Calathea zebrina
Also known as zebra arrowroot and zebra arrowroot, it is a plant of the Calathea family and is native to the Brazilian tropical rainforest (color picture 94). The plant is 50 to 60 cm tall, with underground rhizomes. The leaves are oval-lanceolate. The leaves are gorgeously shiny, velvety dark green with purple, with light green striped patches. The back of the leaves is purple-red and the flowers are purple. It is the world's most famous plant. A famous shade-loving foliage plant.
There are 150 species of plants in the same genus, and the common cultivated species are:
1. C. lancifolia
(C.lancifolia)
Also known as lanceolata and kudzu. Originated in Brazil and Costa Rica; newly introduced in my country. The plant height is more than 100 cm. The leaves are oblong, 25-30 cm long and 8-15 cm wide. There are dark green bands and white bands on both sides of the main vein alternately arranged in a pinnate shape, and the back of the leaf is purple-red. The stems are dark red with fine hairs on them and are very sensitive to temperature changes. The leaves will roll into a tube shape at low temperatures at night.
2. Rose arrowroot
(C.roseopicta)
Also known as rainbow arrowroot and colorful arrowroot, it is native to Brazil. Queen among the varieties introduced in recent years has a plant height of 30 to 50 cm, slightly thick and leathery leaves, 20 cm long and 10 to 15 cm wide, oval, green leaf surface, with dark green stripes arranged on both sides of the veins. There are yellow stripes along the leaf edges, as if covered with gold chains, and purple spots on the back of the leaves, like blooming roses. Since the plants are short and have no main roots, a shallow pot with a wider pot body should be used, and acidic leaf humus soil should be used as the substrate.
3. Silver shadow arrowroot
(C.picturacv.Argentea)
Also known as painted arrowroot, it is native to Venezuela. The plant is small and densely clustered. The leaves are wide and oval, 10 to 15 cm long and 8 to 10 cm wide. The center of the leaf surface is silver gray, the leaf edge has an emerald green band, and the back of the leaf is brownish red. One of the varieties is the silver-leaf orchid banana, with pear-shaped leaves, emerald green edges, other parts with a silver-white metallic luster, and maroon leaf backs.
4. Peacock arrowroot
(C.makoyana)
Also known as blue flower banana, five-color arrowroot, native to Brazil. The plants are densely clustered, with a plant height of 30 to 60 cm. The petioles grow from the rhizomes, which are purple-red. The leaves are oval-elliptical and thinly leathery. The surface of the leaves has a faint metallic luster on the green background, which is bright and gorgeous. There are feathery dark green, long oval velvety patches on the sides, and the back of the leaf opposite to the patches is purple, arranged alternately left and right, very much like the tail feathers of a peacock, hence the name. The leaves have sleep movements. At night, the leaves extend upward from the sheath to the blade, folding in an egg shape, and unfold again after the morning light. The leaves have beautiful colors and strange markings. They are treasures of indoor foliage plants and are popular all over the world. There is an enlarged joint between the leaf and the petiole called the leaf pillow. There are water storage cells in the leaf pillow, which have the function of adjusting the direction of the leaves. The temperature is suitable and the humidity is high. The water in the leaf pillow is full and the leaves are obviously upright. When the temperature is high and the humidity is low, the leaf pillow loses its function. Water wilting, low temperature and high humidity, rotten leaves and roots. Liquid fertilizer should be used every two weeks during the growth period, mainly phosphorus and potassium.
5. C. ornata
(C.ornata)
Also known as beautiful arrowroot and large-leaf blue banana, the petiole is long and slightly upright. , the leaves are oval to lanceolate, 10 to 16 cm long and 5 to 8 cm wide. There are multiple pairs of milky white patches between the lateral veins. They are pink when young and the back of the leaf is purplish red. Native to Colombia, there are red-feathered arrowroot and peach-feathered arrowroot.
6. C. bachemiana
The leaves are lanceolate, gray-green, covered with dark green spots, like feathers, and the back of the leaves is slightly purple.
7. C. lindeniana
(C.lindeniana)
The leaves are near the base, upright and upward, oval, dark green, There are olive green stripes on both sides of the margin and midrib, and the back of the leaf is maroon with darker spots.
Plants that grow vigorously can be divided into pots 1 to 2 times a year. When the temperature is high in spring and autumn, the horizontally growing rhizomes are divided into several clusters. If the plants are divided when the temperature is low, the roots should be less damaged. Each cluster should have 3 to 4 or more small plants, and retain a certain amount of original soil to avoid affecting plant growth.
The potting soil should be loose and breathable. Generally, leaf humus soil or peat plus 1/3 river sand and a small amount of manure or bone meal should be used. Heavy garden soil should not be used. It is sensitive to moisture and needs sufficient moisture during the growth period. If the air is dry, the leaves are easy to curl and wither. Spray water frequently, but do not spray water to accumulate water to prevent the fleshy roots from rotting. Apply liquid fertilizer 1 to 2 times a month during the growth period. After fertilizing, rinse the leaves with a small amount of water to avoid fertilizer damage. In late autumn, pay attention to spraying 0.2 to 0.3 potassium dihydrogen phosphate to improve cold resistance. It grows well in a relatively shaded place and avoids direct sunlight and exposure.