Silver highlights and moving foliage are all the rage when you bring this Calathea into your home. Its deep green foliage is dominated by silver colouring right in the middle of the leaf, and contrasted with deep red on the leaf undersides. This prayer plant also goes through a process called nyctinasty, meaning it moves its leaves up and down with the light level. Noticing that the leaves have moved is a good clue that our plant is getting enough light; and it is quite happy with a bit of shade, so this shouldn't take much. It can be picky with humidity, so if you start to notice crispy brown patches at the edges of the leaves, it's probably in a spot where the air is a little too dry.
Scientific Name
Calathea picturata 'Argentea' (variegated basket plant, cultivar: silvery)
Synonyms: Goeppertia picturata (current scientific classification), Maranta picturata, Phyllodes picturata
This species, along with most of the genus, has been reclassified so it is part of the Goeppertia genus; it now has the scientific name Goeppertia picturata.
Common Name
Silver Calathea, Silver Variegated Calathea, Silver-Leaf Calathea
Origin
Native to Northern Brazil, in South America, including the Amazon Rainforest.
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate lower light levels but may grow more slowly and lose some of the vibrant silver on newer leaves. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate foliage.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Using filtered, distilled, or rain water where possible will keep your plant happier, as it is sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tapwater, which can cause leaf tip browning.
Humidity
Thrives in high humidity (60–80%). Use a pebble tray, or place in a well-used bathroom or near a humidifier to prevent browning edges and crispy leaves.
Soil
Plant in well-draining, but moisture retentive soil. A mix with added bark or perlite, or one designed for Calathea or Maranta plants 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
Prefers temperatures between 18-26°C. Keep away from cold drafts and avoid long periods at temperatures below 12°C.
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. The most common issue here is too-low humidity, so if you notice crispy edges on the leaves, a pebble tray to increase local humidity may be a good first step.
Extras
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
