Do you want to add some color and life to your outdoor space? Calathea plants are a great way to do just that! But can these beautiful plants survive growing outdoors? This article will cover everything you need to know about growing Calathea outdoors, including benefits, types of Calathea suitable for the outdoors, how to prepare your outdoor space, tips for caring for Calathea, possible challenges, and how to protect against pests and diseases.
Read on to learn more about growing Calathea outdoors!.
Short Answer
Calathea plants can be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates with temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
They do not tolerate cold temperatures or frost, so they need to be brought indoors when temperatures drop.
They prefer full shade and will tolerate partial shade, although their colors and patterns may be less vibrant in these conditions.
If you live in an area with cooler climates, it is best to keep your calathea as a houseplant.
What is Calathea?
Calathea is a popular tropical houseplant that is known for its unique and beautiful foliage.
It is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens, and offers a variety of colors and patterns that can add some serious personality to any space.
Calathea is a genus of plants in the Marantaceae family, which includes several species of flowering plants native to tropical areas of South and Central America.
Commonly referred to as prayer plants, calathea varieties typically feature vivid green leaves that are often patterned with stripes, spots, or other designs.
These plants are also known for their large, showy flowers that bloom in a variety of colors.
Calathea is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Benefits of Growing Calathea Outdoors
Growing calathea outdoors offers a variety of benefits to avid gardeners.
For starters, getting to enjoy the beauty of calathea in your outdoor space can be a true delight.
Calathea’s vibrant foliage can add a pop of color to any garden, and its lush, tropical look can make for a truly inviting outdoor living space.
Plus, growing calathea outdoors can help to create a serene, peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and rejuvenation.
In addition, calathea is a relatively low-maintenance plant, making it a great choice for those who don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to gardening.
With the right conditions and proper care, calathea can thrive outdoors for years to come.
Plus, calathea helps to attract beneficial pollinators to your garden, including butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.
Finally, growing calathea outdoors can help to reduce indoor allergens.
Since calathea absorbs airborne toxins, having it in your outdoor space can help to purify the air around your home, making it a great choice for those who suffer from allergies and asthma.
Types of Calathea Suitable for Outdoors
When it comes to growing calathea outside, not all varieties are suitable for outdoor conditions.
For this reason, it is important to do your research and find out which species of calathea is best suited for outdoor environments.
Generally, species that grow in more tropical conditions, such as Calathea zebrina, Calathea lancifolia, and Calathea makoyana, are well-suited for outdoor living.
These varieties are known for their hardiness and resistance to temperatures and will generally do well in shaded areas.
It is important to note that Calathea plants grown outdoors may require some protection from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.
To protect your calathea from the elements, you can construct a makeshift greenhouse or use a shade cloth.
These measures will also help regulate the temperature and moisture levels of the soil.
In addition, it is important to take into account the type of soil that you are planting your calathea in.
Calathea plants prefer moist, well-draining, and nutrient-rich soil.
If the soil is too dry or has poor drainage, the calathea may suffer from root rot or other fungal diseases.
To avoid this, use a soil mixture that is specifically designed for the type of calathea you are growing.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that calathea plants grown outdoors will require more frequent care and maintenance than those grown indoors.
To ensure that your calathea is growing in optimal conditions, be sure to water it regularly and protect it from extreme temperatures.
In addition, you may need to fertilize your calathea periodically to ensure that it is getting the nutrients it needs to thrive.
How to Prepare Your Outdoor Space for Calathea
When it comes to growing calathea outdoors, proper preparation is key.
You’ll want to make sure your outdoor space is suitable for the plant before you bring it home.
Here are some tips to help you get started: 1.
Find a Shady Spot: Calathea prefers indirect sunlight, so you’ll want to find a spot in your garden that gets some shade.
If you don’t have any shady areas, you can create one by planting trees or shrubs to provide some shelter.
2.
Prepare the Soil: Calathea prefers well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter such as compost or mulch.
Make sure to mix in some fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer to provide plenty of nutrients for the plant.
3.
Plant in Raised Beds: If you don’t have naturally well-draining soil, you can create raised beds for your calathea.
This will help keep the soil from becoming waterlogged.
4.
Mulch: Mulch is an important part of any garden, as it helps retain moisture and provide nutrients for the plants.
Choose a mulch that is suitable for your climate and add a layer of about two inches deep.
5.
Water Regularly: Calathea needs to be kept moist, so you’ll want to water it regularly.
During hot weather, you may need to water more frequently.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have a successful outdoor calathea garden.
With proper care and attention, your calathea will thrive and you’ll be able to enjoy its beautiful foliage for years to come.
Tips for Caring for Calathea Outdoors
When caring for calathea outdoors, it is important to provide the plant with adequate moisture and a shaded area to protect it from the harsh elements.
To do this, you should water the plant regularly, making sure to never let it dry out completely.
Additionally, you should provide a shaded area that is protected from wind and direct sunlight.
You can do this by planting calathea in a partially shaded area, or by placing a sunshade over the area.
Additionally, you should check the soil regularly to make sure it is not too wet or too dry.
It is also important to provide calathea with the right soil.
Calathea prefers soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, and is well-draining.
When planting calathea outdoors, it is also important to use a pot that is large enough to allow for adequate root growth.
Additionally, it is important to fertilize calathea regularly to ensure that it is getting the proper nutrients.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the potential for pests and disease.
Calathea is susceptible to pests such as aphids and mites, as well as fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot.
To prevent pest and disease problems, you should inspect the plant regularly and take action if any problems are detected.
Additionally, you should use an appropriate pesticide or fungicide if necessary.
Possible Challenges When Growing Calathea Outdoors
When growing calathea outdoors, there are several potential challenges that must be taken into account.
Although calathea is a tropical plant, it is not as hardy as some other tropical plants and is prone to damage from cold temperatures and strong winds.
Additionally, when grown outdoors, calathea must be protected from direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch and fade.
This means that the plant must be placed in a location that provides adequate shade, such as beneath a tree or near a wall.
Another challenge when growing calathea outdoors is the need for regular watering.
Calathea requires a consistently moist soil in order to thrive, and this can be difficult to achieve in outdoor conditions.
Depending on the climate and the amount of shade the plant receives, regular watering may be necessary in order to keep the soil consistently moist.
Additionally, calathea is prone to developing root rot if the soil does not have adequate drainage, so it is important to ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes and that the soil is not overly saturated.
How to Protect Calathea from Pests and Diseases
When growing calathea outdoors, it is important to protect it from pests and diseases.
The most common pests that can affect calathea include aphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and whiteflies.
To protect your calathea from these pests, be sure to regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation and treat any affected areas as needed.
Additionally, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap to safely and effectively control pest populations.
In addition to pests, calathea can also be affected by various diseases such as leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew.
To prevent disease, be sure to water your calathea at the base of the plant and avoid getting the leaves wet.
Additionally, be sure to dispose of any fallen leaves or debris promptly to reduce the risk of spreading disease.
If your plant does become affected by disease, it is important to treat it promptly and carefully to ensure that it does not spread to other plants.
Final Thoughts
Gardening with Calathea outdoors can be a rewarding experience.
Its beautiful foliage adds a unique tropical look to your outdoor space.
In order to successfully grow Calathea outdoors, you need to choose the right variety, prepare the space, and provide proper care.
With the right knowledge and preparation, your Calathea will thrive and add a vibrant touch to your outdoor area.
So why not give it a try and see what beautiful creations you can make with Calathea?.