Looking for a new and exciting houseplant to add to your collection? Check out the Calathea Leitzei – also known as the White Fusion Calathea. This tropical plant is sure to impress with its beautiful white leaves and easy care requirements. Keep reading for more information on how to care for your new Calathea Leitzei!
Calathea Leitzei – Calathea White Fusion
- Botanical Name: Calathea lietzei
- Family: Marantaceae
- Size: 2 feet tall
- Sun Exposure: Dappled light
- Soil: Moist, but well-drained
- pH: Acidic
- Bloom: Summer
- Hardiness Zones: 11b-12b USDA
- Native: Tropical South America and Mexico
What Does a Calathea Leitzei Look Like?
The Calathea Leitzei gets its nickname, the White Fusion Calathea, from its beautiful white-variegated leaves. These leaves are oval-shaped and have a green stripe down the center. The White Fusion Calathea can grow to be about 24 inches tall and wide, making it a great size for most homes and offices.
Interestingly, the underside of a Calathea Leitzei’s leaves is purple. When the leaves are young, they tend to be more green with white variegation, but this changes slightly when the plant ages.
It’s easy to see why the Calathea Leitzei is such a popular houseplant! This plant is not only beautiful but also relatively easy to care for. Keep reading for more information on how to keep your White Fusion Calathea healthy and happy.
How to Water Calathea White Fusion?
The Calathea Leitzei is a tropical plant, which means that it likes its soil to be moist at all times. However, the soil should drain well to avoid a build-up of water which can lead to root rot. The best way to water your White Fusion Calathea is to use the “soak and dry” method.
To do this, simply water your plant until the soil is completely saturated. Then, allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again. It’s important to not let the soil get too dry, as this can stress the plant and lead to leaf drops.
In general, you should water your Calathea Leitzei about once a week. However, you may need to water more frequently during the summer months or if your home is particularly dry. Be sure to check the soil before watering to make sure that it actually needs water.
The best way to check the soil is to stick your finger about an inch into the potting mix. If the mix feels dry, it’s time to water. If the mix is still moist, wait a few days and check again before watering.
Calathea White Fusion Light Requirements
The Calathea Leitzei likes bright, indirect light. This means that it should be placed in a spot where it will get plenty of light but won’t be in direct sunlight.
If you notice that your plant’s leaves are starting to turn yellow or brown, this is a sign that it’s not getting enough light. Move your plant to a brighter spot and you should see an improvement within a few days.
Conversely, if the leaves of your Calathea Leitzei are starting to get burnt or dried out, this is a sign that it’s getting too much light. Move your plant to a spot with less light and you should see an improvement within a few days.
In general, the Calathea Leitzei does best in an east- or west-facing window. This gives enough light to the variegation to show without causing any damage to the leaves.
Calathea White Fusion Temperature Requirements
The Calathea Leitzei is a tropical plant, which means that it likes warm temperatures. It should be kept in an area where the temperature does not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
This can be hard to achieve in some homes, especially during the winter months. Make sure it isn’t placed near any open windows or doors, as this can cause the temperature to drop too low for the plant.
Calathea White Fusion Soil Requirements
The Calathea Leitzei likes moist, well-drained soil. The best way to achieve this is to use a potting mix that is specifically designed for tropical plants. You can find these mixes at most garden centers or online.
A mix of perlite, bark, and potting soil is also a good option for the Calathea Leitzei. This is a lightweight mix that will help to ensure good drainage and aeration.
When potting or repotting your Calathea Leitzei, be sure to use a pot that has drainage holes. This will help to ensure that the plant’s roots do not sit in water, which can lead to root rot.
Calathea White Fusion Humidity Requirements
The Calathea Leitzei is a tropical plant, which means that it likes high humidity. If your home is particularly dry, you may need to take some extra steps to increase the humidity around your plant.
One way to do this is to place your pot on a tray of pebbles and water. The water will evaporate and help to increase the humidity in the immediate area.
You can also use a humidifier near your Calathea Leitzei. This is the best way to increase the humidity if you have multiple plants or if your home is very dry from central heating.
How to Fertilize Calathea White Fusion?
The Calathea Leitzei does best with a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. This helps to promote growth and keep the leaves looking green and healthy.
You can use a liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets. If using a liquid fertilizer, you should fertilize your plant about once a month during the growing season. If using slow-release pellets, you should fertilize your plant every two to three months.
As with all plants, it’s important not to over-fertilize your Calathea Leitzei. This can lead to a build-up of fertilizer in the soil, which can burn the roots and make the leaves weak.
How to Prune Calathea White Fusion?
The Calathea Leitzei does not need to be pruned very often. You can remove any yellow or brown leaves as they occur. You can also trim back any long, leggy stems.
Other than that, you should only prune your plant when it becomes too large for its pot. When this happens, you can cut the plant back by about one-third. Be sure to use sharp, clean shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Calathea White Fusion Propagation
The Calathea Leitzei can be propagated by division or by stem cuttings.
To propagate by division, you will need to remove the plant from its pot and carefully divide the roots into two or three sections. Each section should have several leaves and some healthy roots.
To propagate by stem cuttings, you will need to take a cutting that is about four inches long. The cutting should have at least two leaves. Place the cutting in a pot of moistened soil and keep it warm and humid.
You should see roots begin to form within two to four weeks. Once the roots are established, you can move the plant to a pot of its own.
Calathea White Fusion Pests and Diseases
The Calathea Leitzei is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests eat away at the leaves, causing them to have holes, brown spots, or yellow patches.
If you see any of these pests on your plant, you will need to treat it with an insecticide. You can also try using a mixture of soap and water.
The Calathea Leitzei is also susceptible to root rot and leaf spot diseases. These diseases are caused by too much moisture.
To prevent these diseases, make sure you plant your Calathea Leitzei in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. If you do notice any signs of disease, you will need to treat the plant with a fungicide.
Neem oil is one of the best fungicides for Calathea White Fusion. It’s a natural product that is safe to use around pets and children. Plus, it can be used to get rid of pests as well.
How to Repot Calathea White Fusion?
The Calathea Leitzei should be repotted every two to three years. Repotting too much should be avoided as it can damage the plant’s roots and upset the delicate balance of the soil.
When repotting, you will need to use a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot. This will help to prevent the roots from becoming too compact and will allow the plant to continue growing.
To repot your plant, gently remove it from its current pot and place it in the new pot. Fill in any empty space with fresh potting mix and water well.
It’s best to repot your Calathea Leitzei in the spring or summer when it is actively growing. This will help the plant to recover quickly and start putting out new growth.
When does the Calathea Leitzei Bloom?
The Calathea Leitzei blooms sporadically throughout the year. However, it typically blooms more in the summer months when the days are longer and the temperatures are warm.
The flowers of the Calathea Leitzei are small and white. They are borne on long, slender stems that rise above the foliage. While the flowers are not particularly showy, their appearance of them is a blessing.
It’s rare for Calathea White Fusion to bloom indoors. So if you see them, you have somehow created the perfect environment for your plant – yay!
Common Calathea White Fusion Problems and Solutions
There are a few common problems that you may encounter when growing a Calathea Leitzei. Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this plant.
Why are the leaves of my Calathea Leitzei Turning Brown or Yellow?
One of the most common problems with Calathea Leitzei is leaf browning or yellowing. This can be caused by several factors, including too much sun, too little water, or a build-up of fertilizer in the soil.
If you notice that the leaves of your plant are turning brown or yellow, you will need to take a closer look at your care routine. Make sure you are not overwatering or underwatering your plant.
You should also check the amount of fertilizer you are using. Too much fertilizer can lead to leaf burn, so it’s important to follow the directions on the package.
Finally, make sure your plant is not getting too much sun. The leaves of Calathea Leitzei will scorch if they are exposed to direct sunlight for too long. If possible, move your plant to a location with filtered light or dappled shade.
Why are the leaves of my Calathea Leitzei Curling?
There are a few reasons why the leaves of your Calathea Leitzei may be drooping or curling. One possibility is that the plant is getting too much sun. The leaves will curl up to protect themselves from the harsh sunlight.
If your plant is getting too much sun, you will need to move it to a location with filtered light or dappled shade. Another possibility is that the plant is not getting enough water. The leaves will droop when they are thirsty, so make sure you are watering your plant regularly.
What to do about Calathea White Fusion root rot?
Root rot is a serious problem that can kill your plant. If you notice that the roots of your Calathea Leitzei are rotting, you will need to take action immediately.
First, you will need to remove the plant from its pot and check the roots. If they are black or mushy, they are infected with root rot. You will need to cut away the affected roots and repot the plant in a fresh potting mix.
Once you have repotted your plant, make sure you are not overwatering it. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Is Calathea White Fusion poisonous?
Calathea White Fusion is considered non-toxic to humans and animals. However, the sap of the plant can cause skin irritation in some people. If you notice any redness or swelling after coming into contact with the plant, wash the area with soap and water.
Related Questions
Let’s answer some related questions about Calathea White Fusion.
Is Calathea White Fusion a good houseplant?
Calathea White Fusion is an excellent houseplant because it is easy to care for and tolerant of low light conditions. It also has beautiful leaves that will add interest to your home décor.
Where can I buy Calathea White Fusion?
Calathea White Fusion is widely available from online retailers and nurseries. You can also find it at some big box stores, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s.
How much does Calathea White Fusion cost?
The cost of Calathea White Fusion varies depending on the size of the plant and where you purchase it. Expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $30 for a medium-sized plant.
Should I mist my Calathea White Fusion?
Calathea White Fusion does not require misting, but you can do it if you want to. Misting will help to increase the humidity around the plant, which is beneficial during the dry winter months.
Use a clean spray bottle filled with distilled water to mist the leaves of your plant. Mist once or twice a week, or as needed to keep the leaves from drying out.
Does Calthea White Fusion purify the air?
Calathea White Fusion is not an air purifier plant. However, it can help to improve the quality of the air in your home by releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. Whatever difference it makes will be minimal, so don’t rely on this plant to purify the air in your home.
Can I put Calathea White Fusion outside?
Calathea White Fusion is not tolerant of cold weather and should not be placed outdoors where temperatures fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a warm climate, you can put your plant outside during the summer months. Just make sure to bring it back inside before the temperature starts to drop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Calathea Leitzei is a beautiful plant that is relatively easy to care for. With proper care, your plant will thrive and produce stunning foliage. Just be sure to keep an eye out for common problems, such as leaf browning or curling.
As you can see, the care guide is similar to other types of Calathea variety. So if you already have experience with caring for Calathea, then you should have no problem taking care of this plant.
Do you have any questions or tips about Calathea White Fusion care? Share them in the comments below!
Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.
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