Large Calathea Picturata

Commonly known as the Goeppertia picturata, or the Picturata ‘Argentea', this member of the prayer plant family is native to tropical Northwest Brazil. With long, strikingly red stems and light green leaves with dark edges, the Calathea Picturata is a stunner. Like other Calatheas, the Picturata will fold up its leaves at night, and then "bloom" open to greet the sunshine, giving it the nickname “prayer plant.” 

CALATHEA PICTURATA CARE

LIGHT

In nature, Calatheas live under the canopy of the large rainforest trees and can only get some indirect light. These plants can be finicky, so you might experiment with different spots until you can make your Calathea happy. The Picturata is happier with less light than too much, so if you see brown spots or crispy edges to the leaves, move it to a place with less light.

WATER

These plants like moist soil, so water when you feel that the top inch or so of the soil is dry. They love humidity, so if you do not have a humidifier, you can put pebbles in a tray and place the pot on top. Any excess water in the soil will drain into the tray and keep the roots humid without adding too much moisture to the soil.

GROWTH HABITS

The Picturata can grow up to 2 feet tall in the right conditions, and the plant is likely to go through a period of dormancy in winter. Propagation can be done through root division or by separating new shoots from the original pot.