Calathea "Freddie"

Calathea 'Freddie'

Plant Description

Calathea 'Freddie' (Calathea concinna) is a stunning tropical houseplant known for its long, lance-shaped leaves with light green backgrounds and dark green feather-like patterns. The foliage exhibits nyctinasty, meaning the leaves move in response to light, folding up at night and reopening during the day.

Native Range

Calatheas are native to the rainforests of South America, particularly in Brazil, where they thrive in the humid understory.

USDA Growing Zones

Hardiness Zones: 10–12 (outdoors in tropical climates)

Best Grown Indoors in Zones: 3–9 as a houseplant

Size (Height & Width)

Height: 12–24 inches

Spread: 12–18 inches

Growing Conditions

Light Requirements:  Prefers bright, indirect light; direct sun can scorch the leaves.  Can tolerate low light, but growth may slow.

Soil:  Needs well-draining, peat-based potting mix with good aeration.  Ideal pH range: 6.0–6.5 (slightly acidic).

Watering:  Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.  Use filtered or distilled water to prevent leaf browning from tap water chemicals.

Temperature & Humidity:  Thrives in 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.  Requires high humidity (above 50%)—use a humidifier, pebble tray, or misting to maintain moisture levels.

Fertilization:  Feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer (balanced 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) every 4 weeks during the growing season (spring–summer).  Reduce feeding in fall and winter.

Potting & Repotting:  Repot every 1–2 years to refresh the soil and allow root growth.  Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Pest & Disease Management:  Common pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids—wipe leaves with insecticidal soap if needed. Diseases: Root rot from overwatering; ensure proper drainage.

Uses in the Landscape & Home

Houseplant: Ideal for homes and offices with moderate to high humidity.

Terrariums & Greenhouses: Thrives in controlled humidity environments.

Shaded Outdoor Spaces (Zones 10–12): Can be grown in tropical gardens under trees or covered patios.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.