The Calathea Eclipse is a visually striking houseplant that brings a touch of the tropics indoors. Its intricate foliage patterns and vibrant colors make it a favored choice among plant enthusiasts. This plant can be a rewarding addition to an indoor collection for those ready to meet its specific environmental preferences.
Understanding Calathea Eclipse
The Calathea Eclipse is a hybrid of the Calathea roseopicta species, known for its captivating foliage. Its large, deep green leaves feature prominent white or ivory lines tracing the inner border and central vein, creating a striking contrast. The undersides of these leaves present a rich purplish-red or burgundy hue, adding another layer of visual interest. This unique coloration and pattern contribute to its “Eclipse” designation. Originally from the tropical regions of South America, particularly Brazil, this plant naturally thrives in the undergrowth of rainforests.
Calathea Eclipse Care
Light Needs
Calathea Eclipse plants thrive in bright, indirect light, mirroring their natural habitat where they receive filtered sunlight through a dense tree canopy. Placing them near a north or east-facing window provides suitable conditions. Direct sunlight can scorch the delicate foliage, leading to faded colors and burnt spots. Insufficient light may result in duller leaf patterns and stunted growth.
Watering
These plants prefer consistently moist soil, though never soggy, to prevent root issues. Water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Calathea Eclipse is sensitive to minerals and chemicals in tap water, which can cause browning leaf tips and edges. Using filtered, distilled, or rainwater is recommended, or allowing tap water to sit out overnight can help dissipate harmful elements.
Humidity
High humidity is important for Calathea Eclipse, as they originate from humid tropical environments. Low humidity levels are a common cause of crispy, brown leaf edges and curling foliage. To increase ambient moisture, consider using a plant humidifier, placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or grouping plants together to create a localized humid microclimate. Regular misting offers a temporary boost, though it is not a complete substitute for consistent humidity.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining yet moisture-retentive potting mix is ideal for Calathea Eclipse. A suitable blend includes potting soil, orchid bark, charcoal, perlite, coco coir, and worm castings, ensuring both aeration and water retention. The soil pH should be neutral, ranging between 6.5 and 7. Repotting is necessary every few years or when the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots emerging from drainage holes.
Temperature
Calathea Eclipse thrives in warm, stable environments, with a temperature range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C-30°C). They are not tolerant of cold temperatures and can suffer damage if exposed to conditions below 60°F (15°C). Sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents can stress the plant, leading to leaf damage. Maintaining consistent warmth supports healthy growth.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season, spring through summer, Calathea Eclipse benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formulation, diluted to half strength, can be applied every four to six weeks. Reduce or cease fertilizing during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth slows. Occasionally flushing the soil with clean water prevents the buildup of mineral salts from fertilizer.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Browning leaf edges or tips often indicate low humidity or sensitivity to tap water. Increasing the ambient humidity or switching to distilled water resolves this issue. Yellowing leaves, particularly lower ones, signal overwatering, while curling leaves result from insufficient watering, low humidity, or cold exposure.
Pests like spider mites and mealybugs may affect Calathea Eclipse, especially if the air is too dry. Symptoms include small webs or sticky residue on the foliage. Promptly address these infestations with treatments like neem oil or by rinsing the leaves. Fading leaf patterns suggest the plant is receiving too much direct light, necessitating a move to a shadier location.
Propagating Your Calathea Eclipse
Propagating Calathea Eclipse is done through division, by separating the plant’s rhizomes. The best time for this is during the active growing season (spring or early summer), when the plant is robust and recovers more easily. Begin by watering the parent plant thoroughly a day before to hydrate the root ball.
Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently tease apart the root ball, looking for natural divisions of stems and roots. Each division should have a healthy portion of roots and at least one stem. Plant these new divisions into small pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. Place the newly potted plants in a warm location with bright, indirect light, and ensure high humidity to encourage successful establishment.