Calathea musaica, also called as Calathea bella, Goeppertia kegeljanii is found growing in forest floor of tropical rainforests of Espírito Santo...
Calathea musaica, also called as Calathea bella, Calathea cardiophylla, Goeppertia bella, Maranta bella, Maranta closonii, Maranta kegeljanii, Maranta musaica, Maranta tessellata, Maranta tessellata var. kegeljanii, Phyllodes bella and its scientific name Goeppertia kegeljanii, is a species of the genus Goeppertia. This species was described by Mariana Naomi Saka in 2017.
IDENTIFY CALATHEA MUSAICA - CALATHEA BELLA - GOEPPERTIA KEGELJANII
Calathea musaica is native to Brazil. It is found growing in forest floor of tropical rainforests of Espírito Santo states of Brazil at elevations of below 1500 meters above sea level.
Calathea bella is an evergreen, clump-forming perennial herb which reaching up to 60 cm in height wih creeping rhizome. The delightful oval leaves have an impressive network of patterns that, close up, almost look like binary code. It gets its botanical name due to these mosaic-like markings on its light green leaves. Its leaves fold together at night, and unfold again in the morning.
Goeppertia kegeljanii blooms in summer (rarely in cultivation) on the racemes of tubular flowers with light green bracts. The white flowers are fairly insignificant and do not have any fragrance.
CALATHEA MUSAICA - CALATHEA BELLA - GOEPPERTIA KEGELJANII CARE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Calathea musaica likes bright indirect light and do best in medium to low light (80% shade, 10000-20000 lux). The plant can tolerate an interior light level as low as 750 lux; but optimal light levels range from 1500-2000 lux. Avoid direct light to avoid scorching the leaves.
Humidity:
Calathea bella thrives in spots with high humidity, making it a particularly good pick for kitchens and bathrooms. The plant maintain their aesthetic appearance better if relative humidity is kept between 40% and 60%. They are ideal for removing toxins from the air, caused by cleaning products, modern furnishings that are made of synthetic materials and so on.
Temperature:
Goeppertia kegeljanii should be grown with the temperature of 21-32 °C outdoor and 18-27 °C when grow indoor. They will not tolerate temperatures below 13 °C. They are also sensitive to cold drafts or blowing heat during the winter months, so keep them away from windows or heaters for best results.
Substrate and growing media:
Calathea musaica can be grown in pot with soilless media formulated with peat, pine bark, vermiculate, and or perlite with a pH around 6.0. Repotting once every 12-18 months with 1”- 2” larger pot to allow for growth. Don’t choose a pot much larger than the previous as this could drown the plant's roots. If you prefer to maintain the current size of your plant, repot into the same pot, providing new soil and trimming away some roots and foliage. Spring or summer is the ideal time for repotting as the plant is at its strongest.
Watering:
Calathea bella are very sensitive to the water you use. Hard water, soft water, fluoridated water, or water of poor quality causes the leaves of the plant to turn brown from leaf burn. The best way to water is to use distilled water, rain water, or allow your tap water to sit out over night before using it.
Keep the plant moist but not wet or waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3” to dry out before watering. Never let a the plant sit in water. Excess water over time can cause yellowing of the leaves, and eventually wilting as the roots suffocate and die. If the plant wilts due to excess water it will be slow to recover. During active growth (from about May to August) you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil moist. In winter when growth is slow, water only when the soil becomes just dry to the touch. If you see the leaves curl and leaf edges begin to brown it may be because your soil is running too dry or the humidity is too low. If soil is dry, water it more frequently. If you believe humidity is the problem, mist leaves with lukewarm water on a regular basis.
Fertilizer:
Use a general houseplant fertilizer with iron every four weeks during the spring and summer following the package instructions for dilution and administration. No fertilizer is necessary during the winter
Pruning:
Removing yellowed or browned outer leaves regularly improves the appearance of the plant. Cut leaves at the base where the leaf joins the main stalk. Trim away brown leaf edges with scissors by following the natural curve of the leaf. It is not necessary to remove the entire leaf, as it will continue to grow even after trimming. Pruning or deadheading old or faded blooms improves the plant's appearance and channels its energy into producing new foliage and blooms.
Winter period:
If planted outside in colder areas, during winter the leaves take a beating in the cold. If you wish, cut off all the leaves and stems - at the start of spring, fertilize and all will be well. Watering can cut back slightly during the winter when the plant is dormant, and growth is slow. Don’t let the soil become bone dry and always water if the plant appears wilted. The plants require humidity, especially during the winter months when indoor air is dry. The best way to add moisture to the air is to use a humidifier. Otherwise, set the pot on a humidity tray or keep it in the bathroom or kitchen, where the air tends to be more humid. Withhold fertilizer during the winter months, then resume your regular feeding schedule in spring.
Propagation:
Calathea musaica are usually propagated by division at repotting time in the spring. When you remove the plant to repot it, you can gently divide the plant where it has created its own natural separations in the roots. Plant them in new pots with fresh soil, then keep your new divisions warm, moist, and in as much humidity as possible. Provide reduced light until active growth starts again, within two to four weeks.
Pests and diseases:
Calathea bella are highly susceptible to spider mite. Keep a close eye on plants when grown under high heat or low humidity. Common diseases are root rot, leaf-spot disease, botrytis, rust, powdery mildew and southern blight.
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