Wow! What on earth is that? was my excited reaction on first seeing what, to me, was a most unusual flower while walking in the gardens at Boon Hall Oasis (a real oasis for the soul).

It was borne on a long stalk, was peach-coloured with orange flecks and was among large shiny green leaves with purple undersides. A closer look revealed that it was really an inflorescence made up of peach-coloured bracts (which turned green as they aged).

Calathea sp. which can be found at Boon Hall Oasis.

Within the bracts were small tubular florets - yellow with purple lips. This amazing plant is a Calathea of the family Maranthacea, which has over 500 species.

Two other members of this genus - "Blue Ice" (C. burle-matxii) and "Green Ice" (Calathea sp.) - are favourites among flower arrangers. The Blue Ice is valued because the colour blue is not too common among tropical flowers. Another curious member is the cigar plant C. lutea, so called because the flower shape and colour are somewhat reminiscent of a cigar.

While these plants are grown for their flowers, others such as C. sanderiana are grown for their colourful and patterned leaves.
It is members of the genus Maranta, however, that are grown for their variegated and patterned leaves.

These leaves also have the unusual characteristic of growing in a spreading pattern by day and then folding upwards at nights like praying hands, hence the name "the prayer plant".

Both these genera are rhizomatous perennials from the rain-forests of Central and South America and the West Indies. Most of these, especially the Maranta, are small plants and so are ideal as potted plants. They may be grown from seeds planted as soon as they ripen (they have a very short life) or by division of the clump.

They should be planted in shallow potting compost as they have a shallow root system. They grow best in bright, filtered light and so outdoors they can be used as good ground cover among shrubs in shaded areas. In fact, direct sunlight can be quite damaging to the leaves.

One factor they require for optimal growth is high humidity. They grow well outdoors in Stony Hill and Golden Spring - no doubt the wag water river helps in this context. Frequent misting of potted plants will help to maintain high humidity. A balanced liquid fertiliser once per month will be beneficial.

A well-nourished plant will be able to survive if attacked by pests and diseases. The most common pests of these plants are the red spider mite and aphids.

If potted plants are attacked, the first thing to do is to isolate the infected ones. If caught in the early stages, spray with insecticide soap solution, or for more drastic measures use an insecticide spray. Always remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Happy gardening!

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'

Cheeky's World