Calathea Insignis – Best Air Purifier

Calathea Insignis

The Calathea Insignis plant is a great indoor plant as it helps in purifying the air and provides fresh oxygen. It promotes a healthier environment by taking carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen for humans. Calathea insignis or Calathea lancifolia or the Rattlesnake Plant is native to the Brazilian rainforest and a proud winner of Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It’s a proud member of the prayer plant family and is cousin to the stunning Calathea makoyana, the peacock plant, and many more stunners but comparatively very easy to take care of.

Plant care tips:

• Sunlight: Bright indirect light.
• Watering: Water thoroughly during the growing season then naturally reduce during winter. Good drainage is important.
• Soil: Use soil that holds moisture and drains well. A 2 part peat and 1 part sand or perlite mix will do the trick.
• Maintenance: High-maintenance.
• Special features: Air purifying.
• Repotting: Repot your calathea plant annually usually choose a pot one size larger than a previous one.
• Propagation: Calatheas can be propagated by division. Wait until your Calathea has grown large enough before dividing it. You can also propagate Calathea by stem cuttings.

Plant protection & care:

1. Yellowing leaves is a sign of over-watering. If you notice yellow leaves, check the soil and roots. If the roots are too mushy, reduce the frequency of watering to avoid a root rot.
2. If new leaves of your Calathea are lighter green than the old ones, this is an indication of insufficient nitrogen or iron. Use a fertiliser rich in nitrogen and iron and increase the frequency of feeding the fertiliser.
3. Under-watering and excessive use of fertiliser both can lead to browning of leaves. Water your plant less frequently and reduce the amount of fertiliser you use if this problem occurs.