Calathea

Striking patterned leaves with purple undersides that move day to night.

The most beautiful pet-safe foliage, but demanding: it wants humidity, filtered water and no direct sun. Best for a bright bathroom.

Goeppertia (Calathea) spp.

Varieties: Orbifolia, Medallion, Rattlesnake (lancifolia), Makoyana, White Fusion

Tropical South America

Approx. 40-90 cm

Final size varies with the variety, pot size and light conditions.

Moderate

Medium indirect light

Place it one to two metres from a bright window. Avoid direct midday rays.

Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy, and check it twice a week in dry conditions. Brown tips signal dry soil or dry air.

Watering needs change with room temperature, pot size and season, so check the soil rather than following a fixed schedule.

Higher humidity preferred

Riyadh indoor air is dry; keep it away from the AC and group it with other plants or use a pebble tray.

Ordinary indoor temperatures between 18 and 28°C suit it well.

Avoid direct AC airflow and intense heat behind glass in summer.

A moisture-retaining but free-draining indoor mix.

A balanced diluted liquid feed once a month from spring to early autumn; stop in winter.

Repot when roots fill the pot or push through the drainage holes, when the plant becomes unstable, or when growth slows. Move up one pot size only.

Remove yellow or dried leaves at the base; most of these plants need no regular pruning.

Wipe broad leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, and avoid leaf-polish products.

AC air is its enemy; use a humidifier or pebble tray and never tap water. Crispy edges are the warning sign.

Non-toxic.

Source: the ASPCA list of toxic and non-toxic plants. If a pet swallows any plant, contact a veterinarian immediately.

• Yellow leaves: usually overwatering or poor drainage.
• Brown tips: dry air, tap-water minerals or a direct AC draft.
• Drooping: watering was delayed or the soil dried out completely.
• Slow growth: not enough light or time to repot.

Spider mites in dry conditions, Mealybugs on stems and leaves, Fungus gnats when the soil stays wet

• Bathroom
• Bedroom
• Living room

• Thank You
• Birthday
• New Baby

Simple cream ceramic in keeping with the Flower Palace look.

• Small·20-40 cm · 12-15 cm pot
• Medium·40-90 cm · 17-21 cm pot
• Large·90-150 cm · 24-30 cm pot
• Statement·Over 150 cm · 30 cm pot and above

Available sizes vary by plant and stock; confirm the size when ordering.

Needs more humidity; keep it away from direct AC airflow.