Family: Marantaceae
Common Name: Green Lipstick
Botanical Name: calathea roseopicta ‘Green Lipstick’
This Calathea Green Lipstick plant reminds us of a silhouetted dancer behind a large screen, moving slowly in the most tempting way. A total showstopper, as its coloring is a mix of dark green, burgundy, and striking patterns.
Comparing the Calathea Green Lipstick to other Calathea varieties, they are typically larger. This plant has unique foliage and is the best combination of elegance and beauty to add to any indoor spot.
Light
Calathea Green Lipstick plants do best in bright, indirect sunlight. To ensure this, you can put your plant in a spot where it will receive either filtered or partially shaded light, as the direct sun can be too much for the plant. This could cause the leaves to burn or get discolored. Also, placing your plant a few feet away from a window facing north or east is key.
Although this plant likes bright light, it can survive in lower-light conditions. Please note that putting it in a moderately dim area with little to no natural light is essential. If you do this, their leaves could lose the bright coloration and become leggy.
The right balance of light for your Calathea Green Lipstick plant could need adjustments based on your home's specific condition, so always monitor your plant's response to it very closely.
Water
Your Calathea Green Lipstick plant will need moist but not soggy water to thrive. You should ensure that you are not overwatering your plant.
How often you should water your Calathea Green Lipstick plant depends on the environment, pot size, and temperature. However, we suggest you water your plant once or twice a week.
If the leaves on your Calathea Green Lipstick plant begin to appear as they are drooping or curling, this could mean that you have not been watering your plant enough, and if the leaves start to look yellow or gain brown tips, you might be over-watering your plant. It is better to underwater your plant than over water it since this type of plant.
Soil
It is preferred for Calathea Green Lipstick plants to be in soil that is well-drained and slightly acidic. Usually, we recommend a peat-based potting mix, as it gives a good amount of moisture retention while also getting the excess water to drain.
You could also incorporate perlite or vermiculite into the potting mix, as it would help the drainage and aeration.
Regarding pH level, your plant will like slightly acidic soil with a pH range of around 5.5 to 6. You can use a pH testing kit to ensure the soil is within this range.
Try to prevent your soil from being heavy or receiving too much moisture. This could cause waterlogging conditions and root rot to your Calathea Green Lipstick plant.
Temperature
Calathea Green Lipstick plants do the best when they are in temperatures that are warm, consistent, and similar to their native tropical habits. The temperature range that they will thrive in is between 65°F (18°C) and 80°F (27°C). You should also keep the plant in a spot where the temperature will maintain this range for most of the year.
Always try to protect your plant from extreme temperatures. Although you should avoid placing your plant near open windows or doors during the winter season, we suggest you also keep it far from heat sources like radiators or heating vents. Exposure to any of this can lead to stress and damage to the plant.
This being said, the minimum temperature that your Calathea Green Lipstick plant could survive in is 60°F (15°C), and anything lower could cause a lot of damage to your plant's overall growth and leaves.
Humidity
This type of plant appreciates higher humidity levels. You can consider misting the leaves, using a humidifier, or putting the plant on a tray with water and pebbles if your home temperature drops.
Ideally, aim for a humidity level between 50% and 60%. However, to be even more beneficial for your plant's overall health, any level up to 70% is suitable for your Calathea Green Lipstick.
With your Calathea Green Lipstick plant, always ensure it stays away from dry air. If your plant is exposed to dry air, this can cause the humidity levels to be decreased – leading to leaf problems.
We suggest putting your Calathea Green Lipstick plant with plants that do best in high humidity, like ferns or other tropical plants. This can help create an even more humid microclimate.
Fertilizer
Your Calathea Green Lipstick plant needs to be fertilized. It is suggested to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer specifically made for indoor plants. The recommended equal ratio is nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).Plan to fertilize your Calathea Green Lipstick plant every two to four weeks and dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended dose to avoid overfertilizing your plant.
Pause fertilizing your plant during the winter season. Your plant will need to be fed less often during the semi-dormant period.
Ensure you follow the directions on the fertilizers package, as different fertilizers' needs vary.
Growth Rate
Usually, Calathea Green Lipstick plants have a moderate growth rate and regularly produce new leaves during the growing season.
The size of the leaves varies, but generally are medium-sized compared to other Calathea types. The leaves on your plant could reach around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm), which could also help your plant's overall appearance.
Ensure your plant receives the proper care and maintenance for its growth rate to be positively impacted.
Pet Friend or Foe
Calathea Green Lipstick plants are considered to be pet-friendly! Friend!
Pro Tips
- Increase the humidity of your Calathea Green Lipstick plants by regularly misting the leaves, putting the tray of water near the plant, or using a humidifier.
- Wipe the leaves gently with a soft, damp close to keep them clean and allow for better photosynthesis. Any dust on the leaves can affect the plant's ability to absorb light
- You should trim any yellow or damaged leaves to help keep the plants looking and prevent any potential pests or illnesses from spreading.