Calathea elliptica ‘Vitatta’

Prayer Plant

Admired by many for their unique, intricately patterned and colourful foliage, Calatheas make for stunning statement plants to add a tropical flair to your home.

Calathea elliptica ‘Vitatta’ is a Prayer Plant with elliptical medium-green leaves that features striking white variegated stripes.

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Origin: The Americas
Genus: Calathea
Species / Cultivar: elliptica 'Vitatta'
Common Name: Prayer Plant
Synonym: Goeppertia elliptica 'Vitatta'
Light: Medium
This plant likes a spot further away from bright windows, but still lit by natural light.
Soil: Indoor Potting Mix
Enjoys moist well drained soil with composted organics and some drainage material.
Temperature: 15-25°C
Temperature range at which this plant is healthiest and grows best.
Growth Rate: Slow
Expect to see quite small amounts of growth over the years.
Final Size: Medium
Final size will be suitable for a table, plant stand, or large strong shelf.
Water Requirement: Regular Watering
Water when soil surface is dry to the touch. Water must draining easily away.
Humidity: High
Provide moist air via daily misting or trays of wet grit. Keep away from drafts and heaters.
Maintenance: Moderate
This plant has specific requirements. Incorrect care can quickly lead to signs of distress.
Plant Biography

Plant Biography

The genus Calathea consists of more than 300 species which usually live in the relatively lowlight and humid conditions of the understories of tropical forests. Whilst many plants in this environment, such as climbers, have evolved to get closer to the light above, Calatheas have adapted to the conditions provided by the forest floor.

In their natural habitat, many Calatheas produce beautiful and boldly coloured flowers, but its their striking foliage which has led them to become a popular houseplant. So much so, that there are now countless cultivars each with their own unique foliage, ensuring that there’s a Calathea for everybody, and every home.

Calathea elliptica is native to South America, where it lives on the rainforest floor. ‘Vitatta’ is a slightly obscure cultivar that is praised for its distinctive white stripes which appear almost painted on the leaves.

Why Prayer Plants 'Pray'

Why Prayer Plants 'Pray'

As a member of the Prayer Plant family, the leaves of this Calathea will characteristically ‘pray’, folding up at night before re-opening again as the morning sun rises.

At the base of each leaf is a joint-like thickening called the pulvinus, which swells and shrinks in response to pressure developed in the leaves. This is what enables the ‘praying’ to take place.

This movement of the leaves is a process known as nyctinasty, which serves a number of purposes. It allows the plant to absorb as much light as possible in its low light rainforest environment, helps to absorb and retain water, and reduces the risk of fungi and bacteria forming on their leaves.

Care Tips

Care Tips

Calatheas can be fussy when placed in the wrong location, so choosing a good spot is essential.

A place with bright but indirect light is ideal. Avoid south facing spots with too much intense direct sunlight, unless you diffuse the light with a sheer curtain.

Like other Calatheas this plant enjoys high humidity, but overly wet soil can quickly lead to root rot.

Wipe the leaves regularly to prevent a build up of dust.

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