Origin

Calathea White Fusion (Goeppertia lietzei) is an evergreen perennial known for its beautiful white and green foliage. Like other Calatheas, the undersides of the leaves are a deep purplish-red, further adding to their beauty. They’re native to the tropical Americas.

They're part of the Prayer Plant (Marantaceae) family, which includes many plants with 'dancing leaves'. That is to say, their leaves move around in response to light changes, and will close / open up when they are exposed to sunlight.

Their leaves can grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length, while the plant itself can reach around 24 inches (60 cm) tall.

It can sometimes be tricky to find Calathea White Fusion for sale, so if you see one available you may want to grab it while you can! They are more often sold during the Spring and Summer, so keep an eye out for them then.

Care

Calathea White Fusion can be sensitive to harsh, direct sunlight, as it can scorch and damage the light-colored parts of their leaves. However, if they don’t get enough light, they may lose the vibrancy of the coloring in their foliage. Therefore, it’s important to provide your plant with plenty of diffused light. For example, protecting it from too much direct sunlight using a sheer curtain can work well.

Humidity is also a tricky part for these plants. Place yours close to a humidifier or on a tray with pebbles and water to keep it somewhat satisfied.

As well as maintaining high humidity, it’s important to keep your plant warm and protect it from drafts. They won’t tolerate colder temperatures, so definitely don’t place yours next to drafty windows. Note also that, although it can seem tempting to put a warm-loving plant next to a heater, this can actually dry it out very quickly. This is not good news for your Calathea White Fusion’s humidity needs! So be sure to place it a sufficient enough distance from any heat sources, A.C. units, vents etc.

Finally, your Calathea White Fusion will appreciate moisture. Ideally, their soil should be kept somewhat damp at all times. You need to find a balance though – they don’t like soil that is too wet, nor will they appreciate sitting in water. Always make sure to check the soil before adding more water, and empty out any water that collects in the dish beneath your plant’s pot.

Other

Calathea White Fusion can sometimes produce yellow flowers during the summertime, however, it’s very rare for this to happen when it is grown as an indoor houseplant.

If you notice that your plant’s leaves start to yellow, this is typically a sign of overwatering. Hold off a little and make sure you’re not adding too much water when you water again – your Calathea White Fusion should never sit in soggy, wet soil.

Another good reason to maintain high humidity around your plant is that Calatheas can be susceptible to developing spider mite infestations. Misting the leaves regularly can help prevent this, but it’s still a good practice to check the leaves every now and then. Remember to check the undersides of the leaves too!