Plants have been assigned meaning for thousands of years. Plants used to be seen as the work of invisible, divine forces. Christianity adopted the meaning of plants, so that the pagan origins can still be seen today.
What is the significance of the Calathea?
The calathea, also called basket marant, stands as asymbol for a new beginning. Whether changing jobs or moving, the Calathea is the right plant when a new start is imminent.
Where does the meaning of Calathea come from?
The symbolism comes from thetypical movement of the leaves Every evening the plant folds its leaves upwards and looks as if it were praying to God. The next morning she folds the leaves down again. Calathea is therefore associated with the English saying “turn over a new leaf”. This means something like “turning the tide”. That's why the basket marante stands for changes and a new, better chapter in life.
Which Calathea species are suitable as houseplants?
There are somepopular types of Calathea that stand out due to their individual advantages. These include:
- Calathea makoyana: The peacock basket marante is the easiest variety to care for with beautifully marked leaves,
- Calathea warscewiczii: The Costa Rica maranth is characterized by velvety leaves and a white flower in summer.
- Calathea orbifolia: The plant impresses with its size, as it grows between 50 and 100 centimeters high.
- Calathea crocata: As a saffron basket marant, this plant has beautiful orange flowers. The leaves are a rich, dark green with intense leaf coloring.
How do I care for the Calathea?
The Calathea needsa lot of attention when caring for it because the plant has some demands. If you give the plant as a gift, you should definitely include care instructions. The right location with high humidity or frequent spraying of the leaves are necessary to keep the Calathea he althy. The root ball should always be slightly moist, so water regularly with small amounts of water.
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Alternatives to Calathea
Because caring for the Calathea is complex, other plants with similar meaning are also chosen. You can also give away an easy-care lucky chestnut when moving into your own home. The protea, a potted plant from South Africa, stands for positive change in life.
