Family: Marantaceae
Common Name: Rose Painted Calathea, ‘Dottie’
Botanical Name: Calathea roseopicta ‘Dottie’
Looking for a plant that will add the most perfect ‘pop of color’ to any indoor space? We have the BEST plant for you. The Calathea Dottie is known for its vibrant purple leaves with a ribbon of hot pink. It prefers low to bright indirect light, but you can expose them to bright indirect light if you are looking to make the color of the leaves pop even more! The Rose Painted Calathea makes the most beautiful gift and trust us… your friends and family will LOVE this plant!
Light
Although Calathea Dottie can tolerate low light, increased light can help keep the vivid colors and patterns on the foliage. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and could also make the colors fade. Find a location for your ‘Dottie’ where it can get bright light but with the light being diffused through curtains or blinds. This will help replicate the natural habitat that your plant originally came from. Always monitor your plant and ensure that there are no signs of the leaves burning (showing brown or yellow patches). If your plant is showing signs of this, it means that your plant is getting too much direct sunlight. You can adjust the plant’s location to more filtered light if needed!
Water
When watering your Calathea Dottie, it is important to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering it. Overwatering your plant can cause the roots to rot. You should aim to water your plant once or twice a week, and make any changes to the frequency based on your plant’s specific needs. Water your plant with filtered or distilled water because ‘Dottie’ plants are known to be sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride that are usually in tap water. You may find yourself needing to water more often in spring and summer and less often during the fall and winter.
Soil
Calathea Dottie plants prefer a high-quality, well-draining, potting mixture that is specifically for indoor plants. This plant does best with soil that is heavy in organic matter. The soil’s pH range level should be between 5.5 and 7.0 and if needed, you can use a soil pH testing kit to determine if it falls within this correct range. Make any changes if necessary.
Temperature
Average to warm temperatures is best for your Calathea Dottie. Aim for temperatures that range from 65°F (18°C) to 80°F (27°C). This plant needs to be in an environment where the temperatures are more stable, as sudden or drastic changes in the temperature can damage the plant. Don’t let your ‘Dottie’ near heating or cooling vents and doors that open to the outside!
Humidity
Calathea Dottie appreciate increased humidity. Humidity levels ranging from 50% and 70% are most preferred by a Calathea Dottie. There are many ways to increase humidity levels for your plant. You can mist the foliage of your plant, provide a pebble tray, group plants together, or use a humidifier. At all costs, prevent your plants from being in dry air.
Fertilizer
A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer that is usually made for foliage plant is best to use when fertilizing your ‘Dottie’. Strive for a fertilizer that is an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. In the spring and summer months, fertilize your plant every two to four weeks, and in fall and winter, reduce or pause fertilization. Also, to avoid leaf burn, we suggest you to flush the soil with plain water once a month.
Growth Rate
The mature height that a ‘Dottie’ can reach is around 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm). To maintain your Calathea Dottie plants appearance, you should regularly prune and get rid of damaged leaves on it. However, be sure to not overly prune as it can stress the plant.
Pet Friend or Foe
Calathea Dottie is considered to be non-toxic to pets! Friend!
Pro Tips
- You should rotate your Calathea Dottie every few weeks to make sure all the sides get equal exposure to the light.
- Give your plant time to adjust to its new environment. Remember that sudden changes in light, temperatures, and humidity can stress the plant.
- Avoid exposing your plant to the direct sun because this can burn the leaves.