Black Rose Calathea

Black Rose Calathea (Calathea roseopicta 'Black Rose') is a small foliage plant from the tropics whose deep burgundy-green leaves are edged in pink and striped down the centre, with red-purple undersides. It reaches about 30cm tall and 40cm wide. Also known as the rose-painted calathea, it is a dramatic choice for indoor shelves and shaded tropical borders.

Why you'll love it

• Dramatic colour. Deep burgundy-green leaves with candy-pink borders and a central stripe, backed by red-purple undersides that show when the leaves lift at night.
• Compact and tidy. At 30cm by 40cm it suits a desk, shelf or bathroom bench, and a group of three or four makes a rich leafy cluster.
• Happy in shade. It is at home in bright shade, a good fit for rooms with no direct sun.
• Safe around pets. Calatheas are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so you can keep it where the family lives.
• Indoors or tropical shade. Use it inside, or as underplanting in a sheltered, frost-free tropical garden.

Where it works best

Indoors. Bright, indirect light and steady warmth suit it best. Bathrooms and kitchens with a window give the humidity it enjoys, while a room with ducted heating running all winter is the hardest place for it.

Tropical shade borders. In warm, frost-free gardens, plant 40cm apart beneath trees or along a shaded wall for a dark, glossy ground layer.

Grouped pots. Several pots together raise the humidity around each plant, which helps this showy calathea keep its leaf edges clean.

Growing Black Rose Calathea in Australia

Position and climate. Bright shade out of direct sun suits it best. It needs warmth above 15C and enjoys humidity, so outdoors it belongs only in sheltered, frost-free shade in tropical and subtropical gardens. Elsewhere, keep it indoors.

Soil. Use a good quality, moisture-holding potting mix. Make sure the pot drains freely and sits clear of any saucer of standing water.

Water and feed. Water steadily through the first 12 weeks and keep the same routine once it is established. Mist if the air is dry, and feed every three months with a slow release fertiliser high in nitrogen for vibrant foliage. Black Rose is one of the showier calatheas and one of the quickest to show brown edges in dry air, so humidity matters.

Pruning. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to clear dust, and remove any damaged leaves at the base.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Black Rose Calathea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. The potted packs give you a fuller plant to start with, and tubes are the economical choice if you are filling a shaded bed. As a tropical plant it should be unpacked promptly and kept warm and out of cold draughts.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our full calathea range
• Indoor plants for low light
• More tropical plants
• The calathea care guide for Australian homes

Common questions

Does it need high humidity?

It enjoys it. Group it with other plants, keep it out of the path of heaters and air conditioners, and mist when the air is dry. Dry air is the usual cause of crisp, brown leaf edges.

Why are the leaves curling?

Almost always thirst. The leaves roll to reduce their surface area and unfurl within a day or two of a thorough watering. If the mix was already wet, check the roots for waterlogging instead.

Is it safe for pets?

Yes. Calatheas are non-toxic to cats and dogs, although chewed leaves can still upset a small animal's stomach.