Family: Marantaceae
Common Name: Calathea Purple Rose
Botanical Name: Calathea (Geoppertia) roseopicta ‘Purple Rose’
This Prayer Plant will grab your attention. It's hard to look away once you set your eyes on it because it has a way of changing its color over time, evolving from vibrant magenta to rich purple, depending on the light it receives. The large foliage and its dense form make this prayer plant worth providing the extra humidity it needs to flourish. Calathea Purple Rose indoor plants do well in a kitchen, bathroom, or any area with extra moisture in the air. Using a humidifier or a pebble tray with water can help give Calathea Purple Rose the extra dampness they crave. Learn more about how to care for these glorious houseplants!
Light
The ideal spot for a prayer plant will receive medium to bright indirect light. Calathea Purple Rose can handle low light, but increased light can help maintain the vivid colors and patterns on the foliage. Direct sunlight can be damaging and may cause colors to fade. Try to provide at least 5 hours of indirect sunlight daily to help retain their vibrant colors!
Water
Calathea Purple Rose requires attention when it comes to watering! Thoroughly water these indoor plants when the top inch of the soil is dry. Calatheas are certainly thirsty houseplants, but they still like to dry out a bit between watering. The type of water used can make a difference when it comes to watering calathea. Tap water may contain different minerals or compounds that can be damaging to the leaves. Brown edges along the leaves can be an indication that the water is high in salt or contains chlorine, chloramine, bromide, or fluoride. It may be best to water the plant using filtered or distilled water, or water collected from a dehumidifier if you suspect tap water is not suitable for your calathea.
Soil
Potting soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter, but still has the ability to drain well is the perfect growing medium for all calathea. Most coco coir or peat-based potting soil mixes will be adequate but make sure that they do not contain water-retentive crystals as they can cause the soil to continually stay moist causing root rot. If you are feeling adventurous, try creating your own potting soil!
Temperature
As tropical plants, Calathea Purple Rose likes warmer temperatures. Average room temperature above 65°F is fine, but these indoor plants won't mind if it gets warmer and the temperature creeps closer to 85°F. Keep in mind; that the warmer the temperatures are, the more water they may need as the heat will dry the soil out quickly. Additionally, provide air circulation to prevent fungus and bacteria from affecting your calathea. Avoid placing Calathea Purple Rose plants near exterior doors, drafty windows, and vents, particularly during the colder months. Make sure to avoid placement near heating vents during the warmer months.
Humidity
High humidity is a must-have for Calathea Purple Rose. The leaves may begin to curl, or the edges will turn brown and dry out if they do not receive enough humidity. Calathea Purple Rose do well in a kitchen, bathroom, or any area with extra moisture in the air. Using a humidifier or a pebble tray with water can help give Calathea Purple Rose the extra dampness they crave. Learn how to increase the humidity in the air around your indoor plants!
Fertilizer
Feed your Calathea Purple Rose with a ¼-diluted complete liquid fertilizer twice a month during the growing season. You can add organic compost, worm castings, or slow-release fertilizer in the spring as well! Keep in mind that most houseplants are sensitive to being over-fertilized, so always dilute any concentrated fertilizer before you apply it! You can fertilize with liquid fertilizer even if you have amended the soil with organic compost. If you applied a time-release chemical fertilizer, we recommend that wait a few months before adding any additional liquid fertilizer. Do not feed during the winter or in the colder months.
Growth Rate
Calathea Purple Rose has a moderate to rapid rate of growth. It will reach 20” in height and 24" in width at maturity.
Pet Friend or Foe
Calathea Purple Rose is non-toxic to pets! Friend!
Pro Tips
- Calathea Purple Roses are moisture-loving plants, but over-watering is still a concern and can introduce a whole host of problems. Making sure the plants receive lots of bright indirect light can help regulate the dampness while helping the plant thrive.
- Don't be too worried if you notice the leaves beginning to curl or the stems of your Calathea Purple Rose drooping. These are signs of dehydration. It's important to pay attention to these indicators, but these hardy houseplants can bounce back within a day or so after receiving water.
- Calathea Purple Rose can only be propagated through division. These plants naturally propagate themselves by expanding their root system and sending new shoots up through the soil. When a mature plant is re-potted, gently separate the roots to divide the main plant into several smaller plants. Each new plant can be potted in its own container. Given time and proper care, those new plants will fill in.