White Fusion Rose-painted Calathea

White Fusion Rose-painted Calathea (Calathea lietzei 'White Fusion') is a low growing calathea with dark green, gently rippled, round-oval leaves strongly marked in pure white. It reaches 30cm to 45cm tall and 40cm to 60cm wide, and mature plants show a hint of pale pink where the purple underside shows through. It is one of the most beautiful calatheas and also one of the fussiest, so it suits growers who can give it steady care.

Why you'll love it

• Pure white markings. Strong white patterns across dark green leaves give a sharp, graphic look.
• Rippled leaves. The round-oval leaves are gently rippled, which adds depth and catches the light.
• A blush of pink. On mature plants, the purple underside adds a hint of palest pink to the white markings.
• Low and spreading. At 30cm to 45cm tall and up to 60cm wide it forms a broad, low mound that suits a table or bench.
• Pet friendly. Calatheas are not considered toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

A stable indoor spot. Choose a bright room and leave the plant where it is. It dislikes draughts and sudden changes, so a steady position beats moving it around.

Shaded display containers. A wide pot suits its low, spreading habit, in warm, sheltered shade.

Shaded borders in frost free gardens. As tropical accent planting, plant 50cm apart in semi-shade, sheltered from wind.

Growing White Fusion Rose-painted Calathea in Australia

Position and climate. Semi-shade with indirect sunlight. Too much light scorches the leaves, and too much shade fades the markings. It needs temperatures over 15C and enjoys humidity, so outdoors it suits tropical and subtropical gardens only, and it must be protected from draughts.

Soil. Moisture retaining soil or a good quality potting mix, in a pot with drainage holes.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first 12 weeks, then when the soil surface is dry. Avoid overwatering and reduce watering in winter. Mist regularly if the air is dry and wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth, with no chemicals or leaf shine. Apply a slow release fertiliser for foliage plants every three months, or a liquid feed diluted to half strength when you water.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Remove old or damaged leaves at the base.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell White Fusion Rose-painted Calathea as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, and it likes steady conditions, so choose its permanent spot before you unpack it. Keep it warm and out of cold draughts, water it only when the soil surface is dry, and let it settle for a few weeks before you judge it.

Our tube stock is supplied by our grower, so it is not always in stock. If the tube option reads sold out, the grower has none ready, and the notify button on this page sends you an email the day it returns.

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 the calathea range
• House and indoor plants
• Variegated foliage plants
• Calathea care guide for brown edges and curling

Common questions

Is it hard to grow?

It is fussier than most calatheas. It wants moist but not wet soil, bright but not strong light, warmth without heat and no draughts. Changes in routine or position can throw it off, so keep conditions steady.

How much light does it want?

Semi-shade with indirect sunlight. Too much light scorches the leaves, and too little fades the white markings.

Can I use leaf shine on it?

No. Keep the leaves clean by wiping them gently with a damp cloth and a light mist of water. Avoid chemicals.