Overview
Calathea 'Tricolor' is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Calathea, part of the Marantaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Calathea 'Tricolor' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include houseplants, patio and container plants and sub-tropical.
About
Calathea 'Tricolor' is an evergreen perennial cultivar from the genus Calathea, known for its clump-forming habit and elongated leaves with distinctive patterns. Suited to conservatories, greenhouses, and indoor settings, it thrives in partial shade with a sheltered aspect, ideally east, north, or west-facing. This cultivar prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil of varying pH levels. It is hardy to UK zone H1a and is best grown as a houseplant or in patio containers in sub-tropical conditions. Propagation is by division in late spring, with interest mainly in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Calathea
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1a
Plant details
Calathea 'Tricolor' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Calathea 'Tricolor'
- Propagation
- Division in late spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Calathea 'Tricolor'?
Calathea 'Tricolor' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Calathea 'Tricolor' need?
Calathea 'Tricolor' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Calathea 'Tricolor' hardy in the UK?
Calathea 'Tricolor' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Calathea 'Tricolor'?
Division in late spring.
