Éléa - Calathea crocata (saffron)

Name: Éléa - Calathea crocata (saffron)
Price: 55 EUR
Availability: InStock

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Commonly called the « eternal flame plant », it stands out for its bright orange flowers with a flamboyant shape, rising like a splash of color above its dark leaves. While the flowers are the star of this plant, its lush foliage is also remarkable. Once the flowers have faded and the spent blooms are removed, you're left with a superb houseplant with lush dark-green foliage, ready to bloom again.

The leaves of this spectacular plant are a deep purplish green on top and brown underneath. This gives them a beautiful two-tone effect, so even without flowering the plant fits perfectly into the room. That said, it's the flowers that are the real stars. They top long stems and are a bright, vivid orange – each one lasting up to 3 months.

Average dimensions:

16 cm in diameter, 25-40 cm tall.

Native to the Brazilian jungles, this plant enjoys warm temperatures and is therefore ideal indoors. It likes bright, indirect light and thrives in a very humid environment. In full sun, its foliage may scorch and start to fade. If you notice this, consider moving your plant to a shadier spot.

Water your Calathea regularly, once a week or when the top five centimeters of soil are dry. Make sure you water enough for the water to drain out the bottom. Rainwater or water left to stand overnight is ideal. To raise humidity, use a mister or place it in a naturally humid room such as the bathroom or kitchen.
Repotting and Fertilizer : Every 2 to 3 years, repot the plant, preferably in spring. Mix all-purpose potting soil with a little coco fiber or perlite. Add clay pebbles to the bottom of the pot to prevent water buildup. Use a liquid fertilizer for green plants with an NPK ratio of 3-1-2 or 5-3-3. Apply every 2 to 4 weeks from spring to fall, diluting to half the recommended dose.

Maintenance : Regularly remove dead leaves to keep a tidy look and prevent disease from spreading. No pruning is needed.

Disease and pest tips : if mealybugs appear, wipe the leaves with a cloth soaked in a mix of water and black soap. If spider mites strike, raise the humidity around the plant and use an organic miticide.