Calathea Dottie, with its deep green, almost black leaves and vibrant pink patterns, is a striking houseplant. Propagating by division is an effective way to create new plants from a mature specimen.
When to Propagate Calathea Dottie
The optimal time for propagating Calathea Dottie by division is during its active growing season, typically from mid-spring to early summer. This period allows the plant to recover efficiently and new divisions to establish before dormancy.
A Calathea Dottie is ready for division if it appears root-bound, with roots emerging from drainage holes, or has developed multiple distinct clumps. Division can also rejuvenate a struggling plant or one that has outgrown its pot.
How to Propagate Calathea Dottie by Division
Gather your materials: gloves, a sharp, sterile knife or pruning shears, new pots with drainage holes, fresh well-draining potting mix, and a watering can. Sterilize your cutting tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent disease transfer.
Carefully remove the mother plant from its pot by gently turning it on its side and tapping the bottom. If stubborn, run a knife around the pot’s edge to help release it. Once out of the pot, gently loosen soil from the root ball to expose rhizomes and root systems.
Identify natural divisions with their own root systems and at least one leaf stem. Calathea Dottie forms clumps, making these divisions easier to spot. Use your sterile tool to carefully cut through roots, separating sections while ensuring each new division has a healthy root system. If possible, gently tease roots apart with fingers, cutting only when necessary to avoid damage.
Pot each new division into an appropriately sized pot, ensuring it’s not too large, with fresh, well-draining potting mix. An ideal soil mix is light, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic, often achieved by amending standard potting mix with perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir. After potting, water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even soil moisture.
Post-Propagation Care for Calathea Dottie
After division, newly propagated Calathea Dottie plants require specific care to help them recover from transplant shock and establish. Maintain consistent soil moisture, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. Also, prevent the soil from drying out completely. Using distilled, filtered, or rainwater is beneficial, as Calatheas are sensitive to chemicals in tap water.
High humidity is crucial for newly propagated Calatheas, mimicking their tropical origins. Aim for humidity levels consistently above 50%, ideally between 60% to 70%. This can be achieved by placing pots on a pebble tray, using a humidifier, or grouping plants to create a microclimate.
Position the newly potted divisions in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves and fade their vibrant colors. An east-facing window or a spot several feet away from a south or west-facing window is suitable. Maintain stable room temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C), avoiding sudden fluctuations or cold drafts.
Newly divided plants may experience a period of shock. Delay fertilization for several months until new growth appears, allowing the plants to recover from the stress of division. Once established, a balanced liquid fertilizer can be used at half strength during the growing season.
Troubleshooting Common Propagation Issues
Wilting or drooping leaves after propagation often indicate transplant shock, underwatering, or overwatering. Assess soil moisture: if dry, water thoroughly; if soggy, adjust watering and ensure adequate drainage.
Yellowing leaves can stem from overwatering, insufficient humidity, or nutrient deficiencies. Ensure proper drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water. Increasing humidity levels can help mitigate yellowing.
Root rot, characterized by mushy, brown, or black roots and a foul smell, is caused by consistently waterlogged soil. If suspected, unpot the plant, trim away any affected roots with sterile shears, and repot into fresh, well-draining soil. Prompt action is important to prevent the spread of the rot.
A lack of new growth can be normal during the initial recovery period as the plant focuses on root establishment. Ensure the plant receives adequate indirect light, consistent moisture, and high humidity.
Stressed plants are more susceptible to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats. Regularly inspect leaves for any signs of infestation. Addressing humidity issues can deter spider mites, and insecticidal soap or neem oil can treat most common pests.