The Calathea Elgergrass, a member of the Marantaceae family, stands out for its striking foliage. Originating from South American rainforests, this plant features elongated leaves with dark green tops and deep maroon undersides. Its velvety texture and wavy edges add to its charm. Like many Calatheas, the Elgergrass exhibits nyctinasty, a movement where its leaves fold upwards at night and unfurl with morning light. This behavior, combined with its vibrant appearance, makes it an engaging addition to any indoor plant collection.
Calathea Elgergrass Care Requirements
Light
Calathea Elgergrass thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural rainforest habitat beneath larger trees. A north or east-facing window is ideal, providing ample light without direct sun exposure. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, leading to fading colors or brown patches. If the plant receives too little light, its leaves may droop or lose vibrant coloration, indicating a need for a brighter location.
Watering
Consistent soil moisture is beneficial for Calathea Elgergrass, but avoid waterlogging, which causes root rot. Water every 7 to 10 days, or when the top inch of soil feels dry. Filtered, distilled, or rainwater is preferred, as Calatheas are sensitive to chlorine and minerals in tap water, which can lead to brown leaf tips. Allowing tap water to stand overnight can dissipate chlorine, making it safer.
Humidity
High humidity is important for Calathea Elgergrass, given its tropical origins. Optimal humidity (50-70%) supports healthy foliage and prevents issues like crispy, brown leaf edges. Increase ambient humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray, grouping it with other plants, or using a room humidifier. Misting provides a temporary boost but requires regular application to be effective.
Temperature
Calathea Elgergrass prefers consistently warm temperatures, ideally 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F), reflecting its native environment. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 15°C (60°F), as cold drafts or extreme fluctuations can cause stress and damage. Keep the plant away from radiators, air conditioning vents, or frequently opened windows to maintain a stable temperature.
Soil
A well-draining yet moisture-retentive soil mix is suitable for Calathea Elgergrass, allowing proper aeration and preventing root issues. A standard houseplant potting mix enriched with organic matter works well. Components like orchid bark, perlite, or pumice can be added to improve drainage and aeration, benefiting the plant’s root system. Soil pH should be neutral (6.5-7.0), as acidic conditions can harm roots.
Fertilization
During the growing season (spring through autumn), Calathea Elgergrass benefits from regular fertilization. A diluted dose of balanced liquid fertilizer, applied monthly, encourages new growth and maintains vibrant foliage. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be incorporated during repotting, providing nutrients over several months. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to salt buildup and damage roots. Reduce or stop fertilization completely during autumn and winter, when growth naturally slows.
Addressing Common Calathea Elgergrass Issues
Browning leaf tips or edges often indicate insufficient humidity. Increasing the humidity around the plant can help alleviate this symptom. Curling leaves signal underwatering or low humidity, prompting a need for more consistent soil moisture or increased ambient moisture. If leaves fade in color or lose vibrant patterns, the plant may be receiving too much direct light, necessitating a move to a shadier location.
Yellowing or wilting leaves are a sign of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and ensuring proper drainage can prevent this issue. Calathea Elgergrass can occasionally encounter common houseplant pests such as spider mites or mealybugs. Regularly inspecting the leaves, especially the undersides, helps detect pests early. Treating infestations with organic methods, such as wiping leaves with soapy water or applying neem oil, can manage these issues.
Repotting Your Calathea Elgergrass
Repotting Calathea Elgergrass is necessary every one and a half to two years, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound. Indicators like roots protruding from drainage holes, stunted growth, or the plant drying out too quickly suggest a larger container is needed. The best time to repot is early spring, as the plant enters its active growth period, minimizing transplant shock and promoting quicker recovery. When selecting a new pot, choose one only one or two inches larger in diameter than the current one to prevent overpotting, which can lead to excessive moisture retention.
To repot, water the plant thoroughly the day before to ease removal and reduce stress. Gently remove the plant from its current pot, loosening any circling roots. Place a layer of fresh, well-draining potting mix at the bottom of the new pot, then center the plant, ensuring the root ball is at the same depth. Fill the remaining space with soil, gently patting it down to remove air pockets without compacting it too firmly. Lightly water the plant after repotting to help it settle.
Propagating Calathea Elgergrass
Propagating Calathea Elgergrass is most effectively achieved through division, separating sections of the plant. The ideal time for division is late spring or early summer, coinciding with the plant’s active growth phase. To begin, remove the entire plant from its pot, shaking off excess soil to expose the root ball. Identify natural divisions or clumps, ensuring each section has healthy roots and at least a few leaves.
Using clean, sharp tools, separate these clumps, taking care not to damage rhizomes or roots. Each new division can then be potted into its own container filled with a well-draining potting mix. After potting, water the new plants lightly and place them in a warm, humid environment with indirect light to aid establishment. Maintaining consistent moisture and humidity during this initial period helps the newly divided plants recover and grow independently.