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Calathea Albertii Breakdown
Botanical name: Calathea Albertii
Light: Medium to bright indirect light
Soil: Rich peaty mix
Humidity: Medium to high
Watering: Frequent
Temperature: Warm
Propagation: Via root division
Calathea Albertii are a popular species of the Calathea house plants. They have beautiful green leaves with darker colouring and are becoming more common in plant shops. As they are a type of Calathea they can be fussy but with our Calathea Albertii care guide you should have no problems looking after this lovely little plant.
Light
Calathea Albertii like most Calathea plants like medium to bright indirect light. It’s important that you don’t expose them to direct light as this can scorch their leaves and cause them to lose moisture at a rapid rate. In their natural environment they are protected from the sun by the leaves of other plants so it can be beneficial to recreate these conditions in your home. Try placing them near a light source but with other plants between them and the sun or try using a sheer curtain to provide shade for your Calathea Albertii.
Watering
Calathea Albertii need to be watered regularly and don’t like to dry out between waterings. Approximately once a week often works for these plants but make sure you’re checking your individual Calathea. As the top two inches of soil starts to dry out it’s time to water. If you struggle to gauge this then try using a moisture meter to help you. Moisture meters give a reading of the moisture levels in the soil and can help you work out a when to water your plants.
Tap water can also be too harsh for a Calathea plant so if your plant isn’t in direct sunlight, you’re watering it often but you’re noticing scorch marks on the leaves then you may need to switch to filtered water.
Soil
As these plants are from jungle like environments a rich peat based mix that can retain moisture is perfect for your Calathea. Try using a regular potting mix and adding peat and perlite. Although you want your plant moist you don’t want it sitting in water so make sure you use a pot with drainage holes.
Humidity
Calathea Albertii originate from the tropics which mean they likes things nice and humid. If you live in a dry environment or use heating in the winter then you will probably need to find ways to increase the humidity in your home as Calathea really do not like dry air. The best way to do this is to use a humidifier, however if you don’t want to buy one then there are cheaper methods you can use to increase humidity. Placing your plant in a watered pebbled tray and placing containers of water around your plants can increase the moisture in the air, as can regular misting. The bathroom can also be a great spot for Calathea plants as the humidity goes up every time you shower.
If you do choose the humidifier option then we would recommend the Levoit humidifier. This model has a high capacity tank which means you don’t have to refill it often. You can also change the direction of the nozzle to face specific plants so that they receive more moisture and you can preset your humidifier a specific level of humidity. This means the humidifier will adjust automatically putting out more or less water vapour to match your preset levels.
Temperature
These plants need to be kept warm as long as the air remains moist. They don’t want to be in temperatures that drop below 16 °C and they need to be kept away from windows, doors and heating systems. It’s also important that you try to give them a roughly consistent temperature year round.
Propagation
Propagation can be done through root division and should not be attempted by taking cuttings. Wait until your plant is established and new segments are sprouting up away from the main plant. Once this occurs and the segments are sturdy enough on their own you can take the plant from its pot and separate the roots with your hands. Important! Make sure you try to keep as many roots in tact as possible as they will need their new root system in order to survive. Once you’ve separated your plants repot them and now you have two!
Fertilisation
Calathea Albertii can find fertilisers strong and can experience leaf burning so it’s important you find a weak houseplant fertiliser and dilute it for your plants. If you find the fertiliser is too strong a good method is to water the plant first so they soak up a lot of water before the fertiliser. You do not need to fertilise Calathea Albertii during the winter months and during the growing season you can feed your plant approximately once a month.
Calathea Albertii FAQ
Now you’ve read our Calathea Albertii care guide why not check out some of the most commonly asked questions below. And if you have one of your own feel free to leave it in the comment section.
Is the Albertii a type of prayer plant?
Yes all types of Calathea are considered to be prayer plants from the way they bow and raise their leaves throughout a 24 hour period.
Do Calathea Albertii like sunlight?
These plants need access to bright light but definitely not direct sunlight as this can burn their leaves.
How do you look after a Calathea Albertii?
In short, to look after a Calathea Albertii you need:
- Medium to bright indirect light
- Rich peat based soil
- Regular watering
- Filtered water
- Warm temperatures
- Weak fertiliser
Why are my Calathea’s leaves turning yellow?
It’s possible that the leaves of your plant are turning yellow due to overwatering. Check the moisture of the soil and if it’s wet to the touch you may want to change your watering schedule so your plant is watered less.
Why are my Calathea’s leaves crisping?
Unfortunately this is a common one with Calathea plants as they are quite sensitive. The first thing you should check is underwatering. Feel the soil, is it dry to the touch? You may be watering too infrequently. Next check placement, is it receiving direct sunlight? If so move it away from the light source. If it isn’t either of these then two other options are tap water or fertiliser. Try changing your tap water to filtered water and try using a weaker plant fertiliser. Hopefully after going through these steps you should get on top of your crispy leaf problem. Unfortunately once the leaves have crisped the damage is irreversible so concentrate on growing new healthy foliage and if the damage is severe on a leaf then consider removing it so that the plant can focus on new growth.
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