Eternal flame (Calathea crocata)

plant with large, strong leaves and flowers

The Calathea crocata It is a perennial plant of the genus Calathea, belonging to the Marantaceae family. It is native to the Brazilian Amazon and it is cultivated because of the beautiful flowers and the beautiful foliage. The name of the plant is of Greek origin, «Kalathea» which derives from the word «kalathos», which means «basket».

Initially, its leaves were used by Brazilians to make basketswhich explains its curious name. Their appearance fascinates not only admirers of beauty, but also those who cultivate them. The showiness of the orange color of its flower has made it also known as the “eternal flame”.

Habitat

Because it is a species native to the most extensive and dense places in the Amazon, it is why it is used in climatic conditions with a high degree of humidity and little light.

The tropics have a particular characteristic, the temperature is constant, therefore, the areas where the Calathea crocata it grows, rarely exceeds 22º -30º C. Its flower has a strong link with the groves under which it lives, to the point that in its natural habitat it receives useful substances from neighboring trees, which at home must be supplied through specific fertilizers.

Features Calathea crocata

The Calathea crocata It stands out from the others of its kind, thanks to its exclusive flowers, whose tone ranges from yellow to orange. Its particular flowering rises about ten centimeters above the foliage of the planthas a long shelf life of approximately 4 or 5 weeks and its dark, shiny and lanceolate leaves are gently wavy and in some areas show purple reflections.

The beauty of its leaves and flowers makes it especially appropriate to decorate the environments of the house. Born in the extensive forests of the South American Amazonwhere it grows in the shade of dense vegetation. As a curious fact, this plant has the peculiarity that at dusk it closes its leaves, as if to indicate that it is time to go to bed.

Planting and propagation

If you want to get a better result, you should grow it in a fertile composition that contains peat for germination. Do not use soil in straight pots as it can be somewhat heavywhich can cause the water to not drain well, rotting the roots of the plant. In its wild habitat it grows among the litter and rubble typical of the Amazon.

You can also choose to prepare your own soil by combining one part peat moss with three parts compost or a nutrient-rich potting mix. You want to make sure the mixture is light enough and drains well. Always avoid heavy mixes. Taking into consideration the conditions of its natural habitat and if you want to achieve a better development of the plant, which includes flower growth, color and productionYou should place the plant indoors where it receives bright light indirectly.

Remember that if you place the plant in a place where it receives direct light, it runs the risk of burning its foliage and flowering. Nevertheless, it is logical that in winter it can tolerate light better than in summerwhen the intensity of the sun is strongest. It requires a warm environment when planted indoors. Hence, you must ensure temperatures that oscillate between 18º C and 27º C. Due to its natural characteristics, it does not tolerate sudden changes in temperatures or air currents, these circumstances, not typical of the Amazon.

Regardless of whether the plant is indoors, cold conditions that may be considered excessive can damage it. Similarly, high temperature conditions can damage its foliage.which you will be able to notice when its leaves become wavy. If at any time you want to place your Calathea crocata outdoors, you can do it by placing it in a shady place, as long as the weather is warm. In this case, assume the required care just like you do when you are indoors.

Regarding irrigation, it should be watered regularly once a week, mainly in spring and summer. When you go to water your plant, make sure the soil is dry and apply enough water until it comes out through the holes in the pot. In winter, you can apply watering every two weeks.

Plastic watering can

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What is the importance of irrigation in plants?

If you decide to plant outdoors, it is recommended as much as possible that you recreate a humid environment in which the plant can grow in humid conditions. ANDThis species does not require much pruningbut you can proceed to trim the foliage to the base when you think it is necessary. Likewise, remove the damaged or diseased leaves, you can also cut the damaged parts. Now, if what you want is to propagate new plants, you just have to divide its roots to produce additional plants. The propitious time for the propagation is during the replanting in spring or summer, while this one grows.

Carefully separate the roots, making sure to get at least one leaf and one healthy section of the root system with each section. Plant individually in pots with fertile, well-drained combinationsplanting as deep as the original was and keeping the potting mix appropriately moist, putting the newly planted sections back in the conditions in which they initially grew.

Uses

The Calathea crocata it has fascinating decorative properties. It is a very elegant plant, with intense orange flowers that make it vivid in contrast to the very dark leaves. It is definitely a houseplant that is highly prized for the decorative design of its foliage and vivid flowers.

The secret to obtaining better flowering is to maintain proper care and timely fertilization. For which it is required to replant the eternal flame in a new pot at least once a year, which it should be 1 to 2 cm in diameter larger than the previous onedepending on the age of the plant.

Diseases and pests

potted plant with orange leaves and flowers

This plant undergoes the bed bug attack. These insects feed on the sap of the plantdamaging them completely. If you are not careful with these bugs, the problem can worsen to death, in addition, these insects can move to other plants which would worsen the situation of your crops. These pests are easy to identify, due to the symptoms present on stems and leaves.

In the case of mites, these live in groups that usually infest the underside of the leaves. However, and if the disease worsens, these small insects will also affect the upper part of the leaves. These spiders cover the leaves with a fine white cobweb.

Another problem that can attack the plant are mealy insects that adhere to leaves and stems, which you can identify by a cottony mass that you will observe along the stems.

Eternal flame (Calathea crocata)

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