Calathea Freddy

Calathea 'Freddie'

Description:
Calathea 'Freddie' is a striking evergreen perennial known for its elegantly patterned foliage. A member of the Marantaceae family, it features long, lance-shaped leaves with soft green tones and darker green feather-like markings. This low-growing plant thrives in indoor environments and brings a lush, tropical feel to any space. Like other Calatheas, 'Freddie' is a sensitive plant that responds to light and moisture, making it a dynamic addition to plant collections.

Flowers:
Rarely flowers indoors, but in ideal conditions, it may produce small, inconspicuous purple or white flowers at the base of the plant.

Foliage:
The elongated leaves have a delicate, wavy edge and are adorned with striking dark green striping, creating a painterly effect. The undersides of the leaves have a subtle purple hue, adding contrast. The foliage moves in response to light, folding slightly at night and reopening in the morning.

Fruit:
Not applicable.

Form & Size:
A compact, clumping plant that typically grows to around 30–50cm high and 40–60cm wide in ideal conditions.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• Soil: Requires a well-draining, rich, and slightly acidic potting mix with good moisture retention.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Prefers filtered or distilled water to avoid leaf spotting from tap water chemicals.
• Humidity: High humidity is essential for healthy growth. Benefits from misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures between 18–27°C. Avoid exposure to cold drafts.

Uses:
Ideal for indoor spaces, including living rooms, offices, and bathrooms where humidity is higher. Also suitable for shaded patios or tropical garden settings in warm climates.

Maintenance:

• Regularly wipe leaves to remove dust and enhance photosynthesis.
• Prune damaged or yellowing leaves as needed.
• Repot every 1–2 years to refresh soil and provide more room for root growth.
• Feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Monitor for common pests like spider mites and mealybugs, which thrive in dry conditions.

Notes:
Calathea 'Freddie' is pet-friendly and non-toxic, making it a safe choice for households with cats or dogs. It is part of the prayer plant family, meaning its leaves exhibit nyctinasty—a natural movement where leaves rise and fall with the light cycle.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with other humidity-loving plants such as Calathea orbifolia, Maranta leuconeura, Alocasia 'Polly', and Philodendron birkin to create a lush, tropical indoor display.

Common Name: Calathea 'Freddie'
Botanical Name: Calathea concinna 'Freddie'
Family: Marantaceae
Origin: Native to South America, particularly tropical rainforests of Brazil.

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