I recently shopped the plant section of the grocery store and picked up what I believe to be a calatheca roseopicta. Don't know too much about it other than it likes to be warmer and likes high humidity. It was browning around the edges (I've read that is due to lack of humidity) and I have since put it on a gravel bed. I have worked in a flower store before and have not come across this plant. What have I gotten into and what should I be looking for in regards to the browning tips? The newer leaves appear to not have browning along the edges. One leaf seems to be wilting and I am not sure why. Any advice before this plant is on it's last ... roots? Thanks Bev ;o)
I'll throw in my two cents worth since no one has responded. According to a plant book, this plant's preferences are: Partial shade but with increased light in winter; Constant, average warmth (i.e. avoid temperature fluctuations and drafts); winter temp. ~16C/60F; High humidity; Moist medium at all times but with reduction of water in winter; use soft, tepid water. Sounds like you're on the right track with the humidity tray as the new leaves are not browning. The wilting MAY be due to overwatering or still not enough humidity. Looking at the requirements, this plant appears to require more care than the average plant. Try searching for Calathea roseopicta for more information.
a long overdue thanks... I have been busy between exams and the rush of a greenhouse season. At last note, my calathea is down to one leaf... But the one leaf still survives... My best guess is that it requires at least a minimum amount of light. I have it in my brightest window. Minus the one time it got mad at me for forgetting to water it... It is surviving well... :o)
i would also try some misting and see how it responds .. and dont give up on the one leaf .. new ones should sprout out soon .. sorry i didnt see this post earlier .. Marn
My Calathea is doing well in a window that gets bright light but not direct sun. Direct sun will fade the beautiful leaf colorings and dry out the tips. I don't have mine on a tray of pebbles but I mist it frequently and make sure the potting soil never fully dries out. Good luck, I hope your one leaf turns into many!
