Method of Cultivating Apple Calathea
This article provides a detailed explanation of the cultivation methods of Apple Calathea and the correct watering techniques for maintaining green plants. Below, the editor will give you a detailed answer.
Apple Calathea is a herbaceous plant of the Marantaceae family, native to South America. It is loved by people for its vibrant green color and refreshing fragrance, winning the "Golden Flower Award" at the "First China Pot Plant Flower Trade Fair." Next, let's introduce the cultivation methods of Apple Calathea.
1. Choosing a Pot
Before planting, choose a pot of the appropriate size, with a diameter of 110cm and a suitable height. If it's an old pot, it should be soaked in a diluted potassium permanganate solution (1000 times) for half an hour for disinfection and sterilization.
2. Temperature
Apple Calathea is not heat nor cold tolerant, with the most suitable temperature range for its growth being 18-30 degrees Celsius. When the temperature exceeds about 25 degrees, measures such as sprinkling water should be taken to cool down; when the temperature in winter drops below 10 degrees, the plant can easily be frostbitten, at which point it should be prepared to be moved into a greenhouse for insulation.
3. Lighting
Apple Calathea prefers shade and is afraid of direct sunlight, so it should be cultivated in a gentle diffused light environment. If placed outdoors, a shelter should be set up to block the sun. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt and burn. However, insufficient light can lead to a lack of chlorophyll, causing the leaves to turn a dark green and reducing their ornamental value, so additional lighting should be provided for the plants in the greenhouse during winter.
4. Fertilization
During the plant's growing period, it can be fertilized with a dilute organic fertilizer, mixed with an appropriate proportion of urea and phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. When the temperature is too high or too low, causing the plant to enter a dormant period, fertilization should be stopped to prevent the accumulation of fertilizer in the pot, which can burn the roots.
5. Watering
For Apple Calathea, it is best to use river or rainwater for irrigation. If tap water is used, it should be left to stand for two days first. The frequency of watering does not need to be too frequent; it can be watered appropriately when the soil is dry to keep it slightly moist.
6. Diseases and Pests
Common diseases of Apple Calathea include leaf spot and rust, while common pests are red spiders. When diseases or pests occur, appropriate measures should be taken for treatment, and preventative measures can also be taken by spraying chemicals. When diseases occur, a diluted Benomyl spray can be used; when red spider pests appear, a 25% wettable powder formulation of Beloban can be sprayed at a concentration of 2000 times.
The above sharing of the cultivation methods of Apple Calathea and the correct watering techniques are hoped to be enjoyed by everyone!