Freddy Calathea

Freddy Calathea (Calathea louisae 'Freddy', also sold as 'Freddie') is an upright foliage plant carrying broad, pointed leaves that are glossy, gently ruffled and striped in deep and pale green. It grows about 45cm tall and 30cm wide, a slim, upright size that suits narrow shelves and shaded corners.

Why you'll love it

• Striped, glossy leaves. Deep green stripes alternate with paler bands across each leaf, and the glossy surface catches the light.
• A ruffled edge. The slightly wavy margins soften the pattern and give the plant a lively, leafy shape.
• Slim footprint. At around 30cm wide it fits in tight spots on a shelf, a side table or a shaded garden corner.
• Occasional white flowers. White flowers appear now and then, a pleasant extra on top of the foliage.
• Safe around pets. Calatheas are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so there is no need to keep it out of reach.

Where it works best

Indoors. Give it bright, indirect light and a warm room. It sits well on a shelf or bench, in a bathroom with a window or beside a bright hallway.

Understorey planting in tropical gardens. In sheltered, frost-free gardens it makes a neat underplanting. Set plants about 30cm apart for a dense carpet of striped foliage.

Groups of pots. Three or four plants together create a fuller display and a little extra humidity around the leaves.

Growing Freddy Calathea in Australia

Position and climate. Keep it in bright shade, away from direct sun. It needs warmth above 15C and enjoys humidity, so outdoors it belongs in sheltered, frost-free shade in tropical and subtropical gardens. Elsewhere, grow it indoors.

Soil. Use a quality potting mix that holds some moisture but drains freely. Choose a pot with drainage holes and avoid standing it in 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. A slow release fertiliser high in nitrogen, applied every three months, supports vibrant, healthy foliage.

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

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Freddy Calathea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, so pot it into a free draining mix promptly and keep it in a warm, bright spot out of direct sun. Calatheas are tropical, so unpack the plant straight away and shelter it from 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

• See the full calathea collection
• More house and indoor plants
• Plants for full shade
• Calathea care: what causes brown edges and curling

Common questions

How big does Freddy grow?

About 45cm tall and 30cm wide. It grows upright rather than sprawling, so it works where there is more height than floor space.

Can it live outdoors?

Only in sheltered, frost-free shade in tropical and subtropical gardens. It needs temperatures above 15C, so grow it indoors in cooler regions.

What causes brown leaf tips?

Usually dry air, hard tap water or fertiliser salts. Mist, group it with other plants, use rainwater or filtered water if you can and feed lightly.