, but not direct. Indeed, unlike other Calatheas, this plant prefers bright indirect light than partial shade or little light, because it does not do well.
If you go too far, the leaves will turn white. If you go short they will turn very green and you may lose the white dots.
Experts recommend looking for a north or east orientation.
As for the temperature, its ideal is between 15 and 21ºC. Therefore, the best thing is that he is inside the house. If the temperature drops below 10 ° C, the calathea suffers, and this will not only stunt its growth, but it may freeze or discolor all foliage.
It is also not suitable for you to place it in an area where there are a lot of currents, as this will weaken it.
Substrate
Tropical plants, such as Calathea white fusion, need the soil to maintain humidity, while having good drainage.
For that, it is preferable to make a mixture between universal substrate, peat and charcoal, perlite and orchid bark. This way you will have adequate soil to resist moisture and there will be no water retentions.
Watering and humidity
Irrigation is one of the most important cares, perhaps one of the most important. As we have already told you, Calathea white fusion needs moist soil, which means watering it moderately. But if you go too far, you will rot the roots. And if you keep it short, the leaves will curl up and the plant will appear withered.
Always try to water with chlorine and fluoride free water (say goodbye to tap water). Unless you let it sit for at least 48 hours and don’t use it at all.
Watering can be:
- In spring and summer about 2-3 times a week.
- In autumn and winter 1 to 2 times per week.
Everything will depend on the climate you have, where it is and the nature of the plant.
When it comes to humidity, here is the key to keeping your Calathea white fusion happy. And something that is not easy to achieve.
It needs at least 75% humidity. To do this, either group it with other plants, mist it, put a tray of water and pebbles, or a humidifier. The best option? The last, because you can control the humidity it has and thus you can keep it well monitored.
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At this point, it’s not too demanding. It likes a nitrogen-rich fertilizer and can be applied in the spring and summer, once a month.
This, yes, we recommend that you always use it at half strengthbecause if you add too much, its roots will burn.
Plagues and diseases
We’re not going to tell you it’s tough, because it isn’t. In addition, it attracts many pests. The most common are mites, spider mites, aphids, fungus mosquitoes and scale insects.
Regarding the diseases, the most important is caused by an excess of watering and humidity; but it can also be affected by a nutrient deficiency.
Do you now dare to have a white fusion Calathea?