If you're looking for a houseplant with unique visual appeal, look no further than the Calathea Velvet.
Known for its vibrant colors and velvet-like leaves, They are native to regions of South America, particularly Brazil and Colombia.
In these places, the environment is perfect for them. They have also evolved to thrive in more humid, shaded, and warmer conditions than those dense forests.
The growth of this species in these places is due to the fact that the soil in the tropical forest is very rich in organic matter, which provides many nutrients that these plants love.
In addition, rain is a constant that favors permanent soil humidity and also good drainage due to that organic matter.
You should also know that the Calathea velvet is used to maximizing the little light that can enter through the dense foliage, and its velvet texture not only enhances your beauty, but helps control moisture loss.
Calathea Velvet and its special characteristics
The Velvet Calathea is part of the calathea family of plants, which consists of more than 200 species. It is also known as the velvety Calathea, due to the soft, velvety texture of its leaves. It is appreciated for its striking and vibrant shades of green and purple.
The Calathea Velvet is special for its unique texture and colors. Its leaves are long and soft, covered with a velvety coating.
Plus, the leaves are curly and have a unique shape, making it a plant that won't go unnoticed in any room. They can measure up to 25 cm long and are bright green in color with a purple underside. combined with the reddish hairs and central veins create a visually unique and striking plant.
It is a perennial plant that has an upright growth, its leaves are tall and thin, and They arch gracefully, creating a tropical atmosphere ideal for decorating any space.
Although this plant is grown for its distinctive foliage, it can occasionally produce small yellow or orange flowers, but these are rarely seen indoors.
Calathea Velvet Care
Caring for the Velvet Calathea is relatively easy. The plant prefers a balanced environment that mimics its native tropical habitat.
Luz
Needs moderate to bright light, but does not like direct sunlightDirect sunlight can burn its leaves, but a lack of light can cause loss of vitality.
The best place to place it is near a window where light filters through a sheer curtain or an east-facing window. This way, it receives the gentle morning sun, which is ideal for it.
Land
It needs good drainage, so applying a peat or perlite-based potting mix can facilitate drainage. Remember that the soil in their habitat is rich in nutrients, full of decaying plant matter very different from common potting soil that we find in stores.
You have to try to imitate their habitat, aerate the soil and supplement it with nutrients, trying to resemble tropical soil.
Irrigation
Make sure not to overwater the plant, but keep it moist, as it doesn't like to be waterlogged. Also, use distilled or rainwater to water the plant, since chemicals in tap water can cause the leaves to turn brown.
It can be a bit tricky to achieve the perfect balance, as in their habitat they enjoy regular rainfall that keeps the soil moist, but not soggy.
A good recommendation is to water the plant when the first inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Excess water can cause root rot.
Temperature and humidity
It likes to be in a warm and humid environment, so keep it in a room with a temperature of about 18 to 24°C. Keep it away from heaters or air conditioners that can cause sudden changes in temperature.
Remember that these are very sensitive plants, to the point that brief exposure to cold can cause damage such as browning or curling of the leaves.
A good solution that can help you protect it during the colder months is wrap the plant in a light cloth or newspaper.
Avoid cold drafts and try to maintain high humidity levels above 60%.
To keep her happy and achieve a humidity of around 60-70%, some recommendations to achieve this are:
- Humidifiers: It is a very effective option to balance humidity levels in an environment.
- Grouping plants: Place the calathea near other plants. This creates a more humid microenvironment.
- Pebble tray: Placing a tray filled with water and pebbles under the plant is a very good option to increase humidity as the water evaporates.
You can also spray it temporarily because it may be necessary on some occasions.
Pruning and cleaning
It's important to trim leaves when they're yellow or brown at the base to keep the plant tidy and help stimulate new growth. Also remember Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and help the plant breathe properly.
Pests and diseases of the Velvet Calathea
It is a resistant plant, but like all indoor plants, but at some point it can be attacked by some plague or have any illness.
Most common pests: Spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. You need to look for the symptoms and treat quickly with neem oil or insecticidal soap to protect the plant's health and appearance.
Most common diseases: Leaf spot and root rot.
These diseases are generally caused by excessive irrigation or bacterial or fungal infections.
In the case of root rot, if the plant is severely affected, it may need to be repotted with fresh soil into another pot after cutting off the rotten roots.
Fungal infections can be treated by removing affected leaves and treating them with a fungicide if necessary.
Benefits of having a Calathea Velvet at home
Besides the obvious visual appeal of the Velvet Calathea, there are numerous benefits to having this plant in your home. The Velvet Calathea It is a natural air purifier, as it absorbs toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde and xylene.
This makes it an excellent choice for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. It is also said that the plant has spiritual properties, and is believed to bring peace and tranquility to any home.
The Velvet Calathea is a stunning and unique plant that is sure to add a touch of charm to any home. Its beautiful leaf patterns and colors, as well as its interesting texture, make it a striking addition to any room.
Taking care of it is relatively easy, and there are numerous benefits to having this plant in your home, from its air-purifying properties to its calming and spiritual effects. If you're looking for a unique and interesting houseplant, this is definitely the best option!