Eternal flame (Calathea crocata) – Flowering plants

Eternal flame (Calathea crocata) is an ornamental, indoor flowering plant. The leaves of Eternal Flame are metallic dark green with purple hues on the upper side and bronze-purple undersides. The name Eternal Flame comes from the yellow and orange flowers that resemble a flame. They grow on the top of the stems, a little higher than the leaves. Their sepals are rose – red and almost hidden among the bright yellow-orange bracts, which form the most visible part of the flower head. The flowers last 2-3 months.

Scientific Name: Calathea crocata
Common Names: Eternal flame

How to grow and maintain Eternal flame (Calathea crocata):

Light:
It flourishes best in bright indirect sunlight or filtered sunlight to partial shade. Keep your plant out of direct sunlight, because too much of direct sunlight burns the leaves of a Plant and causes the wonderful leaf hues to fade. Keep your plant in front of East, west, or north facing window is suitable.

Soil:
It grows well in moist, well-drained, fertile organic soil with a mix of sand.

Temperature:
It thrives well in average room temperatures between 65ºF – 75ºF / 18ºC – 24ºC and no lower than 60ºF / 15ºC. Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Water:
Water regularly, during the growing season. Keep soil constantly moist but never water-logged. Overwatering can cause root rot and kill the plant. During the winter season, reduce watering and only water the plant when the top inch soil to dry out between watering.

Humidity:
Eternal flame likes high humidity. It is best to mist the plant every day with room temperature water. If it does not have enough humidity the color of the leaves will be spoiled by brown spots.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a general liquid houseplant fertilizer at reduced strength. Stop fertilizing during the winter months.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by division. Divide the thickened tuberous crowns of the roots when you repot the plant in late June. Try to ensure that each piece has some leaves and sturdy roots. Plant tubers 2 – 3 inches deep in a pot filled with a peat-based potting compost. Keep the compost slightly moist and the temperature at 61°F – 65°F.

Pruning:
Prune at the base, where the leaf meets the stalk. You can cut the brown edges of the leaves with scissors. They will grow back naturally. However, if your plant has a lot of half-brown leaves it might be a sign of over watering or under watering.

Repotting:
Re-pot during spring season once every 2 years, just in a somewhat bigger pot if the roots have consumed all the space with the present pot.

Pests and Diseases:

It is very susceptible to Spider mites, scale, Mealy Bugs, and Aphids. Likewise, watch for fluoride toxicity and fungal and bacterial leaf spots.