Scientific Name Calathea lietzei (Lietz's basket-plant) 'White Fusion'
Common Name White Fusion, Peacock Plant, Zebra Plant, Rattlesnake Plant
Origin Native to tropical areas of the Americas
Description The amazing foliage of this plant, striking in its combination of green, purple and white in various shades, ensures its popularity. The vivid colours make it stand out and brighten up any room, drawing attention and rewarding your care with a high and varied level of variegation. Discovered in 2007, this is a relatively new cultivar; because it is so variegated it won't grow too quickly, though it can grow up to two feet tall as it matures. Light Thrives in bright, indirect light. Wipe down the leaves regularly to make sure it gets enough light- this can be tricky for such highly variegated leaves Water Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out in between watering; if possible, use rainwater rather than tapwater, or at least allow tap water to sit out for 24 hours to allow chemicals in it to settle. Water with tepid or lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant.
Humidity This plant needs high humidity, so will appreciate regular misting and not being too close to a radiator or other heat source which might dry it out. Soil Plant in fast draining, but moisture retentive soil. A mix with added bark or perlite would be ideal. Repot every two years in spring, and water a day in advance to combat transplant shock.
Food Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Pre-water the soil before applying 'ready to use' products to protect the roots. Temperature Ideal temperature is above 20°C; make sure it does not get colder than 12°C in winter.
Pet-safe Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips This plant can be fussy so choose your location carefully. If it's in an especially bright spot remember it will need more frequent misting/ watering to retain humidity levels!
Small swollen nodules will grow along Calathea roots- this is healthy and they are used to store water and nutrients, so don't cut them off when you're repotting!
Did you know? The name 'calathea', from the Greek καλαθος ('basket'), comes from the use of the plant's waxy leaves to make waterproof baskets and transport fish in South America
This month we have been busier than expected, which is obviously amazing. We have worked with some amazing businesses, including a very nice doughnut cafe thats opened on College Green that you need to check out. We have welcomed Jazz to the team, she's already settling in amazingly. And we look forward to the end of the year for that ever so special quarter that is very very important to retailers like us up and down the country.
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.