Calathea ‘Silvia’ is recognizable for its large, rounded leaves featuring a creamy white center that fades into silvery green, with deep emerald edges and burgundy undersides. The foliage grows in an upright, clumping habit, creating a full appearance from the start. Like all rose painted calathea varieties, the leaves fold upward in the evening in a movement known as nyctinasty, earning it the prayer plant nickname.
It occasionally produces small, inconspicuous blooms, but the foliage remains the focal point through every season. This prayer plant naturally humidifies the air around it and filters formaldehyde and other indoor toxins.
Calathea ‘Silvia’ is pet friendly, fully non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other household pets. It grows well near kitchen moisture, loves a spot near a humidity tray or pebble tray, and is sensitive to air from AC units and heater vents, so keep it away from drafts. Rotate it regularly so all sides receive equal light, and avoid moving it frequently since it is sensitive to changes in its environment.
Water it every 710 days, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; it wilts visibly when thirsty.
Calathea ‘Silvia’ does best in a well-draining, moisture-retentive mix of peat or coco coir, perlite, and potting soil.
It prefers temperatures between 6585F and should never be exposed to frost or cold below 60F.
Calathea ‘Silvia’ is a moderate grower that benefits from a balanced liquid fertilizer applied monthly during spring and summer.
It is hardy in USDA zones 1011, where temperatures stay above 3035F. It grows outdoors year-round in Florida, Hawaii, southern California, southern Texas, and southern Arizona. In Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Nevada, and along the mild Oregon and California coasts, bring it indoors when cool nights approach.
Q: Is Calathea roseopicta ‘Silvia’ safe for cats and dogs?
A: It is fully non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other household pets.
Q: What happens if I expose it to direct sun?
A: Calathea roseopicta ‘Silvia’ scorches easily in direct light, especially from south-facing windows. Keep it in bright indirect light only.
Q: How much humidity does Calathea ‘Silvia’ need?
A: It thrives near kitchen moisture, a humidifier, or a pebble tray with water, and declines in dry air from AC units and heaters.
Q: Does it purify indoor air?
A: Calathea ‘Silvia’ filters formaldehyde and other indoor toxins while naturally humidifying the surrounding air.
Q: Why are the leaves on Calathea ‘Silvia’ moving at night?
A: The leaves fold upward in the evening through a natural movement called nyctinasty, which earned it the prayer plant nickname.
Q: Can I propagate it from leaves?
A: Propagation is best done by dividing the root ball during repotting in spring. Leaf propagation is unreliable with Calathea ‘Silvia’.
More styles you’ll love.
Reviews (0)
There are no reviews yet.