Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop Oct 3 @ 11 am / Succulent Pumpkin Workshop Oct 4 @ 2 pm / Plant Swap Oct. 10 @ 10 am / Stained Glass Workshop Sunday Oct. 11th @ 2 pm
Calathea burle-marxii is a striking tropical foliage plant prized for its elongated leaves and bold, fishbone-like patterning. Its pale green to silvery-green leaves are marked with darker green curved bands extending outward from the center vein, while the undersides may show soft purple or gray-green tones. The foliage can also shift position throughout the day in response to changes in light, a characteristic shared by many plants in the prayer plant family.
The plant commonly sold as Calathea burle-marxii is now botanically classified as Goeppertia burle-marxii. The older Calathea name remains widely used in the houseplant trade. It is native to Brazil and was named in honor of Brazilian landscape architect and plant collector Roberto Burle Marx. It may also be called the Fishbone Prayer Plant because of its distinctive leaf pattern.
Calathea burle-marxii does best in medium to bright, indirect light. It can tolerate somewhat lower light, but brighter filtered light generally encourages stronger growth and better foliage patterning. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can fade or scorch the leaves.
Water when the top inch of soil begins to feel slightly dry, keeping the potting mix lightly and consistently moist without allowing it to remain soggy. Calatheas can be sensitive to minerals and chemicals in tap water, so filtered, distilled, or rainwater may help reduce brown or crispy leaf edges if local water quality is an issue.
Use a light, airy, and well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture. A mixture containing coco coir or quality houseplant soil with perlite and fine orchid bark works well. The soil should remain lightly moist while still allowing good airflow around the roots.
Calathea burle-marxii prefers warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity. Higher humidity can help maintain healthy foliage and reduce crispy edges, particularly in dry indoor environments. Protect the plant from cold drafts, heating vents, and sudden temperature changes.
This plant develops a compact, clumping, and gently spreading growth habit. New shoots emerge from underground rhizomes and gradually create a fuller plant. Its leaves may raise, lower, or reposition themselves between day and night as part of the natural daily movement associated with prayer plants.
Calathea burle-marxii is generally considered pet-friendly and non-toxic to cats and dogs. As with any houseplant, consuming a large amount of foliage may still cause mild digestive upset, so discouraging pets from chewing on the leaves is recommended.
Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop Oct 3 @ 11 am / Succulent Pumpkin Workshop Oct 4 @ 2 pm / Plant Swap Oct. 10 @ 10 am / Stained Glass Workshop Sunday Oct. 11th @ 2 pm
