{"product_id":"calathea-picturata-argentea","title":"Calathea picturata 'Argentea'","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSilver highlights and moving foliage are all the rage when you bring this Calathea into your home. Its deep green foliage is dominated by silver colouring right in the middle of the leaf, and contrasted with deep red on the leaf undersides. This prayer plant also goes through a process called nyctinasty, meaning it moves its leaves up and down with the light level. Noticing that the leaves have moved is a good clue that our plant is getting enough light; and it is quite happy with a bit of shade, so this shouldn't take much. It can be picky with humidity, so if you start to notice crispy brown patches at the edges of the leaves, it's probably in a spot where the air is a little too dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cem\u003eCalathea picturata\u003c\/em\u003e 'Argentea' (variegated basket plant, cultivar: silvery)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSynonyms: \u003cem\u003eGoeppertia picturata \u003c\/em\u003e(current scientific classification), \u003cem\u003eMaranta picturata, Phyllodes picturata\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis species, along with most of the genus, has been reclassified so it is part of the \u003cem\u003eGoeppertia\u003c\/em\u003e genus; it now has the scientific name \u003cem\u003eGoeppertia picturata.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSilver Calathea, Silver Variegated Calathea, Silver-Leaf Calathea\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to Northern Brazil, in South America, including the Amazon Rainforest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate lower light levels but may grow more slowly and lose some of the vibrant silver on newer leaves. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate foliage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eKeep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Using filtered, distilled, or rain water where possible will keep your plant happier, as it is sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tapwater, which can cause leaf tip browning.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThrives in high humidity (60–80%). Use a pebble tray, or place in a well-used bathroom or near a humidifier to prevent browning edges and crispy leaves.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePlant in well-draining, but moisture retentive soil. A mix with added bark or perlite, or one designed for Calathea or Maranta plants would be ideal. Repot every two years in spring, and water a day in advance to combat transplant shock.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Pre-water the soil before applying 'ready to use' products to protect the roots.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers temperatures between 18-26°C. Keep away from cold drafts and avoid long periods at temperatures below 12°C.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis plant can be fussy so choose your location carefully. The most common issue here is too-low humidity, so if you notice crispy edges on the leaves, a pebble tray to increase local humidity may be a good first step.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eSmall swollen nodules will grow along Calathea roots- this is healthy and they are used to store water and nutrients, so don't cut them off when you're repotting!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe name 'calathea', from the Greek καλαθος ('basket'), comes from the use of the plant's waxy leaves to make waterproof baskets and transport fish in South America\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"12cm","offer_id":45107343786237,"sku":"4826668325171","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"17cm","offer_id":55231330255229,"sku":"6177700518371","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"19cm","offer_id":55092553810301,"sku":"1103786346371","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/calathea-picturata-argentea-684027.jpg?v=1738685578","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/calathea-picturata-argentea","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}