The Calathea Crocata, often called "Inca Gold," "Eternal Flame," or "Prayer Plant," is a beautiful houseplant that brings an exotic atmosphere into your home. With its dark green leaves and vibrant orange flowers that rise like small torches from the foliage, this plant adds a touch of tropical elegance to any setting. A fascinating feature of this plant is that, like many of its relatives, its leaves move slightly in the evening, although this spectacle is somewhat more subtle than with other species. The deep green, almost metallic shimmering color of the leaves is complemented by a strong crimson hue on the underside, creating a noble contrast. The flower stalks proudly rise, giving the plant an additional dimension.
Typical characteristics:
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striking, vibrant orange bracts ("Eternal Flame")
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dark, wavy foliage with a purple underside
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pet-friendly and safe
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provides a warm, tropical splash of color
☀️ Location, soil, and more
The Calathea Crocata likes it warm and cozy. The right location is crucial for the beautiful flowers to develop.
Location
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bright to semi-shady (brighter than other Calatheas to promote flowering)
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no direct midday sun (leaves can burn)
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high humidity is highly preferred
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Perfect for bright bathrooms or living rooms near windows (east or west side).
🌿 Calathea Crocata Care – Overview
This plant is a real eye-catcher but is considered a small "diva." However, by meeting its needs for warmth and humidity, it rewards you with a long flowering period.
🌱 Growth
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compact and upright growth
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spreads out bushily
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usually reaches a height of 30 to 50 cm
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contributes to a dense and elegant appearance.
🍃 Leaves & Flowers
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oblong-oval and slightly wavy
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dark green to almost black shimmering on the upper side
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underside glows in deep wine red to purple
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the orange inflorescences often last for several months.
💧 Watering / Water
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keep the soil consistently slightly moist
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definitely avoid dry root balls (leaves will curl up otherwise)
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best to water with low-lime, room-temperature water
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however, waterlogging quickly leads to root rot.
🌼 Fertilizing
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from spring to autumn: every 2–3 weeks
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liquid houseplant or flowering plant fertilizer at half strength
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reduce or stop fertilizing in winter
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over-fertilization can lead to salt deposits and brown leaf edges.
🌱 Substrate
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A loose soil environment is important to protect the fine roots
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humus-rich
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well-draining
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slightly acidic
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A mix of high-quality potting soil, some perlite, and coir works well.
🪴 Repotting
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every year or every 2 years in spring
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Calathea Crocata likes fresh substrate to stay vital; the pot should only be slightly larger than the old one.
✂️ Pruning
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The Calathea Crocata does not require regular shape pruning.
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remove faded flower stalks at the base
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simply cut off dried leaves at soil level
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use clean tools to prevent diseases.
🌱 Propagating Calathea Crocata
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Propagation is best done by division, as cuttings often struggle to root
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carefully divide the root ball when repotting
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ensure each section has enough roots and at least one shoot
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plant in separate pots and keep warm and moist.
☠️ Is Calathea toxic?
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safe for cats and dogs
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safe for small animals
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Similar to the Maranta and the Kentia palm, it is an absolutely safe option for all pet owners. 👉 You can place it anywhere your furry friends roam without worry.
🧠 Other Care Tips
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Calatheas love high humidity: regularly mist the leaves with low-lime water or use a humidifier.
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Brown leaf edges are usually a sign of air that is too dry or hard (calcareous) watering water.
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The plant loves temperatures around 20–25 °C and absolutely dislikes cold drafts or cold floors.
✅ Conclusion
With its vibrant flowers and elegant foliage, the Calathea Crocata is an excellent choice for plant lovers seeking something special. While it is a bit more demanding in terms of humidity, it rewards you with an exotic charm and a cozy atmosphere. Let this fascinating plant brighten your interior.