Calathea Dottie

The Calathea Dottie plant is native to the South American jungle. It is growing underneath canopies in rainforests as it likes a humid atmosphere. 

This type of Calathea is evergreen and has tuberous roots from which the long petioles of the leaves start. The leaves emerge green and fade down into almost black. The Calathea Dottie has gorgeous deep dark purple leaves that feature bright-coloured pink variegation and purple undersides, it is truly a joy to look at and since it’s a Calathea, its foliage reacts to the daily light cycle. Its leaves move every day. They bend their leaves upwards at night and downwards during the day - this gave them the name of prayer plants. If you concentrate enough you can sometimes hear a quiet crackling noise when the leaves move.  

Grouping Calatheas will help achieve the correct humidity alongside an attentive watering routine. They must be kept in damp soil at all times, but definitely do not allow the plant to sit in very wet soil. Water it regularly with soft water only, free from calcium carbonate and other minerals found in many urban water sources. They have proven to be vulnerable to Fluoride toxicity, and are sensitive to high soluble salts in the root zone. Mist its leaves daily with a spray bottle. Think little and often as a watering policy. Brown leaf tips indicate that humidity is too low. For healthy vibrant leaves it is best to keep the plant in indirect bright sunlight, direct sunlight will burn the leaves. 

Mites can be a problem when plants are stressed out.

It is super easy to take care of and it has an added bonus of being non-toxic to pets and humans. 

If you like the unusual and exotic you will love this plant, a real eye-catcher in the room.

Thanks,
Sergiu