Botanical Classification
Calathea crocata, commonly known as the Eternal Flame, is a member of the Marantaceae family, a group of tropical plants often referred to as prayer plants due to their leaves’ nocturnal movement, folding up at night. It belongs to the genus Calathea, which includes numerous species valued for their ornamental foliage and, in this case, vibrant flowers.
This herbaceous perennial is distinguished by its striking orange-yellow blooms and lush foliage, making it a unique addition to the Calathea genus, typically grown for both leaves and flowers.
History
Calathea crocata was introduced to Western horticulture in the 20th century, gaining attention for its rare and vivid flowering among Calatheas, which are generally prized for foliage. Native to South America, it became popular in European and North American greenhouses before transitioning to the houseplant market.
Its popularity surged in recent decades with the rise of indoor gardening, amplified by social media showcasing its fiery blooms, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts seeking a splash of color in their collections.
Native Area
Calathea crocata is native to the rainforests of Brazil, particularly in the Bahia and Espírito Santo regions, where it grows as an understory plant in humid, shaded environments. It thrives in rich, well-draining soil under the forest canopy, benefiting from high humidity and filtered light.
These conditions shape its cultivation requirements, making it ideal for indoor settings or shaded outdoor areas in frost-free climates where its tropical needs can be met.
Identifying Characteristics
The Eternal Flame is renowned for its dark green, wavy leaves with a slightly leathery texture, often featuring subtle, metallic green patterns. Its standout feature is its vibrant, torch-like orange-yellow flower spikes, which rise above the foliage on slender stems, resembling small flames. The undersides of the leaves are typically purple, adding contrast.
Its clumping growth habit reaches about 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) in height and spread, with the flowers being a primary attraction alongside the foliage.
Growth Rate and Lifespan
Calathea crocata has a moderate growth rate, forming a bushy plant within a growing season under optimal conditions—high humidity, indirect light, and consistent moisture.
With proper care, including protection from stress and regular maintenance, it can live for 3–5 years or more as a houseplant. Its lifespan can be extended through propagation via rhizome division, allowing growers to rejuvenate or expand their collection.
USDA Zones
Calathea crocata thrives as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 10–11, where it can be grown outdoors in frost-free, tropical or subtropical climates with temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C).
It is highly sensitive to cold and cannot tolerate temperatures below 55°F (13°C). In zones 9 and below, it is typically grown as a houseplant or in greenhouses, where humidity and temperature can be controlled to replicate its native rainforest environment.
Common Uses
- Ornamental Houseplant: Prized for its vibrant orange-yellow flowers and lush foliage, it’s a popular choice for indoor plant collections, adding a tropical burst of color to homes or offices.
- Interior Decor: The fiery blooms and patterned leaves make it a focal point in modern or tropical interior designs, often displayed in decorative pots.
- Terrarium Plant: Suitable for large terrariums or enclosed glass containers due to its humidity-loving nature, showcasing both its flowers and foliage.
- Collector’s Plant: Sought after by plant enthusiasts for its rare flowering among Calatheas and striking appearance, appealing to specialized tropical collections.
- Propagation Projects: Frequently propagated via rhizome division, popular among hobbyists for expanding collections or sharing with others.
- Educational Use: Utilized in horticultural studies to teach about prayer plants, tropical plant care, and the unique flowering characteristics of certain Calathea species.
Cultivation of Calathea crocata (Eternal Flame)
- Light: Provide bright, indirect light to promote vibrant flowering and healthy foliage. Place near a north- or east-facing window indoors or in a shaded outdoor area in suitable climates. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the wavy leaves, causing fading or burns.
- Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C), ideal for its Brazilian rainforest origins. Calathea crocata is sensitive to cold and should be kept above 55°F (13°C) to prevent leaf curling or drop. Protect from drafts, heaters, or air conditioning vents.
- Humidity: Aim for high humidity, ideally 60–80%, to mimic its native understory environment. Use a humidifier, place a tray of water with pebbles nearby, or mist the air around the plant (avoiding leaves) to maintain moisture levels, especially in dry indoor settings.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, using room-temperature, distilled, or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup. Ensure excellent drainage to avoid root rot, as Calatheas are prone to overwatering issues.
- Soil: Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix with perlite or bark for aeration. A mix designed for tropical plants or one with peat moss, compost, and perlite supports the rhizomatous root system, balancing moisture retention and drainage.
- Potting: Choose pots with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. Select wide, shallow containers to accommodate the clumping, rhizomatous growth. Repot every 1–2 years or when root-bound to refresh soil and encourage healthy development.
- Fertilization: Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a high-potassium, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 15-15-30) diluted to half strength to promote flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause leaf tip burn, and stop feeding in fall and winter.
- Pruning: Remove yellowing, damaged, or dead leaves to maintain appearance and prevent disease. Trim at the base of the stem to encourage new growth. Deadhead spent flower spikes to promote further blooming and maintain plant vigor.
- Propagation: Propagate via rhizome division during repotting in spring. Separate healthy rhizome sections with roots and leaves, plant in moist soil, and keep in a warm, humid environment. New plants typically establish within 4–8 weeks.
- Pest Control: Monitor for pests like spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs, which can target leaves and flower spikes. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil and improve air circulation to deter infestations, especially in high-humidity conditions.
- Disease Prevention: Prevent fungal issues like leaf spot or root rot by keeping foliage dry, avoiding overhead watering, and ensuring good air circulation. Remove affected leaves or flowers promptly and apply a fungicide if necessary to control outbreaks.
- USDA Zones and Environment: Grow as a perennial in USDA Zones 10–11 in frost-free, shaded areas with mild temperatures. In zones 9 and below, cultivate indoors or in greenhouses to protect from cold, maintaining high humidity and stable conditions.
- Seasonal Care: Increase watering and humidity in spring and summer to support active growth and flowering. In fall and winter, reduce watering slightly as growth slows, ensuring the soil remains lightly moist. Monitor indoor light levels, supplementing with grow lights if needed during shorter days.