How I purchased my Calathea Ornata
If you're a plant lover like me, you know how exciting it can be to add a new plant to your collection. But as a beginner plant parent, I also know how overwhelming it can be to navigate the world of plants and figure out which ones are right for you.
I recently decided that I wanted to add a Calathea Ornata to my collection, and I wasn't sure where to start. I searched online and visited a few local plant stores, but I still wasn't sure if this one was the best choice for me. That's when I decided to reach out to other plant enthusiasts for advice.
Through my research and conversations with other plant lovers, I learned a lot about the Calathea Ornata plant and how to care for it. And in the end, I was able to find and purchase the perfect Calathea Ornata for my collection.
In this blog post, I want to share my experience with you and offer some tips and advice for anyone else who is considering purchasing a Calathea Ornata plant. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, I hope you'll find this post helpful and informative. So let's get started!
Why I wanted a Calathea Ornata plant?
I wanted a Calathea Ornata for a few reasons. Firstly, I love the look of the plant. Its ornate leaves are really striking, with intricate patterns and veins that are green on top and purple on the bottom. I thought it would make a beautiful addition to my home and add some visual interest to my living space as I planned to have a lot of guests in the year.
Another reason I wanted a Calathea Ornata was for its potential health benefits. I heard that the plant has air purifying properties and can help to improve the quality of the air in a room. As someone who suffers from allergies, I thought this could be a helpful addition to my home. I also read that Calathea Ornata can have stress-reducing effects, which appealed to me as someone who struggles with anxiety.
Where did I purchase my Calathea Ornata plant?
I purchased my Calathea Ornata from a local nursery that specializes in houseplants. I did some research online and found a few options in my area, and I chose this particular nursery because it had a good reputation and a wide selection of plants.
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When I arrived at the nursery, I was greeted by a friendly employee who asked if I needed any help finding anything specific. I told them I was looking for a Calathea Ornata, and they led me to a section of the store where they had several different varieties of Calathea plants.
I took my time looking at each of the plants and eventually chose a Calathea Ornata that had bright green leaves with prominent purple veins. It was a healthy-looking plant with well-established roots, and I knew it would be a good addition to my collection.
How much I paid for my Calathea Ornata ?
After searching high and low for the perfect Calathea Ornata, I finally found the one I had been dreaming of. It was a bit of a treasure hunt, as I had been scouring the internet for months, always coming up empty or facing price tags that were just too steep ($60 and above). I had almost given up hope of ever finding my dream plant at an affordable price.
But then, that fateful day at my local plant nursery, I spotted the most gorgeous Calathea Ornata I had ever laid eyes on. And to my amazement, the price tag read a mere $22!
I couldn't believe my luck and knew I had to have it. So, with a heart full of excitement and gratitude, I purchased the Calathea Ornata and brought it home to proudly display in my collection of beloved plants. It truly was a dream come true.
Where did you find Calathea care tips?
From a bunch of places on the internet really,I most used subreddits like R/Houseplants and R/Plants
Here are some of the first things I learned:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater. The plant is sensitive to excess moisture.
- Use a humidity tray or humidifier to increase the humidity around the plant. I personally spray my Calathea Ornata every morning and use a little humidifier next to it for one or two hours per day, adding some essential oils to the water.
- Clean the leaves regularly to remove dust and other debris.
- Provide indirect sunlight and avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to fade or burn.
- Repot the plant every few years, using a well-draining soil mix and a pot with proper drainage. When I repotted my Calathea Ornata two months ago, I mixed the soil with some Substral Osmocote nutrition.
- Consider using a fertilization schedule to provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to grow and flourish.
Challenges I faced with my Calathea Ornata
One of the challenges I faced with my Calathea Ornata plant was an infestation of spider mites. This was a unique issue as I have a large collection of plants and the Calathea was the only one that experienced this problem.
To combat the infestation, I used a spray solution of diluted isopropyl alcohol mixed with a drop of dish soap. After applying this solution repeatedly every 4-7 days for three weeks, it appeared to be successful in eliminating the mites. It seemed that this particular plant was particularly prone to insect infestations.
Final advice to readers? Remember to ask for help
As a beginner plant parent, walking into a nursery can be a little overwhelming. There are rows upon rows of plants with scientific names that you may not recognize, and it can be difficult to know where to start. It's easy to feel lost and unsure of which plants will thrive in your home.
That's where the staff at your local nursery come in. They have a wealth of knowledge about plants and can help guide you towards the right ones for your specific environment. Don't be afraid to ask for help - they are there to assist you and will be more than happy to take the time to explain things to you.
It's important to remember that it's okay to ask for help, especially when it comes to something as important as taking care of living beings. Don't be shy about reaching out to the knowledgeable staff at your local nursery for guidance. They will be happy to help you on your plant parenting journey.