Calathea Burle Marxii: A Stunning Plant for Your Home or Office

Oleh Patsy Davis June 06, 2023 Post a Comment

If you're looking for a plant that adds a touch of elegance to your home or office, then the Calathea Burle Marxii is an excellent choice. This beautiful plant has striking foliage and is easy to care for, making it perfect for both experienced and novice plant owners.

The Calathea Burle Marxii is a member of the Marantaceae family, which includes other popular houseplants like the Prayer Plant and the Rattlesnake Plant. It's native to Brazil and is sometimes called the "Giant Calathea" due to its large leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long. The plant gets its name from Roberto Burle Marx, a famous Brazilian landscape architect who was known for incorporating tropical plants into his designs.

The Calathea Burle Marxii is prized for its stunning foliage, which features dark green leaves with vibrant stripes of light green and silver. The undersides of the leaves are a deep maroon color, which adds an extra layer of visual interest. But the plant isn't just beautiful – it also has some unique characteristics that make it a fascinating addition to any collection.

Characteristics of Calathea Burle Marxii

Here are some of the standout features of the Calathea Burle Marxii:

Stunning foliage: As mentioned above, the plant's leaves are its main attraction. They have a striking pattern that looks almost painted on, and the dark green color contrasts beautifully with the lighter stripes.
Pet-friendly: Unlike some other houseplants, the Calathea Burle Marxii is safe for pets! So if you have a furry friend at home, you can enjoy this plant worry-free.
Air-purifying: Like many other plants, the Calathea Burle Marxii can help purify the air in your home. It's particularly good at removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
Low-maintenance: This plant is fairly easy to care for, as long as you provide it with the right conditions. We'll get into those specifics later on.
Non-toxic: In addition to being pet-friendly, the Calathea Burle Marxii is also non-toxic to humans. So if you have kids or curious pets who might try to nibble on your plants, you don't need to worry.

How to Care for Calathea Burle Marxii

Now that you know a bit more about this stunning plant, let's talk about how to care for it. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Light

The Calathea Burle Marxii prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so it's best to place it near a window with filtered light. If you don't have a spot with enough natural light, you can also use grow lights to supplement.

Water

When it comes to watering, the Calathea Burle Marxii likes to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. The soil should never dry out completely, but you also don't want it to be sitting in standing water. Aim to water it once a week, but adjust based on how quickly the soil dries out in your specific environment.

Humidity

This plant loves humidity, so it's important to make sure it's in an environment with enough moisture. You can achieve this by misting the leaves regularly, placing it near a humidifier, or grouping it with other plants to create a mini greenhouse effect.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for the Calathea Burle Marxii is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. It doesn't do well in temperatures below 55 degrees, so make sure to keep it in a warm spot away from drafts.

Soil

The Calathea Burle Marxii prefers well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. You can use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil to create the right blend. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizer

During the growing season (spring and summer), you can fertilize your Calathea Burle Marxii every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. In the winter, reduce this to once a month.

Common Problems and Solutions

While the Calathea Burle Marxii is relatively easy to care for, it's not immune to problems. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

Brown or crispy edges on leaves

This could be a sign of dry air or underwatering. Try misting the leaves more often or watering more frequently.

Yellow leaves

Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Check the soil moisture level and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. If that doesn't work, try fertilizing your plant.

Curling leaves

Curling leaves can be a sign of too much light or low humidity. Move your plant to a shadier spot or increase the humidity around it.

Pests

Common pests that can affect the Calathea Burle Marxii include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.

The Calathea Burle Marxii is a stunning plant that's sure to impress anyone who sees it. With its unique foliage, pet-friendly nature, and air-purifying abilities, it's a great addition to any home or office. And best of all, it's fairly low-maintenance as long as you provide it with the right conditions. So if you're looking for a plant that's both beautiful and easy to care for, the Calathea Burle Marxii might just be your perfect match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I propagate my Calathea Burle Marxii?

Yes, you can! The best time to do so is in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. You can either divide the plant at the roots or take stem cuttings and root them in water or soil.

Q2: How often should I repot my Calathea Burle Marxii?

You should aim to repot your plant every 1-2 years, or when it s to outgrow its container. Make sure to use a pot that's only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overpotting.

Q3: Why are the leaves on my Calathea Burle Marxii turning brown?

Brown leaves can be a sign of several issues, including underwatering, overwatering, too much direct sunlight, or low humidity. Check the soil moisture level and adjust as necessary, and make sure your plant isn't in a spot with too much light.

Q4: Can I keep my Calathea Burle Marxii outdoors?

While the Calathea Burle Marxii is native to a tropical climate, it's not suited for outdoor living in most regions. It prefers consistent humidity and temperatures between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be difficult to achieve outdoors in many areas.

Q5: Do I need to prune my Calathea Burle Marxii?

You don't need to prune this plant unless it becomes too large or unruly. If you do decide to trim it back, make sure to use clean, sharp scissors and only remove a small amount of foliage at a time.

Q6: Can I use tap water to water my Calathea Burle Marxii?

It's best to use filtered or distilled water if possible, as the chemicals in tap water can build up in the soil over time and harm your plant. If you don't have access to filtered water, you can let tap water sit out for a few hours before using it to water your plant.

Q7: How fast does the Calathea Burle Marxii grow?

This plant grows relatively slowly compared to some other houseplants. You can expect it to add 2-4 new leaves per year, depending on its growing conditions.

Q8: Can I grow my Calathea Burle Marxii in a terrarium?

While this plant loves humidity, it might not do well in a closed terrarium environment. It needs some air circulation to prevent fungal growth and other issues. However, you can try growing it in an open-topped container with a lid that you can remove occasionally for ventilation.

Q9: What kind of light does the Calathea Burle Marxii need?

The Calathea Burle Marxii prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so it's best to place it near a window with filtered light.

Q10: Does the Calathea Burle Marxii flower?

Yes, it can! However, the flowers are small and insignificant compared to the plant's foliage. They also don't appear very often, so don't be too disappointed if you never see them.