Calathea burle-marxii

Calathea burle-marxii (Ice Blue Calathea) is an attractive small shrub, native to Brazil, that can reach up to 2-5 feet in height. It boasts an array of ornamental foliage in silver and blue hues, as well as white, off-white, blue, lavender and purple flowers. Despite its tropical origin, this plant is hardy enough to thrive in zones 9-11 of the USDA plant hardiness scale.

This plant requires regular watering and should never be allowed to dry out between waterings. It performs best in shade or semi-shade, and will appreciate some kind of humidity system if kept in dry indoor conditions. Fertilize regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer to keep your Calathea looking its best.

For those living in a particularly cold climate, you may want to consider keeping your Calathea in a pot and bringing it indoors during winter. If you do need to overwinter your Calathea, make sure the pot it is in has good drainage and that you place it in a warm, lightly shaded area. Make sure not to overwater it during this time, as this could lead to root rot. Move the plant back outside during spring and summer.

Similar plants:

• Calathea altissima, Goeppertia altissima (Calathea)
• Calathea crocata (Eternal flame)
• Calathea crotalifera (Rattlesnake Plant, Rattle Shaker, Rattlesnake Ginger, Yellow Rattleshaker)
• Calathea hybrid (Calathea Fusion White PPAF)
• Calathea lietzei (Calathea)
• Calathea loeseneri (Brazilian Star Calathea)
• Calathea lutea (Cigar Calathea)
• Calathea makoyana, Maranta makoyana (Peacock plant)
• Calathea musaica (Network Calathea)
• Calathea orbifolia (Peacock Plant)