Calathea 'Dottie'

Description: Calathea 'Dottie' is a captivating tropical plant prized for its stunning foliage and unique coloration. This cultivar, belonging to the Marantaceae family, is known for its broad, lance-shaped leaves with deep purple undersides and contrasting pink to red veins. Calathea 'Dottie' is cherished for its decorative appeal and is often sought after by plant enthusiasts looking to add a pop of color to their indoor spaces.

🌿 Botanical Name: Calathea 'Dottie'

🐾 Pet Warning: Calathea 'Dottie' is non-toxic to pets. However, ingestion may still cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in pets.

💧 Care Level: Moderate. Calathea 'Dottie' requires specific care to maintain its vibrant foliage and overall health.

📏 Approximate Size: Calathea 'Dottie' typically grows to a height of around 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) with a similar spread.

☀️ Light: Calathea 'Dottie' thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and cause leaf fading. Place it near an east- or west-facing window where it can receive filtered sunlight. In low-light conditions, consider supplementing with artificial grow lights.

💧 Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water Calathea 'Dottie' when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once or twice a week. Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.

💦 Humidity: Calathea 'Dottie' thrives in high humidity environments. Increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Grouping plants together can also help create a microclimate with higher humidity.

🌡️ Temperature: Calathea 'Dottie' prefers temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Protect it from drafts, temperature extremes, and sudden fluctuations, as they can stress the plant.

❄️ Hardiness: Calathea 'Dottie' is not cold-hardy and should be kept away from cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F (15°C).

🌱 Soil: Plant Calathea 'Dottie' in well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand to improve drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7) is ideal.

🌱 Fertilizing: Feed Calathea 'Dottie' with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter when growth slows down.

🔄 Pruning: Remove yellow or damaged leaves promptly to maintain the plant's appearance and overall health. Regularly remove dust from the leaves with a soft, damp cloth to keep them clean and allow for better light absorption.

🌱 Propagation: Calathea 'Dottie' can be propagated through division. During repotting in spring, carefully separate the rhizomes and plant them in separate pots with fresh potting mix.