User:Amhuggett/Calathea

Calathea
Calathea is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Marantaceae. They are commonly called calatheas or (like their relatives) prayer plants. About 200 species formerly assigned to Calathea are now in the genus Goeppertia. Calathea currently contains around 60 species. Native to the tropical Americas, many of the species are popular as pot plants due to their decorative leaves and, in some species, colorful inflorescences. The young leaves and bracts can retain pools of water, called phytotelmata, that provide habitat for many invertebrates.

Foliage
During the night, the leaves fold up. In the morning, the leaves unfurl in search of the morning sun. This phenomenon is made possible by a small "joint" the plant possesses between the stem and leaf called pulvinus (Van Huylenbroecke). Calathea leaves are often variegated with bright colors such as pink, orange, red, and white (Van Huylenbroeck reference). The underside of Calathea's foliage is typically purple (Van Huylenbroeck reference).

Flowers
Calathea flowers have a unique structure with three petals and three free sepals (Van Huylenbroeck). The inflorescence is often more attractive than the flowers (Van Huylenbroeck). Calathea grown indoors rarely produce flowers (citation needed). Few Calathea species are sold for their flowers (Van Huylenbroeck).

Species
The following species are accepted:


 * Calathea anderssonii H.Kenn.
 * Calathea anulque H.Kenn.
 * Calathea asplundii H.Kenn.
 * Calathea barryi H.Kenn.
 * Calathea brenesii Standl.
 * Calathea caesariata H.Kenn.
 * Calathea calderon-saenzii H.Kenn. & M.Serna
 * Calathea carlae H.Kenn.
 * Calathea casupito (Jacq.) G.Mey.
 * Calathea chiriquensis H.Kenn.
 * Calathea cofaniorum H.Kenn.
 * Calathea confusa H.Kenn.
 * Calathea congesta H.Kenn.
 * Calathea croatii H.Kenn.
 * Calathea crotalifera S.Watson
 * Calathea erythrolepis L.B.Sm. & Idrobo
 * Calathea fredgandersii H.Kenn.
 * Calathea fredii H.Kenn.
 * Calathea galdamesiana H.Kenn. & Rod.Flores
 * Calathea gentryi H.Kenn.
 * Calathea grandifolia Lindl.
 * Calathea guzmanioides L.B.Sm. & Idrobo
 * Calathea hagbergii H.Kenn.
 * Calathea harlingii H.Kenn.
 * Calathea inscripta (W.Bull) N.E.Br.
 * Calathea ischnosiphonoides H.Kenn.
 * Calathea jondule H.Kenn. & Hammel
 * Calathea lanibracteata H.Kenn.
 * Calathea lanicaulis H.Kenn.
 * Calathea lasiostachya Donn.Sm.
 * Calathea lateralis (Ruiz & Pav.) Lindl.
 * Calathea latrinotecta H.Kenn.
 * Calathea lutea (Aubl.) E.Mey. ex Schult.
 * Calathea marantina (Willd. ex Körn.) K.Koch
 * Calathea monstera H.Kenn.
 * Calathea multispicata H.Kenn. & M.Serna
 * Calathea neillii H.Kenn.
 * Calathea neurophylla H.Kenn.
 * Calathea nitens (W.Bull) Ender
 * Calathea oscariana H.Kenn.
 * Calathea platystachya Standl. & L.O.Williams
 * Calathea pluriplicata H.Kenn.
 * Calathea plurispicata H.Kenn.
 * Calathea ravenii H.Kenn.
 * Calathea recurvata H.Kenn.
 * Calathea retroflexa H.Kenn.
 * Calathea rubribracteata H.Kenn.
 * Calathea shishicoensis H.Kenn.
 * Calathea similis H.Kenn.
 * Calathea spiralis H.Kenn.
 * Calathea striata H.Kenn.
 * Calathea tarrazuensis H.Kenn.
 * Calathea timothei H.Kenn.
 * Calathea toroi S.Suárez
 * Calathea trianae L.B.Sm. & Idrobo
 * Calathea utilis H.Kenn.
 * Calathea velutinifolia H.Kenn.
 * Calathea verruculosa H.Kenn.
 * Calathea yawankama H.Kenn.

Cultivation
Like the shady floors of the tropical canopies, this genus prefers low to medium light. Too much direct sunlight can damage their fragile leaves. Signs of too much sun exposure may result in sunburn or dullness in the color of the leaves. Along with light preferences, these plants require high humidity to mimic their natural habitat. However high humidity does not necessarily equate to a lot of water. Calatheas should be kept moist but not wet. Over or under watering these finicky plants can lead to brown dry leaves (Costa Farms citation). With tropical plants, temperature is a very important part. Calatheas prefer temperatures 60° F / 15°C and above to support healthy growth. In ample conditions, Calatheas can grow up to three feet in height with wide leaves. Though they are slow growers, once they reach their ultimate height they will stop growing.

Cultivars
The genus Calathea is expansive and is not short of many cultivars. Cultivars include:


 * Calathea 'Angela'
 * Calathea 'Beauty Star'
 * Calathea 'Eclipse'
 * Calathea 'Freddie'
 * Calathea 'Misto'
 * Calathea 'Ornata' [Rout reference]
 * Calathea 'Zebra' (Rout)

Growing medium
Since Calatheas are susceptible to many outside factors, it is important to have them in the right soil. Ideal soil conditions for Calathea should be porous and well draining. Drainage is very important for Calatheas due to root rot. Root rot is a common problem with many house plants that do not have effective drainage and ultimately kills the plant. A light porous soil will ensure that the plant's delicate root system is not ‘drowning’.

Houseplants
Calatheas were first cultivated in the United States in the 1970s and in the 1970s - 1980s in Europe (Van HuylenBroecke). Calatheas were first introduced by being brought in directly from the wild (Van Huylenbroecke). Over the years, Calatheas have become a very popular houseplant because their attractive leaves grab the attention of many plant owners. With so many species to choose from it has become one of the most popular houseplants to own. When growing Calatheas indoors, even some of the most experienced plant owners find them difficult,[citation needed] so it is important to be mindful of their native origins and what care they require. Unlike their wild counterparts, many if not most indoor-kept Calathea will not flower. When choosing the right pot for a Calathea, it is important to be mindful that they do not like to be kept too wet for too long. A pot with a wide drainage hole and porous soil is ideal.

Propagation
Propagation is the process of creating an offspring of a plant through a mother plant. A very common way of propagation is through taking a cutting of a plant that exposes a node. Unlike Philodendrons or Pothos who can propagate from just cuttings, Calathea achieve propagation through division. In order to successfully propagate a Calathea, one needs to have a healthy established mother plant. Calatheas shoot out new leaves all the time that are waiting to unfurl their beauty. Therefore, upon un-potting a mother plant it is evident that you can gently separate the plant into smaller parts. Once the Calathea has been successfully divided, each new grouping needs to be potting in its own (well draining) pot. The newly established Calathea will soon shoot out new leaves and continue to grow.