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This is a variety of Calathea that grows in variegated colors. Its tropical heritage means that it needs plenty of warm, humid air and moderate amounts of sunlight to grow properly. As is typical with plants from the Calathea family, this particular variety is fussy about its needs. But just like every other member of its family, learning how to care for it is completely worth it.
How to Identify Calathea White Fusion
The key identifiers of this plant are:
- Leaves that are oval or oblong shaped
- Leaves that are variegated in green, white, and a purplish-pink color
How to Grow Calathea White Fusion from Seed
Calathea plants are notoriously difficult to grow from seed, which is why it is not a common method used. However, with some patience, it can be done. The steps to growing a Calathea White Fusion from seed are:
- Purchase seeds from a reputable seller (sellers who price their seeds between $1 and $2)
- Create a mixture of soil and peat mixed with coarse sand (the ratio should 1:1 soil to peat/sand mixture)
- Fill a plant container with the soil and peat/sand mixture
- Place the seeds half an inch into the soil
- Lightly water the soil
- Cover the plant container with a plastic bag to retain moisture
- Set the plant container in a warm area that receives bright but indirect sunlight
- Remove the plastic bag for a few hours every other day to allow the seeds access to fresh air
- Once the seeds have germinated and sprouted to two inches tall, they can be transplanted to larger containers
How to Propagate Calathea White Fusion
This plant is best propagated new in the spring or early summer to limit shock. The most common method used to propagate a Calathea White Fusion is root division. The steps for doing this are:
- Water the plant 24 hours before propagating it
- Carefully remove the plant from its current container
- Gently pull apart the plant’s roots so that each root section has at least one leaf, or, use a sterile cutting utensil to divide the plant’s rhizome.
- Fill new plant containers with potting soil
- Place the plant sections into the new containers and spread the soil around their roots to secure them into the containers
- Water the new plants
- Place the plant in a warm area that receives plenty of bright, but indirect sunlight
- Cover the plants with a plastic bag
- Once the plants begin to grow in a few weeks, the plastic bag can be removed
Calathea White Fusion Growing Conditions
Since this plant is native to tropical regions of America it prefers an environment that resembles its native lands. It should be set in an area that has temperatures that range between 60 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. It will also need humidity levels that are at least 75%.
It is also recommended that it be kept away from cold drafts and air conditioner and heater vents. During winter, it can get shocked from being in a heated room all day and then left in a room that is cold at night. Temperature range should be taken into consideration when deciding where to plant a Calathea White Fusion.
A plant humidifier or pebble tray and a heat mat can be utilized to provide the heat and humidity this plant needs without creating an indoor environment that is uncomfortable for humans and pets.
How to Plant Calathea White Fusion
Look for the following signs to know when this plant should be repotted:
- Slowed growth
- It requires more than two watering sessions a week
- Its roots are growing out of its container’s drainage holes
- Its foliage looks too heavy for its current container
To reduce the chance of shock, the repotting process should only be done in the spring or summer. This process will benefit the plant by providing it with fresh soil and more room for its root system to grow. The steps for repotting a Calathea White Fusion plant are:
- Choose a plant container that is 2 inches larger in diameter than its current container
- Fill the plant container potting soil
- Create a hole in the soil for the plant to set inside
- Carefully remove the plant from its current container
- Gently dust off any excess soil from its roots
- Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off any rotten roots
- Set the plant into the hole in the new container
- Spread the soil around so that the plant is secure in its new container
- Water the plant
- Set it in a warm spot with plenty of sunlight
Calathea White Fusion Potting & Soil
This plant requires soil that drains water well but can still retain some moisture. This is so it doesn’t sit in either dry or soggy soil. It is particular about its soil condition since too much water can cause root rot. This is why it is so important that it be planted in a container that has drainage holes.
These are both great options to use for any Calathea plant:
Along with a well-draining soil mix, Calathea White Fusion requires soil that has a pH level ranging from neutral to acidic. Use a Soil pH Meter to test soil pH levels to know which direction they should be adjusted. To create higher levels of soil acidity for a Calathea Rattlesnake, add bone meal, hardwood ashes, or ground eggshells to it. For a more detailed look at how to adjust soil pH levels, read this article.
Calathea White Fusion Water Requirements
This type of plant needs moist soil all the time. The best way to confirm that a Calathea White Fusion needs a drink is to test its soil moisture. If the top inch of its soil is dried out, it needs a drink; however, if the top inch of soil is soggy, it does not need a drink.
It is best to water this plant with either rainwater or distilled water that is lukewarm. It can be watered with tap water as long as the water has been set out for at least 24 hours so that the minerals in it have time to evaporate. Use a plant watering app to help track when a plant has been watered, set reminders to water it, and get answers to common plant care questions.
Calathea White Fusion Light Requirements
This plant should be set in an area that receives plenty of bright but filtered or indirect sunlight. It should never be set in direct sunlight because this will cause the variegations on its leaves to fade or disappear. However, if it is not given enough sunlight, its variegation will not develop. Use a light meter to ensure that this indoor plant is receiving adequate amounts of sunlight.
Best Calathea White Fusion Fertilizer
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer to feed this plant once a month during spring and summer. The doses should be diluted to half strength. It will not need any feedings during the winter months. Smiling Worm is an excellent choice of fertilizer for all varieties of Calathea plants.
Best Calathea White Fusion Companion Plantings
To provide tropical plants with extra humidity, considering clustering several together. Not only does this have aesthetic appeal, but it is frugal plant care. The following three plants are just a sampling of the many wonderful tropical plants that would make an ideal companion planting for a Calathea White Fusion.
Calathea Roseopicta
This is a very pretty and closely related member of the Calathea family. It, too, has a few fussy features, but it is simply lovely to use as home décor or as a companion for a Calathea White Fusion.
Light Requirements
This plant should be set in an area that receives plenty of bright, but indirect sunlight. It should never be set in direct sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Rose Painted Calathea requires soil that drains water well but can still retain some moisture. The soil should contain two parts peat and one part perlite.
Water Requirements
Rose Painted Calathea should only be watered when the top inch of its soil is dried out.
Pros
- It is an absolutely beautiful plant
- It is not toxic
- It is a small and compact plant
Cons
- It is fussy about its water regimen
- It is susceptible to infestations of scale insects and spider mites
- It requires plenty of humidity
Marble Queen Pothos
This tropical plant from French Polynesia is so simple to care for and so beautiful. Its easygoing nature will be the perfect balance next to a fussy Calathea White Fusion.
Light Requirements
Marble Queen Pothos should be set in a place that receives plenty of medium to bright, but indirect sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Marble Queen Pothos requires soil that is well-draining and well-aerated. It also grows well as a hydroponic plant.
Water Requirements
Marble Queen Pothos should only be watered when half its soil is dry. It should be watered in the soak and dry method.
Pros
- It is very easy to care for
- It is very forgiving if neglected for a time
- It has air purifying qualities
Cons
- It is susceptible to infestations of aphids, mealybugs, and thrips
- It is susceptible to root rot
- It is toxic
Spineless Yucca
This is a slow-growing evergreen plant from the dry and arid regions of Mexico. While it can get very large (up to 30 feet tall) it actually makes a beautiful and easy to care for houseplant.
Light Requirements
Spineless Yucca should be set in an area that has plenty of full sunshine. It can handle a little shade, but it grows better in a lot of sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Spineless Yucca requires soil that is well-draining and well-aerated. A mix of three parts perlite to one part of potting soil is ideal. It should also have a container with drainage holes in its bottom.
Water Requirements
Spineless Yucca is susceptible to root rot from overwatering so it should only be watered once its soil has dried out. When it is watered, the soil should be saturated with water, and then, allowed to drain off excess water.
Pros
- It is a hardy plant that is easy to care for
- It can tolerate temperatures ranging from freezing up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- It is easy to propagate via stem cuttings and offsets
Cons
- It is toxic
- It can get very large
- It is susceptible to root rot
Calathea White Fusion Diseases and Common Problems
When caring for a plant it is best to treat them quickly when they show signs of an infestation or a disease. This will give them a chance to recover and it may prevent other, nearby plants from being infected as well.
When caring for one of these plants, look for these common issues:
- Fungus Gnats
- Leaves that are brown
- Leaves that are curled
- Leaves that are faded in color
- Leaves with spots
Calathea White Fusion Treatments and Maintenance
Prevent plant diseases and infestations by:
- Properly watering the plant
- Feeding the plant appropriate doses at the appropriate time of year
- Providing adequate sunlight
- Regularly inspecting the plant for pests and diseases
- Cleaning the plant regularly
These preventative care treatments may catch infestations and diseases quickly and prevent them from spreading throughout the plant or to other nearby plants. If, however, a Calathea White Fusion does show signs of an infestation or a disease, follow these steps:
Fungus Gnats
Evidence of an infestation of fungus gnats is tiny mosquito-like insects flying around the plant. To deal with an infestation of fungus gnats, follow these steps:
- Remove the top two inches of soil from the plant container
- Sprinkle the plant and the soil with diatomaceous earth
- Place fresh soil around the plant
- Use a sticky trap to catch more gnats
Leaves that are brown
This is a sign of a plant that needs more humidity.
Leaves that are curled
This is a sign of a plant that needs more water.
Leaves that are faded in color
This is a sign of a plant that is getting too much sunlight.
Leaves with spots
This is a sign of a plant that needs more water.
Where to Buy Calathea White Fusion Seeds Online
As is the case with most Calathea varieties, the seeds of this plant can be difficult to locate, but these shops are great places to begin searching for them.
Where to Buy Mature Calathea White Fusion Online
This plant is a popular item online. Find great selections of this Calathea variety at these online shops:
FAQs
Question: Will my Calathea Triostar purify the Air?
Answer: Yes! The Calathea Triostar is a natural air purifier, so it will naturally purify the air in your home.
Question: Can I Keep a Calathea Triostar in my Bedroom?
Answer: The Calathea Triostar is a non-toxic houseplant, meaning it can be placed in the bedroom. Adding a Calathea Triostar to your bedroom can add a little bit of light and vibrancy to your interiors!
Question: How Fast Will My Calathea Triostar Grow?
Answer: Calathea Triostar plants are considered relatively slow growers. If you’re worried about having to constantly re-pot your plant, rest assured, this plant will only need repotting every few years.
When you re-pot your Calathea Triostar, make sure to do it during the spring and summer months as this is the peak growing period.
Concluding Thoughts
Calathea White Fusion is another in a long line of Calathea plants that have all the looks and a little drama. It is an excellent plant to keep as indoor décor, to use as a feature item on a plant Instagramer site, or to give as a housewarming present.