How to Grow and Care for Calathea White Fusion

The Calathea White Fusion is a cultivar of Calathea lietzei, celebrated for its striking foliage. The leaves present a marbled pattern of white and green, with the undersides displaying a contrasting pale purple hue. This plant is a member of the Marantaceae family, often called “prayer plants” due to a behavior known as nyctinasty. This phenomenon involves the leaves folding upward at night and reopening in the morning, a response to light changes that optimizes absorption in its native rainforest habitat.

Calathea White Fusion Care

Light

Calathea White Fusion thrives in medium to bright, indirect light, which mimics the filtered sunlight of the rainforest floor. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the delicate leaves, causing the vibrant colors to fade and brown patches to develop. An ideal location is near a north or east-facing window or in a brighter room where the light is diffused by a sheer curtain.

Water

This plant prefers its soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged. To prevent root rot, allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. During the spring and summer growing season, watering may be needed as often as once a week, while this can be reduced in the fall and winter. Using filtered, distilled, or rainwater is recommended, as these plants are sensitive to chemicals in tap water.

Soil

A well-draining and lightweight soil mix is necessary. The soil needs to retain moisture without becoming soggy. Potting mixes formulated for African violets are often suitable, or a custom mix can be created using potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. This combination ensures roots have access to both moisture and oxygen, preventing root issues.

Temperature and Humidity

The Calathea White Fusion flourishes in warm and humid conditions. It prefers temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and should be protected from sudden temperature drops and cold drafts. Aiming for a humidity level of 60% or higher is ideal. This can be achieved by using a humidifier, placing the plant on a pebble tray with water, or grouping it with other plants.

Fertilizer

During the active growing season of spring and summer, a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength can be applied every 4-6 weeks. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil and cause fertilizer burn. Fertilizing should be stopped during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows.

Common Problems

Crispy Brown Edges/Tips

The development of crispy, brown leaf edges is most often a direct result of low humidity or the type of water being used. Tap water containing high levels of minerals, chlorine, or fluoride can accumulate in the leaves, leading to browning tips. To resolve this, increase humidity around the plant and switch to using filtered, distilled, or rainwater.

Curling Leaves

Leaves that curl inward are a sign that the plant is thirsty from either underwatering or low humidity. Check the soil moisture, and if it’s dry, water the plant thoroughly. Boosting humidity levels can also help the leaves uncurl and remain flat.

Pests

Calatheas are susceptible to spider mites, which thrive in warm, dry conditions. These pests can cause stippling or yellowing on the leaves and may create fine webbing. Increasing humidity can help deter spider mites. If an infestation is present, the leaves can be washed with a gentle stream of water or treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Loss of Variegation

A loss of the signature white markings is an indication of improper lighting. This reversion often happens when the plant is not receiving enough light to support the non-pigmented white sections of the leaves. Conversely, too much direct light can also cause the colors to wash out. Moving the plant to a location with bright, indirect light will encourage new growth to display the desired variegation.

How to Propagate Calathea White Fusion

The most reliable method for propagating a Calathea White Fusion is through division, which is best performed in the spring or summer during repotting. To divide the plant, gently tease the root ball apart with your hands, separating it into smaller sections. Each new division must have a healthy root system and at least a few leaves attached to be viable. If the rhizomes are tightly connected, a sterilized knife can be used to make clean cuts.

Once separated, plant each new division into its own appropriately sized pot with fresh, well-draining soil. After potting, water them thoroughly and place them in a warm, humid environment to help them recover. Covering the new plants with a plastic bag can help create a humid microclimate that encourages new root development. Keep the soil consistently moist until you see signs of new growth.

Repotting Your Calathea White Fusion

A Calathea White Fusion needs to be repotted every one to two years, or when it shows signs of being root-bound, such as roots growing out of the drainage holes. The best time to repot is during the spring when the plant is entering its active growth period. Choose a new container that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one. Selecting a pot that is too large can lead to the soil staying wet for too long, which increases the risk of root rot.

To repot the plant, carefully remove it from its old container and gently loosen the root ball, shaking off excess old soil. Inspect the roots and trim away any that are dead or mushy. Place a layer of fresh potting mix in the new pot, position the plant in the center, and fill in around the roots with more soil. Water the plant lightly after a few days to allow it to settle.