Purple Calathea is some of the most sought after in houseplant care due to their beautiful foliage and vivid purple undersides. Their stunning foliage of bold green leaf patterns and marbling, deep purple hue makes them a favorite amongst indoor plant lovers.
Calatheas provide beauty and help clean the air, but Calathea really clear out all the toxins in your atmosphere helping to improve oeverall ambiance of building interiors before they can harm you!
In this article I delve into the world of Purple Calathea plants, exploring their various types, how to care for them and the advantages they can bring as beautiful houseplants. This guide has got you covered to help your Purple Calathea survive and even thrive.
What is a Purple Calathea?
The Marantaceae family include “prayer plants” because of their nyctinastic movements with leaves opening up during the day and then closing or folding at night as though in prayer. The Purple Calatheas rank among them. It is part of their natural internal clock and one of the many things that make them appealing to birders.
Typically found in the tropical rainforests of South America, especially Brazil, Calatheas should to be grown warm and damp. Their foliage is utterly dazzling, with intricate patterns on top and stunning shades of purple under the leaf. They possess a kind of color contrast and are known for having unique leaf designs that make them the decor jewel in your home.
The name Purple Calathea, although many calatheas do show purple tinges also on their leaves’ obverse side otherwise this is a catch-all bucket term for varities whose backside are swatches of dark purples.
Top Types of Purple Calathea
So, if this is the colour you crave, or on your wish list in something equally as eye-catching and then take a look at some of them!
These are just some of our most frequent types:
1. Calathea ‘Dottie’
Purple Calathea is Another striking variety of Purple Calathea has leaves as dark as black and veinings that are vibrantly pink or magenta. So dramatic, especially those purple undersides of the leaves! This type is amazing to bring the indoor garden a perfect boldness.
2. Calathea ‘Roseopicta’
Elliot and Oliver with a variety of Ella roseopicta whose leaves are quite large, rounded in shape. Their leaves are rich green-silver pattern on the topside and deep purplevelvet undertones, closely shaven fur that spirals when moist. It is one of the most feared and sought-after varieties due to its unique looks!
3. Calathea ‘Medallion’
Medallion Calathea is another novelty plant for an interior-design-minded person. With its big round leaves displaying patterns of light and dark green on top white-pink to magenta underside. A highly coveted variety, the Complexa Falco is recognizable for its intricate patterns and contrasting hues making it a stylish addition to any plant collection.
4. Calathea ‘Freddie’
Calathea ‘Freddie’ is the plant with long, slender leaves having a stitch of light and dark green stripes. Freddie will have a muted purples undertone to its leaves, but it is not as vibrant as other types since the purple hues are less pronounced.
5. Calathea ‘Beauty Start
Calathea ‘Beauty Star’ will bring a more delicate look and feel when it comes to its slim, elongated leaves with the pale green veins making them stand out from most others. Its foliage is high gloss, with a purple reverse excellent for the discerning indoor gardener.
Purple Calathea Plants Benefits
In addition to these visual benefits, purple calatheas are also useful for the home and in general for taking care of yourself. 5 Reasons Calatheas are Perfect Indoors. Have a look!
1. Air Purification
Calatheas like many indoor plants can aid in better air quality as it filters the toxins present such as formaldehyde, benzene and more deadly chemicals. That makes them a great choice to have around your home especially if you live in an urban area, where the air inside can be even worse than outside.
2. Boosts Humidity
However, the latter also needs moisture to aid in transpiration. Calatheas are tropical plants that naturally release this moisture. In this way, they add moisture to the air around you which can help to relieve dryness, especially in winter when indoor air tends to be drier. We shall take a look at how and the reasons it may be great for your skin, respiratory procedure including all around wellness.
3. Enhances Home Aesthetics
Kirti MehtaPurple Calathea: Purple Leaves, Designs For Indoors. Columns In a room with limited natural light, their colored leaves can give life and nuance to an environment adding that touch of nature and elegance you need in your homes. Pair with a second Purple Calathea on your windowsill, in the living room or within an even larger plant display and they’re sure to get people talking.
4. Low-Light Tolerance
Calatheas are great because they love a lower to medium light environment which is perfect for people living in homes or apartments that do not offer much natural lighting. Although partial to bright indirect light, they can also tolerate shade quite well which makes them all-rounders.
Purple Calathea Care Guide
Taking care of Purple Calathea plants requires consideration to the requirements that they have. They are a little fussy but when taken care of properly most orchids can flourish and keep livening up your house.
- Light Requirements
They like to be in bright, warm light fetch of direct sunlight or they can tolerate low-light locations. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to bleach, or burn brown and crispy around their edges; so place them in a spot where they will get some filtered light. Most Calathea prefers a north or east-facing window.
- Watering
This plant really does not like it if you give them tap water, and this type can also be a bit fussy with the regular moisture level. Their roots prefer soil that is consistently moist, but never waterlogged. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry but be careful not to let all the soil go bone-dry.
Water your plant with filtered, distilled or rainwater; however you would like to avoid using tap water as most species of Calathea can be sensitive to it. Tap water contains chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride which could harm the leaves over time. Using room-temperature water reduces the risk of shocking the roots.
- Humidity
Humidity is one of the most important concerns with Calathea care. Tropical plants tend to do well in air that has a humidity of our 50 % or higher. This hack is especially useful in the winter months when our homes are drier than usual, so either bring up another humidity-loving plant or simply pop a humidifier near-by.
Instead, water generously every four weeks in the winter and allow for better air humidity by either spraying on the foliage or setting it to rest on top of a pebble filled tray with water.
- Temperature
Purple Calatheas require warm climates with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°. Just like their fruit, these plants will endure a sudden temperature fluctuation in stride (leaf browning and leaf curling are direct evidence of stress caused by cold drafts, heaters or air-conditioners being too close).
- Soil and Fertilizing
Calatheas grow best in soil that retains moisture while also being well-drained and nutrient-rich. Houseplant or African violet mixes work well due to some water-retention capabilities but enough drainage. It is also possible to mix up a batch of your own with some potting soil, perlite and peat moss or coco coir for moisture.
While your Purple Calathea is actively growing (spring and summer), fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted by half. However, applying too much can lead to fertilizer burn on the leaves or other problems.
- Repotting
Calatheas are slow growers, and they do not need to be repotted often. Calathea needs repotting every 1-2 years, or when the roots have outgrown their current pot. Container with drainage holes so water does not pool at the bottom leading to root rot.
Problems and Resolutions
Calatheas are some of those plants that can be a little temperamental at times. Problems and the fixes
Brown Leaf Tips: You may be dealing with low humidity or the chemicals in your tap water. Raise the humidity levels surrounding plant and change water to distilled or filtered.
Leaf curling: Leaves may start to curl in cold temperatures or drafts, especially if watering is insufficient. Ensure your plant is in a warm place and give the soil a feel to make sure it has not dried out.
Yellowing Leaves: When you see the leaves turning yellow on your jade plant, it is most likely due to overwatering no proper drainage allowed. Make sure the soil is well-draining and water only when top inch or so of surface has dried out.
Conclusion
Purple Calathea is truly a gem for anyone with an indoor plant passion. Their striking patterns, vivid purple undersides and exuberant tropical look add drama to any room. It can be a little persnickety, but the joy of having a robust Calathea in your home is worth it.
When correctly lit, watered and taken care of this beautiful Calathea will add a new dimension to your living space not only by being stylish but also making the quality with better levels of humidity which is great for both the plants health and yours. If you are a beginner or even if looking for a new collection, the Purple Calathea is here to amaze with all its beauty in nature.