Looking for an exciting houseplant to add color and life to your home? Look no further than Calathea Roseopicta Rosy! This gorgeous houseplant exhibits broad leaves with dark green margins and a bright fuchsia center, hence its nickname, the “Rose painted calathea.” The underside of the leaves is also a pretty shade of purple, usually prominent at night when the leaves curl up.
Calathea’s are also called “Prayer plants” for their ability to close their leaves at night. Since it is a houseplant, you cannot expect it to get too tall.
The average height ranges from 12″ -24″, but it can get up to 36″ tall. Calathea Roseopicta Rosy is a moderately easy plant to take care of, as long as you provide it with the right environment and conditions.
It also works as a natural air purifier and makes an ideal houseplant. Read on to learn how to care for Calathea Roseopicta Rosy and some tips to preserve its color for longer.
Calathea Rosy Origin and History
Calathea Roseopicta Rosy is not new to the market. It was discovered in the 1800s in Brazil but only became available to the general public in the 20th century. Calathea plants are a part of the Marantaceae family, which includes other foliage houseplants such as Stromanthe, Ctenanthe, and prayer plants.
This family is composed of about 30 different Calathea species, all native to South America. Calathea plants are known for their beautiful, brightly colored leaves with intricate patterns. The Calathea Roseopicta Rosy is no different and is one of the most popular Calathea species due to its showy leaves.
The calathea rosy received the Royal Horticultural Society Garden Merit Award in 2002. Another notable awards and recognition this Calathea has received are the Award of Garden Merit from the British Houseplant Association in 2007. It was selected as one of the top ten houseplants by the American Nursery and Landscape Association in 2008.
This Calathea’s distinct coloring and markings make it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardens. It has been used in gardens as an accent plant or in mass Planting. Calathea rosy is also a beautiful houseplant and can tolerate low to bright indirect sunlight. With the proper care, this Calathea can live for several years.
Calathea Rosy Quick Care Guide
Sunlight: bright, indirect light.
Water: when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be sure to use filtered water, as this plant is sensitive to chemicals and minerals in tap water.
Humidity: high humidity and will benefit from being placed on a pebble tray or near a humidifier.
Temperature: warm temperatures and will not do well in cooler areas of the home.
Fertilizer: fertilize monthly during the growing season. Be sure to use a fertilizer designed for tropical plants.
Pruning: Calathea Roseopicta Rosy does not need to be pruned, but you can trim off any brown or yellow leaves as required.
Propagation: division or rooting stem cuttings.
Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans
Calathea Roseopicta Rosy Care
Given its origin in tropical and subtropical rain forests, it requires the same living conditions, including high humidity and indirect light. This is why it may be hard for beginners to take care of this plant. But don’t worry! We have compiled all the tips you need to take care of this stunning beauty.
Light
Its origin in dense rain forests means it is used to living under tall, thick trees with moderate light. How do you provide these light conditions to Calathea Roseopicta Rosy at your home, then? A North or East facing window is a good place to start.
Ensure the window does not provide direct sunlight but bright, filtered light, preferably through curtains. Your plant may risk losing its color or even burning in direct sunlight. However, that does not mean you place it in the shade; otherwise, it may result in stunted growth.
There is a difference between shade and indirect light. Ensure you provide indirect light to preserve the foliage in its full glory. These plants should receive approximately six hours of light each day.
You can use a light meter or light detector to check the light level in a particular spot. Place the Calathea Roseopicta Rosy about 12-18 inches from the window. The ideal FCs (foot candles) should be around 400 FCs.
Soil
Rainforests remain wet throughout the year; thus, Calathea Roseopicta Rosy is used to wet soil. But, there is a difference between damp and soggy soil. You need well-draining soil that absorbs the water efficiently but does not remain soggy.
The draining ability of the soil should be good enough that it does not make your plant stand in water. Besides, it should also be aerated to provide enough oxygen to the plant. You can opt for a well-draining commercial potting mix or make your own mix at home.
Mix coarse sand, perlite (⅓ of the mixture), peat (⅔ of the mix), and some fertilizer for high-quality sand. The soil’s pH should be around 6.5 to 6.9, which is slightly acidic.
Watering
Calathea Roseopicta Rosy needs to be watered when the topsoil is dry. The best way to water Calathea is by using the bottom watering method, i.e., watering from below the pot.
- Fill a tray or saucer with water and place your potted Calathea in it for about 20-30 minutes.
- This will allow the water to seep through the drainage holes and reach the roots directly.
- Do not forget to empty the saucer after 30 minutes; otherwise, your plant may start developing root rot due to excess moisture.
It is best to use filtered or distilled water because Calathea Roseopicta Rosy is sensitive to chemicals and minerals. If you live in an area with hard water, it is advisable to use only rainwater or distilled water for Calathea plants.
The best watering routine for Calathea plants is to water it thoroughly once a week or until the top layer of the soil feels moist to the touch. Do not let the water stand in the soil; otherwise, it may increase the risk of pest infestation and diseases. Insert your finger in half an inch of soil each day to check. When it feels dry, it is time to water again.
Fertilizer
Calathea Roseopicta does not need extensive feeding, especially if you grow it in nutrient-rich soil. You can use a liquid fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and magnesium once a month during the growing season. Reduce the intensity to once every three months during the winter and fall.
Ensure you follow the instructions per your fertilizer’s package and dilute it properly with water. Do not overfertilize your plant as it can build salts in the root zone and lead to adverse effects on your plant.
A natural fertilizer like compost is also an excellent way to provide the proper nutrients to your Calathea plant. Mix it in the potting soil before planting or top-dressing the existing Calathea plants every few months.
Temperature
Consistency is the key to a thriving Calathea Roseopicta Rosy! It can tolerate both cool and warm temperatures but prefers warmth more. This is major because of its origin near the equator, where the temperature is generally high.
The ideal temperature for this plant lies between 65°F to 75°F (18.33°C – 23.89°C). Calathea plants are not frost-tolerant and should also be protected from cold drafts.
In case of a temperature lower than 50°F (15°C), the growth of your Calathea plant will significantly slow down. The leaves may start to droop and turn yellow due to the lack of humidity in the air. If you live in a region with cool winters, it is best to grow Calathea indoors or in a heated greenhouse.
However, do not change the temperature drastically, making it too hot, since that can be equally destructive.
Humidity
Maintaining the temperature and watering needs is relatively easy, but humidity is brutal. Calathea Roseopicta Rosy prefers high moisture because of its tropical origin.
It cannot survive in less than 40% humidity and requires a 60% humidity level for optimum growth. One way to maintain the humidity level is to frequently mist your plant and the usual watering.
You can also invest in a humidifier if you find it confusing to know the humidity level. Crispy, brown leaves are one way to tell if your plant needs a boost in humidity level. The pebble-filled water tray is also an excellent way to maintain humidity. If your plant does not feel better, place it near your shower or group it with other plants.
Pruning
Since Calathea Roseopicta Rosy does not grow more than 2 feet, you can easily let it be without pruning. The only time pruning becomes essential is when you see yellow, wilted leaves on your plant. In this case, you should cut off these dead leaves to ensure healthy growth.
Always use sterilized knives and scissors when pruning. You can use rubbing alcohol and wipe your tools with it to sterilize. Take care only to cut off the completely dead leaves without any greens.
Even if you are not pruning, observe your plant for signs of disease or pests every few days. This way, you can treat it early and prevent it from spreading.
Repotting
Repotting puts additional stress on the plants, which may affect their health in the long run. Fortunately, Calathea Roseopicta does not need frequent repotting. You should repot it once every two years, during the spring, so it’s the growing season, and the plant has time to resume its growth.
Check the drainage holes to tell if your plant needs a new pot. If you see roots coming out, it is time you move them to a bigger pot. Ensure you get a pot only two or three inches larger than the last pot to ensure proper watering and drainage.
Propagation
Calathea Roseopicta Rosy cannot be propagated through stem cuttings, so the only way to propagate them efficiently is through division. You can permanently remove the plant from its pot and cut out a section.
However, it is always best to carry it out during repotting when the plant is already out of its pot.
- Take the plant out of its pot and untangle the roots. Isolate a section of the roots from where they naturally separate.
- Divide the stems and leaves from where you split the roots earlier and cut that part.
- Repot it in a smaller pot and water it thoroughly until you see the water coming through the drainage holes.
You will have to take extra care of the new plant until the roots get firm.
Pet safety
Calathea Roseopicta Rosy is non-toxic, so you can have it at your place without worrying about your pets. These plants are great pet-friendly house plants.
However, you should still keep your pets away from it since the fertilizer can induce some harmful effects that could risk your pet.
Common Problems
If you take care of Calathea Roseopicta Rosy properly, chances are you will not have to face any severe problems. However, like all plants, it can also fall prey to common garden pests.
Insect and Pests
Calathea is particularly susceptible to mealybugs and aphids. These pests can cause the plant leaves to turn yellow and eventually die.
Mealybugs are small, white, fuzzy insects that tend to congregate near the base of the plant. Aphids are small, green, or black insects that suck the sap from the leaves.
To get rid of mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and wipe them off the leaves. You can either use an insecticide or wash them off with a strong stream of water for aphids. You can also try a more natural option like neem oil. If you have pets, choose an insecticide that is safe for them.
Diseases
Calathea is susceptible to common plant diseases like powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot.
Powdery mildew usually appears as a white powder on the plant’s leaves. To get rid of it, you can use a fungicide or make your own fungicide at home using baking soda and water.
Another common problem that Calathea owners usually face is root rot. Since it needs damp soil at all times, some people may overwater it. If the decay has not spread, you can cut out the rotten roots and repot the plant in another container. However, not much can be done in severe cases, and the plant dies.
Therefore, you must water the plant properly and use good quality, well-draining soil. Taking care of the light intensity is also important since too much or too little light can cause wilting, browning, and loss of color. Since the most prominent part of the plant is its gorgeous shade of pink, you need to protect it.
Leaf spot is another common disease that Calathea is susceptible to. It usually appears as brown or black spots on the plant’s leaves. You can use a fungicide or neem oil to get rid of it. If you notice any of these problems, take care of them as soon as possible.
Pests and diseases can cause severe problems for Calathea Roseopicta Rosy, so you must take care of them immediately.
FAQ
Q: Why are the leaves of my Calathea Roseopicta Rosy turning yellow?
A: The most common reason for the leaves of Calathea Roseopicta Rosy to turn yellow is overwatering.
These plants need moist soil at all times, but they cannot tolerate being waterlogged. If the roots sit in water for too long, they will start to rot. This will cause the plant leaves to turn yellow and eventually die.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Calathea Roseopicta Rosy turning brown?
A: There are several reasons why the leaves of Calathea Roseopicta Rosy may turn brown. One of the most common reasons is too much direct sunlight.
These plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. If they are placed in a spot that is too sunny, the leaves will start to turn brown and eventually die.
Another common reason for browning leaves is the lack of humidity. Calathea Roseopicta Rosy needs high humidity to thrive. If the air around the plant is too dry, the leaves will start to turn brown and eventually die.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Calathea Roseopicta Rosy wilting?
A: The most common reason Calathea Roseopicta Rosy leaves wilt is lack of water. These plants need to be kept moist at all times. If the soil around the plant is allowed to dry out, the leaves will start to wilt and eventually die.
Another common reason for wilting leaves is too much direct sunlight. Calathea Roseopicta Rosy needs bright, indirect light to thrive. If they are placed in a too sunny spot, the leaves will wilt and eventually die.
Q: Why Does My Calathea Rosy Have Brown Tips?
A: One of the most common reasons Calathea Roseopicta Rosy has brown tips is the lack of humidity. This plant needs high humidity to thrive.
If the air around the plant is too dry, the leaves will develop brown tips. Another common reason for brown tips is too much direct sunlight.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Calathea Roseopicta Rosy curling?
A: There are several reasons why the leaves of Calathea Roseopicta Rosy may start to curl. One of the most common reasons is the lack of humidity or not enough moisture in the air.
These plants need high humidity to thrive. If the air around the plant is too dry, the leaves will start to curl and eventually die. Another common reason for curling leaves is too much direct sunlight. Calathea Roseopicta Rosy needs bright, indirect light to thrive.
Q: What other Calatheas are similar to Calathea Roseopicta Rosy?
A: Some other Calatheas similar to Calathea Roseopicta Rosy include Calathea zebrina, Calathea maui queen, and Calathea ornata. These plants have identical care needs and are native to the tropical regions of South America.
Q: Where can I buy a Calathea Rosy?
A: Calathea Rosy is a popular houseplant that is widely available. You can find it for sale at most garden centers and plant nurseries. You can also order it online from a variety of retailers.
Final Thoughts
Calathea Roseopicta Rosy is a stunning, eye-catching houseplant native to the tropical regions of South America.
It is known for its beautiful pink leaves and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. Calathea Roseopicta Rosy is a relatively easy plant to care for, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to keep it healthy and happy.
Watering, lighting, and humidity are all crucial factors to consider when caring for Calathea Roseopicta Rosy. With proper care, it can thrive for many years.
