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Description
Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess, also known as Prayer Plant, is a stunning indoor plant that is native to South America. It is a member of the Marantaceae family and is closely related to other popular houseplants like Calathea ornata and Calathea lancifolia.This plant is known for its striking foliage, which features dark green leaves with a deep purple underside. The leaves are also adorned with pink stripes that give them a unique and attractive appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Marantaceae |
| Genus | Calathea |
Appearance
Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess is a compact plant that typically grows to be about 12 inches tall and wide. Its leaves are oval-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long. The upper side of the leaves is dark green with pink stripes, while the underside is deep purple.When exposed to sufficient light, the plant will produce small white flowers that are insignificant compared to its striking foliage.
Care Guide
Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess is a relatively easy plant to care for, and with proper maintenance, it can thrive for years. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:Water: This plant prefers to be kept moist, so it’s essential to water it regularly. However, overwatering can be detrimental, so allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.Fertilization: Feed your Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: This plant thrives in well-draining soil that retains moisture. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal.Sunlight: This plant prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.Hardiness Zones: Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures, so it’s not suited for outdoor cultivation. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess is susceptible to pests like spider mites and mealybugs. These pests can be dealt with by washing the plant with water and soap or by applying a neem oil solution.This plant can also be affected by fungal diseases like root rot and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess is native to the tropical rainforests of South America, where it grows in the understory of the forest floor. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and prefers well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess a low-maintenance plant?
A: While this plant is relatively easy to care for, it does require proper maintenance to thrive.Q: Can Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess grow in low light?
A: This plant prefers bright, indirect light, but it can tolerate low light conditions. However, prolonged exposure to low light can cause the leaves to lose their color.Q: How often should I fertilize my Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess?
A: This plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.Q: Can I propagate my Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated through division. Divide the plant during the growing season and replant the sections in fresh soil.
Related Plants
Here are some other popular indoor plants that are closely related to Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess:
- Calathea ornata
- Calathea zebrina
- Calathea lancifolia
- Maranta leuconeura
References
- “Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess Care Guide.” The Spruce, 2021, www.thespruce.com/calathea-roseopicta-little-princess-care-4772372.
- “Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess.” Plant Care Today, 2021, plantcaretoday.com/calathea-roseopicta-little-princess.
- “Calathea Roseopicta Little Princess.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a654.
