Calathea elliptica (Syn. Goeppertia)

Calathea elliptica, also recognised under its synonym Goeppertia elliptica, is a stunning tropical foliage plant originating from the rainforests of South America, notably Brazil and Colombia.

Distinctive features:

• Foliage: Characterised by slender, dark green leaves featuring elegant white pinstripes radiating from the midrib, creating a striking visual effect.
• Growth Habit: Exhibits a compact and clump-forming growth pattern, making it ideal for small indoor spaces and decorative pots.
• Nyctinastic Movements: Known for its fascinating ability to lift and fold its leaves in response to darkness, an intriguing adaptation known as 'prayer plant' behaviour.

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sun exposure to prevent leaf scorching.
• Water: Maintain consistently moist, but never waterlogged soil; watering frequency should decrease during cooler months.
• Humidity: Thrives best in high humidity environments (above 60%); regular misting or using a humidifier is beneficial.
• Media: Plant in a well-draining, peat-based potting mixture enriched with perlite for aeration and drainage.
• Temperature: Optimal growth between 18°C and 26°C; avoid temperatures below 15°C to prevent leaf damage.
• Fertiliser: Feed monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength.
• Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when roots visibly outgrow the container, ideally in spring, ensuring minimal disturbance to roots.