How to Propagate Calathea vittata | 2 Ways to Propagate Goeppertia elliptica


Calathea vittata also called Goeppertia elliptica is propagated at the beginning of the growing season by plant division either in soil or in water.

Goeppertia elliptica is a stunning plant which bears elliptical, bright-green leaves with distinctive white stripes and burgundy-purple undersides.

Calathea vittata is one of the favorite Calathea plant varieties that has become a popular houseplants on account of its striking foliage.

Goeppertia elliptica flourishes in medium to bright, indirect light, average warmth of 18-280C, high humidity of 55-80% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained, all purpose potting mix coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for Calathea vittata.

Goeppertia elliptica is easy to propagate. We have herebelow outlined 2 methods by which you can multiply your plants.

Calathea vittata, Goeppertia elliptica

1. How to propagate Calathea vittata by plant division in soil

  1. Water the Calathea vittata thoroughly at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment as a well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.

  2. Take out the plant from its pot and divide it into several sections. Ensure each sections has adequate roots and at least 2-3 stems.

  3. Select a 6 or 8 in. pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.

  4. Fill the pot with free-draining, potting medium and make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the section.

  5. Place the section in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep; maintain the section at the same soil level it was in the previous pot.

  6. Liberally water the soil until water comes out through the drainage holes. Cover the pots with clear polythene to create a greenhouse effect and maintain warm humid conditions which hasten establishment of the plants.

  7. Place the pots in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight until new growth has emerged on the sections.

  8. Gradually remove the polythene over a period of two weeks to acclimatize the new plants.

  9. Maintain the soil moist until the new Goeppertia elliptica are well established after which you can begin routine care.

Calathea vittata, Goeppertia elliptica

2. How to propagate Calathea vittata by plant division in water

  1. Water the Calathea vittata thoroughly at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment as a well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.

  2. Slip the plant out of its pot. Thoroughly wash the roots with plenty of water and divide it into several sections. Ensure each sections has adequate roots and at least 2-3 stems.

  3. Place each division in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water every 5-7 days.

  4. When a good amount of new roots have formed on the sections, transfer the sections into individual pots in moist, quality, rooting soil.

  5. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.

  6. Maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged and substantial growth has been observed.

  7. Transfer the new Goeppertia elliptica into a pot 1 size larger than the current one while ensuring that the soil is well-drained. From this point you can begin routine care.

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