Do plants sleep?

I don't have much experience with houseplants, but this Calathea has been acting odd. It closes up at night and then reopens during the day. The sensitive plant also does this. Are there more?

During the day

At Night

Reindeer, plants, and cold weather...

It was another cold dry weekend, so I checked up on our winter garden. Not much had changed, but the slow motion growing is happening. Still no sign of life from the carrots, but I believe. Someday, someday soon, there will be a leafy surprise breaching the surface of the dirt.

On to more exciting news, Donder and Blitzen have taken a week off (or are on strike for higher wages) and happened to be at the local Watsons Greenhouse. We heard the news, so we trotted along there as well. Lucy didn't know what to think, but after getting a candy cane was happy to be there. Blitzen came over to say hello, hoping we had some raisins, and after ascertaining there were no raisins to be had and formalities concluded, went to the back of the stall to think things over. Donder was having a long discussion with a soccer ball and wasn't to be disturbed. All in all it was lots of fun. Then, as we were already there, we bought a few more houseplants.

Helen (7 months) in front and Lucy (20 months) behind her. Lots of fun!

Donder

Blitzen

Lucy is picking out which poinsettia we should get

Another Calathea

The variegated tops of the leaves contrast well with the dark purple undersides

Just one more of Lucy

"never forget to look under the leaves for signs of plant disease"

An idea and a little money...

I wanted a indoor plant or two, so I went shopping...a jungle in the kitchen is the result!

From left to right: miniture rose, peace lily, golden pothos (back), rubber plant, african violets, more minture roses, and calathea

Indoor Plants: Calathea



Calathea Leaves



#1 Calathea

Common names: "Pin-stripe Plant"
Latin name: C. majestica 'Roseolineata -  Calathea ornata

 This is the first of my indoor plants. I went to Watsons Greenhouse, a place every gardener should go if they want inspiration, and talked to one of their knowledgeable staff. My main goal with these plants is that they will look nice and also be easy to take care of. The Calathea fits right in. It looks amazing, is really easy to care for, and should keep on growing. I'm going to start it on one of the end tables, but after a couple years, it will be tall enough for a corner or small plant stand - a great splash of color in any room. 

·         The Calathea family consist of over 300 species many of which are grown as houseplants.

·         Place your Calathea ornata in bright filtered or indirect light. East, west or north windows should do nicely. Avoid hot sunny locations as the plants leaves will tend to curl and burn. During periods of extreme cold remove the Calathea ornata from the window to avoid chilling.

·         Most Calathea's, including ornata are finicky about water quality. City tap water contains chlorine and other chemicals that tend to cause brown spots on the leaves. Let your tap water sit out for several days to allow the added chemicals to dissipate.

·         Calathea ornata prefers to have moist soil all the time. Several small weekly waterings is one way to achieve this. Add water until you see liquid coming from the pots drainage holes. Remove any excess water within a couple of hours to help prevent root rot. Keep your Calathea ornata on a pebble tray to help increase humidity near the plant.

·         Excessive fertilizing also can cause leaf spots on Calthea ornata. Your Calathea should be fertilized about four times per year.

·         Common houseplant pests include: Spider mites. 





Calathea Ornata