In the spring of 2020 I saw this Calathea roseopicta ‘Medallion’ in a big box store. I think I stopped in my tracks. I knew it was a Calathea. I’d heard that they could be difficult, but I had one and he was doing fine. It’s a plant. How difficult could it be?
You can stop laughing now. She was great all that summer. She loved the porch. She grew like crazy, pushed out new leaves almost daily, got big. She was stunning. What were people talking about? This was easy. Diva Calathea, please.
Then the weather turned cooler and she came inside. Apparently the humidifier didn’t start soon enough, and there was a tantrum. Then apparently the light was not as flattering, and there was another tantrum. Then this spring she pulled her trump card and hosted a spider mite convention.
Some systemic granules, Captain Jacks and a stint in outdoor rehab this summer got rid of the spider mites; though the rabbits did nibble on her a bit. And she’s back on the porch just in time to come back inside for the winter. Oh joy.
I’ll keep you posted.
