Burle Marx Calathea: A Guide to Growing and Caring for This Stunning PlantFrequently Asked Questions

Calatheas are known for their stunning foliage, but the Burle Marx Calathea takes it to a whole new level. With its bold patterns and colors, this plant is sure to make a statement in any room. But growing and caring for a Burle Marx Calathea can be tricky. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to keep your plant healthy and looking its best.

1. What is a Burle Marx Calathea?

The Burle Marx Calathea, also known as Goeppertia burle-marxii, is a tropical plant native to Brazil. It's named after Roberto Burle Marx, a famous Brazilian landscape architect who was known for his use of bold colors and patterns in his designs. The plant has large, oval-shaped leaves with dark green edges and intricate patterns of light green, pink, and white.

To keep your Burle Marx Calathea happy, it's important to mimic its natural environment as much as possible. This means providing high humidity, warm temperatures, and filtered light.

2. How to Propagate a Burle Marx Calathea

Propagating a Burle Marx Calathea can be through division or stem cuttings. Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections and planting them individually. Stem cuttings involve taking a cutting from the plant and rooting it in water or soil.

To divide a Burle Marx Calathea, gently remove it from its pot and separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy stem and some roots attached. Plant each section in its own pot with fresh soil and water thoroughly.

To take a stem cutting, select a healthy stem with several leaves attached. Cut the stem just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting in water or soil and keep it moist until roots form.

3. How to Water a Burle Marx Calathea

Burle Marx Calatheas prefer consistently moist soil, but they don't like to be overwatered. It's important to let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again to prevent root rot.

When watering, make sure to use room-temperature water without any chlorine or fluoride. These chemicals can harm the plant over time. It's also a good idea to use a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

4. How to Fertilize a Burle Marx Calathea

During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your Burle Marx Calathea every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning the plant's roots.

In the winter months, when the plant is dormant, you can reduce or stop fertilizing altogether.

5. How to Repot a Burle Marx Calathea

As your Burle Marx Calathea grows, it may need to be repotted to provide more space for its roots. Repotting should be in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

To repot, gently remove the plant from its pot and loosen any tangled roots. Place it in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil and water thoroughly.

6. How to Deal with Pests and Diseases

Burle Marx Calatheas are susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can all infest the plant if conditions are right. To prevent these pests, keep the plant in a humid environment and check it regularly for signs of infestation.

If you do notice pests, you can spray the plant with a solution of water and dish soap to suffocate them. Be sure to rinse the plant thoroughly afterwards.

Burle Marx Calatheas can also be prone to root rot if they're overwatered or planted in soil that doesn't drain well. To prevent this, make sure the plant is in a pot with drainage holes and let the soil dry out between waterings.

7. How to Prune a Burle Marx Calathea

Pruning a Burle Marx Calathea isn't necessary, but it can help keep the plant looking its best. If you notice any dead or yellowing leaves, simply cut them off at the base with clean scissors or pruning shears.

You can also trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth.

8. How to Provide Humidity for a Burle Marx Calathea

Burle Marx Calatheas thrive in high humidity environments, which can be tricky to provide indoors. One way to increase humidity is to place a tray of water near the plant and mist the leaves regularly.

Another option is to use a humidifier to provide consistent moisture in the air. You can also group plants together to create a microclimate of higher humidity.

9. How to Provide the Right Lighting for a Burle Marx Calathea

Burle Marx Calatheas prefer filtered or indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause damage. A north-facing window is usually the best spot for this plant.

If your home doesn't have enough natural light, you can supplement with artificial grow lights. LED grow lights are a great option because they don't emit much heat and can be adjusted to the right color temperature.

10. How to Maintain the Color and Patterns of a Burle Marx Calathea

The striking colors and patterns of a Burle Marx Calathea can fade over time if the plant isn't getting the right amount of light or nutrients. To keep your plant looking its best, make sure it's getting enough bright, filtered light and regular fertilization.

You can also wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust that may be blocking light absorption. This will help maintain the plant's vibrant colors and patterns.

11. How to Winterize a Burle Marx Calathea

In the winter months, when the plant is dormant, you'll need to make some adjustments to keep it healthy. Reduce watering and fertilizing to prevent overwatering and nutrient buildup in the soil.

If the air in your home gets dry during the winter, you can use a humidifier to provide some extra moisture. You may also need to move the plant to a warmer location if it's near a drafty window or door.

12. How to Display a Burle Marx Calathea

Burle Marx Calatheas are stunning plants that can make a statement in any room. They look great on their own as a focal point or grouped together with other plants for a lush, tropical display.

Consider using a decorative pot or planter to complement the plant's bold colors and patterns. You can also place it on a plant stand or pedestal to draw attention to its unique foliage.

13. How to Care for a Burle Marx Calathea Outdoors

Burle Marx Calatheas are tropical plants that thrive in warm, humid environments. If you live in a warm climate, you may be able to grow this plant outdoors year-round.

Plant it in well-draining soil in a partially shaded area. Water regularly and fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.

If you live in a cooler climate, you can still grow Burle Marx Calatheas outdoors during the summer months. Just make sure to bring the plant indoors before the first frost.

14. How to Choose the Right Pot for a Burle Marx Calathea

Choosing the right pot is important for the health and wellbeing of your Burle Marx Calathea. You'll want to choose a pot that's slightly larger than the plant's current container to allow for growth.

Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent overwatering, and use a high-quality potting mix that provides good drainage and aeration.

15. How to Troubleshoot Common Problems with a Burle Marx Calathea

If your Burle Marx Calathea isn't thriving, there could be a few different issues at play. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Yellowing leaves: This could be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
• Brown leaf tips: This could be caused by dry air or underwatering. Increase humidity and make sure the plant is getting enough water.
• Leggy growth: This could be a sign of insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location or supplement with artificial grow lights.

Growing and caring for a Burle Marx Calathea can be a rewarding experience. With the right conditions and care, this stunning plant will thrive and provide years of beauty and enjoyment.

Remember to mimic its natural environment as much as possible by providing high humidity, filtered light, and well-draining soil. And don't be afraid to experiment with different display options to show off its unique foliage.

What is the best soil for a Burle Marx Calathea?

Burle Marx Calatheas prefer well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is a good choice.

Can I grow a Burle Marx Calathea in low light?

Burle Marx Calatheas prefer filtered or indirect light, but they can tolerate low light conditions. Just be sure to supplement with artificial grow lights if the plant isn't getting enough natural light.

How often should I water my Burle Marx Calathea?

Burle Marx Calatheas prefer consistently moist soil, but they don't like to be overwatered. Water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.

Can I keep a Burle Marx Calathea in a terrarium?

Yes, Burle Marx Calatheas can do well in a terrarium as long as there's enough air circulation and the humidity is kept high.

What's the best way to increase humidity for a Burle Marx Calathea?

You can increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly, placing a tray of water near the plant, or using a humidifier.

Can I fertilize my Burle Marx Calathea with compost?

While compost can be a great source of nutrients for plants, it's not recommended for Burle Marx Calatheas. Stick with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Do Burle Marx Calatheas flower?

Burle Marx Calatheas can produce small white or yellow flowers in the spring or summer, although they're not particularly showy.

Can I propagate my Burle Marx Calathea in water?

You can root stem cuttings in water, but it's not recommended for division. Dividing the plant can damage the roots and cause stress.

Should I prune my Burle Marx Calathea?

Pruning isn't necessary, but it can help keep the plant looking its best. Trim back any dead or yellowing leaves, as well as any leggy or overgrown stems.

Can I keep my Burle Marx Calathea outside?

Burle Marx Calatheas can be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates. If you live in a cooler climate, you can still grow them outdoors during the summer months.