Calathea White Fusion Care And Grow: The Ultimate Guide

Cool plant with super cool variegated leaves, the Calathea White Fusion is a real eye-candy for any space. But hey, looking after this baby can be a bit of a hassle and it needs certain conditions to thrive. Knowing the dos and don’ts for the plant is key if you’re thinking of bringing a Calathea White Fusion into your gang.

We’ll give you the lowdown in our all-you-need-to-know guide to Calathea White Fusion care and growth so your plant pal can flourish. We’ll cover everything you gotta know to keep your Calathea White Fusion happy and healthy, from how much light and water it needs, to what kind of soil and humidity it likes.

We’re total plant geeks here at the FamiPlants blog and we love sharing our wisdom and know-how on all things green. We’re here to dish out the tips you need to help your plants flourish, whether you’re a pro plant parent or just starting out. So, let’s dive in and learn how to care for the amazing Calathea White Fusion.

Calathea White Fusion care overview

Scientific Name	Calathea lietzei ‘Fusion White’
Common Name	Calathea ‘White Fusion’
Botanical Name	Calathea lietzei
Family	Marantaceae
Plant Type	Herbaceous Perennial
Mature Size	Up to 2 ft. tall
Sun Exposure	Partial
Soil Type	Moist, Well-drained
Soil pH	Acidic
Bloom Time	Summer
Flower Color	Yellow, purple, white
Hardiness Zones	11b-12b, USDA
Native Area	Central Mexico to tropical South America
Light	Bright indirect sunlight
Watering	Weekly, water if the top inch of soil is dry
Temperature	60°F to 80°F (15 to 26ºC)
Humidity	75-85%
Soil Type	quick-draining
Soil pH	6.5 (kinda acidic)

 

Calathea White Fusion and its light love

Calathea White Fusion plants need light to live it up, but not direct light. A bright, indirect light is just right for your plant.

Keep it away from any windows that get direct sunlight ’cause it can burn the leaves. Pop your Calathea near an east-facing window or in a bright room, like a living room or kitchen.

It can also do just fine with the kind of light you’d find in offices. Stay away from putting your plant near vents and air conditioners, which can dry out the leaves and cause brown edges or spots.

During the winter months, you might need to add some artificial light when natural light’s not around. Fluorescent light bulbs are a good pick as they give off light that’s close to natural light and will help keep your Calathea White Fusion feeling good.

Discover the Essential Calathea Light Requirements for Healthy and Vibrant Plants. Click to read now!

The Perfect Soil for Calathea White Fusion

Calathea White Fusion plants need a soil mix that drains well and holds water without getting too swampy. For healthy roots and good drainage, you’ll want a soil mix for Calathea White Fusion that’s rich in organic stuff and has good airflow. Here are some ideas for a soil mix for Calathea White Fusion:

• Peat-based soil mix: For Calathea White Fusion, a peat-based soil blend, like one made of peat moss and perlite, is a common pick. Perlite helps with drainage and airflow, and peat moss brings the nutrients and holds water well.
• Coco coir-based soil mix: Coco coir is a lot like peat moss but it’s more eco-friendly. Your Calathea White Fusion could benefit from great drainage and water holding with a soil mix that has coco coir and perlite.
• All-purpose potting mix: Calathea White Fusion can also do well in an all-purpose potting mix that’s been boosted with perlite and peat moss. Look for a mix with good drainage that’s made specifically for indoor plants.

Steer clear of soil mixes with lots of sand to avoid issues with water holding and bad drainage. Also, don’t overwater your Calathea White Fusion ’cause this can cause root rot and other problems. A soil mix that drains well can help keep your plant happy by preventing overwatering.

How often should you water Calathea White Fusion?

Calathea White Fusion digs damp places, but waterlogged zones are a no-go. Too wet soils can kickstart bacterial and fungal issues, not to mention root rot. Make sure the plant’s pot has enough drainage holes. Give the plant a good soak, but keep an eye on any water that hangs around in a dish instead of running out the bottom.

Calathea White Fusion plants usually need a drink every 5 to 10 days, but don’t go sticking to a strict schedule. Instead, hold off until the top inch of the soil has dried up.

Try using distilled or rainwater for your Calathea as it’s super sensitive to fluoride, which is often in tap water.

If tap water’s all you’ve got, leave it overnight in an open jug to let the fluoride evaporate.

In the summer, you’ll probably be watering once a week and in the winter, you’ll only need to water every 2-3 weeks since the plant’s not growing as fast.

Stick your finger into the first inch of soil to see if it’s wet; crispy leaves are a sign that your plant’s soil is too dry.

Calathea White Fusion temperature

Calathea White Fusion plants love it warm and humid, just like their tropical homeland. The sweet spot for Calathea White Fusion is between 65-80°F (18-27°C) in the daytime and not below 60°F (15°C) at night.

It’s important to keep your Calathea White Fusion away from drafty spots, as a sudden drop in temperature can stress the plant and make it shed leaves. Stay away from popping your plant near AC vents, open windows, or doors that get opened and closed a lot.

Apart from temperature, humidity’s also a biggie for Calathea White Fusion. These plants like high humidity, ideally between 60-70%. You can boost humidity by misting the leaves often or popping a humidifier near the plant. If your home’s air is particularly dry, you can also pop a tray of water near the plant to up the moisture in the air.

By keeping your Calathea White Fusion in a warm and humid spot, you can help keep it healthy and encourage new growth.

Humidity For Calathea White Fusion

Calathea White Fusion plants like humidity levels of 60-85%. In an indoor setting, this can be a bit tricky because most homes are most comfy at a humidity level of about 30%.

Here are some tips for hitting the humidity target:

• Spray mist and use a humidifier. Keep tabs on the humidity levels with a hygrometer to make sure your plant’s getting the right moisture level.
• Group plants together, as this can help to up the humidity in the air in that space.
• Stay away from putting plants near heaters or AC vents.
• You can put the Calathea pot on a tray of stones with water in it.
• Hang the plant in the bathroom window.

To make sure the plant’s getting enough water, check the soil with a moisture meter often and water as needed.

You might also need to adjust the humidity depending on the temperature in the room because warmer rooms need more humid air. If humidity levels are too low, you could get brown leaf tips and wilting leaves, while if humidity’s too high, your plant could become prone to disease.

Keeping your Calathea White Fusion healthy and thriving is totally doable with the right care and attention.

Fertilizer For Calathea White Fusion

Fertilizer is key to a Calathea White Fusion’s growth and health. Fertilizers are packed with key nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which help plants grow big and strong.

Using a balanced fertilizer that’s got micronutrients as well can make sure your plant stays healthy.

During the growing season feed Calathea White Fusions every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength for best results. If you can, use a fertilizer made just for Calathea plants and follow the instructions on the label carefully.

In the winter months, cut back on the feeding when growth slows down. Remember, don’t overfeed!

Alternatively, if you add a bunch of compost to your soil mix when you pot your Calathea White Fusion, it should last until you need to repot.

Tips: After repotting, never fertilize your plant.

How to repot Calathea White Fusion?

Repotting your Calathea White Fusion is important for keeping it healthy and bright.

The best time to repot your plant is during the spring or summer months when the plant has lots of light and warmth to help it settle into its new pot.

Every year or two, Calathea White Fusion plants need to be repotted. When roots start poking out of the drainage holes and leaves start drooping, it’s time to give your Calathea a new pot.

Using a plastic pot when you plant your Calathea can help the soil keep moisture. Just make sure the pot has enough drainage holes.

• When you repot, start by carefully lifting the root ball from its old pot and shaking off any extra soil.
• Put the root ball into a pot one size bigger than the old one, and fill it with fresh, airy potting mix.
• Give the plant a good watering after repotting to help the soil settle and help your plant settle into its new pot.
• Make sure to give your Calathea White Fusion plenty of light and warmth while repotting and for the following weeks to make sure it’s happy in its new home.

With the right repotting, your Calathea White Fusion will keep thriving in its new home!

Related: Calathea Lancifolia Care:The Complete And Best Guide

Pruning Calathea White Fusion

Calathea White Fusion needs careful care, and that includes pruning. This kind of trimming helps keep the plant looking and feeling its best. Pruning has to be done carefully because if you prune too much it can permanently harm the plant. It’s best to only prune when you need to and to only remove up to a third of the plant at a time.

When you’re pruning Calathea White Fusion, always start with removing dead or damaged leaves and stems. This helps the plant focus its growth energy on new healthy growth. It’s also important to cut off any extra or unnecessary branches, as this will help keep the plant’s shape. When you prune, make sure to cut at an angle above a node that’s facing outward to encourage new growth in that direction.

Timing is everything when it comes to pruning. If you prune too early it can shock and harm the plant, while if you prune too late it can reduce flowering.

Tips: Use a sharp, sanitized knife or pair of scissors during pruning.

Calathea White Fusion propagation

Propagation of the Calathea White Fusion is pretty straightforward. You can do it by splitting the plant or by taking stem cuttings.

Dividing plant

You can take stem cuttings if you aren’t ready to repot.

• Snip a few healthy stems from an existing plant, dip the cut ends in rooting hormone powder and stick them in damp, sterile soil or propagation medium.
• Cover with a plastic bag to keep the humidity up and keep out of direct sunlight.
• The cuttings should take root within four weeks, after which they can be potted in a nutrient-rich soil mix.
• Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering and feed every couple of months with a balanced fertilizer.

Stem cuttings

Growing more Calathea White Fusion by taking stem cuttings can be a great way to make new plants from an existing one. Here’s how to do it:

1. Pick a healthy stem: Look for a stem on your Calathea White Fusion that’s healthy, with at least two or three leaves and a node (the spot where the leaf attaches to the stem).
2. Cut the stem: Use clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut the stem just below the node. Make sure the cutting is at least 4-6 inches long.
3. Strip the lower leaves: Take off the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only one or two leaves at the top.
4. Dip the stem in rooting hormone: Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, which can help get root growth going.
5. Plant the cutting: Stick the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, and water the soil lightly.
6. Cover with a plastic bag: Cover the pot and cutting with a clear plastic bag or plastic wrap to make a humid environment that will encourage root growth.
7. Wait for new growth: Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and put the cutting in a bright, indirect light spot. It may take several weeks for new growth to show up, so be patient and continue to look after the cutting.

Once the cutting has established roots and new growth, you can take off the plastic cover and treat it as a grown-up Calathea White Fusion plant. Remember to keep the soil damp, maintain high humidity levels, and provide the plant with bright, indirect light to help it thrive.

Common Pests & Plant Problems for Calathea White Fusion

Common pests and plant problems can affect the health of Calathea White Fusion plants. Usual suspects include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, scale bugs, and thrips. Common diseases that can affect Calathea White Fusion plants include powdery mildew, leaf spot, root rot, and rust.

Common Pests

• On the underside of leaves and flower stalks, aphids—tiny, soft-bodied bugs—can be found. These pests feed by suckling plant sap, which turns the leaves yellow and produces the sticky stuff known as honeydew.
• Mealybugs are tiny scale bugs that suck the sap from tender stems and young leaves. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew.
• Spider mites are tiny spider relatives that can cause yellow spots on the leaves. They are usually found in colonies and spin webs over the leaves, which also hampers growth.
  Scale bugs feed by sucking sap from stems and leaves, causing them to become stunted or warped. They are usually found clustered on stems and near the soil line.
• Thrips are small insects that feed on leaves, flowers and fruits. They can cause warped foliage and silvery patches of discolored leaves.

Plant Diseases

Even though Calathea White Fusion plants are often tough and good at fending off diseases, they can still run into some problems, just like any other plant. These are some usual plant issues that could mess with Calathea White Fusion:

• Root rot is caused by fungi that harm the plant’s roots and is a result of too much water or bad drainage. Yellow leaves, mushy roots, and a stinky smell are signs of root rot. Make sure your Calathea White Fusion is planted in a soil mix that drains well and avoid giving it too much water to avoid root rot.
• Leaf spot is a fungal problem that shows up as tiny, circular spots on a plant’s leaves. These spots, which could be black, brown, or yellow, can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. While watering your Calathea White Fusion, try not to get water on the leaves, and make sure the plant has good airflow to avoid leaf spot.

It’s key to check on the plant regularly for signs of illness or pest troubles if you want to keep your Calathea White Fusion healthy. Spotting and treating issues early can keep your plant healthy and help prevent more damage.

Calathea White Fusion Care Common Problems

Adding a bit of tropical flair to any indoor space is easy with the help of the beautiful and unusual Calathea White Fusion plant. But like all plants, it can come across a few common problems that can mess with its growth and wellbeing. Here are some common problems you might run into when caring for Calathea White Fusion:

• Curling leaves: If the leaves on your Calathea White Fusion are curling inwards, the air might not be humid enough or the plant might be getting too little water. Make sure you’re watering the plant regularly and providing it with enough humidity.
• Browning leaf tips: On Calathea White Fusion, brown leaf tips can mean dry air or too much fertilizer. Be careful not to feed your plant too much, and consider setting up a humidifier nearby to up the humidity.
• Yellowing leaves: On Calathea White Fusion, leaves turning yellow can be a sign of too much water or root rot. Make sure the soil drains well, and don’t overdo it with the watering.
• Stunted growth: Your Calathea White Fusion might need more light or nutrients if it isn’t growing as fast as you’d like. Maybe move it to a sunnier spot or give it some balanced fertilizer.

By keeping an eye on it regularly and taking action to fix any problems that come up, you can help make sure your Calathea White Fusion stays healthy and bright.

FAQ About Calathea White Fusion Care

Q: How much sunlight does my Calathea White Fusion need?

A: Calathea White Fusion likes bright but indirect light. Put the plant somewhere it gets some sun, but try to keep it out of the harsh midday sun.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Calathea White Fusion?

A: Give your Calathea White Fusion some balanced liquid plant food at half-strength every couple of weeks during spring and summer. During the winter months, feeding it isn’t necessary.

Q: What kind of humidity does a Calathea White Fusion need?

A: Calathea White Fusion needs high humidity to really do well. Put your plant near a humidifier or spray it every day with room-temperature water.

Q: Is Calathea White Fusion poisonous?

A: No. Calathea White Fusion won’t poison humans or animals. But pets can easily damage the super delicate leaves of Calathea White Fusion. Keep your plants out of their reach.

Q: How can I tell if my Calathea White Fusion is unhealthy?

A: A Calathea White Fusion that’s not doing well might show signs like leaves turning yellow, edges or tips of leaves drying out, and drooping leaves. If you see any of these symptoms, check the plant for pests, change the soil and watering schedule, or move it somewhere else.

Even though the Calathea White Fusion is a gorgeous and easy-care plant, it still needs some basic care to really do well. By following the tips we’ve shared above, you should have no trouble keeping your Calathea healthy and happy. Of course, if you run into any problems or just have questions about caring for plants in general, don’t hesitate to get in touch with FamiPlants for help. We’re always up for a chat with fellow plant lovers!