Calathea Leopardina

Description: Calathea Leopardina is a striking tropical plant prized for its vibrant foliage and unique patterns. This cultivar, belonging to the Marantaceae family, is known for its large, elliptical leaves with green markings and contrasting dark spots resembling leopard spots. Calathea Leopardina is cherished for its decorative appeal and is often sought after by plant enthusiasts looking to add a touch of exotic beauty to their indoor spaces.

🌿 Botanical Name: Calathea Leopardina

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

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

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

☀️ Light: Calathea Leopardina 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 Leopardina 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 Leopardina 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 Leopardina 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 Leopardina is not cold-hardy and should be kept away from cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F (15°C).

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