<i>Calathea </i>plant named ‘STELLA’

Abstract

A new and distinct Calathea cultivar named ‘STELLA’ is disclosed, which develops a showy plant with consistent white, green, and light green marble variegation throughout the entire leaves as well as darker green margins and a translucent purple color on the underside of the leaf surface. Plants are compact and well-suited for 4-inch and 6-inch commercial pots. Foliage is strong with wavy leaf margins and an over somewhat undulating leaf aspect. The new variety is a Calathea, typically produced as an indoor ornamental plant.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Calathea plant named ‘STELLA’ as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color a typical plant of ‘STELLA’ grown in a greenhouse in Apopka, Fla. This plant is approximately 4 months old, shown in a 4 inch pot.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the same plant.

(3) The photographs were taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(4) In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 2007, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘STELLA’ plants grown in a polyhouse in Apopka, Fla., USA. Temperatures ranged from 80° F. to 90° F. during the day, 65° F. to 70° F. at night. No artificial light, photoperiodic treatments were given to the plants. For the first 2 months, plants were grown in shade, resulting in approximately 350 to 550 foot candles of light. After 2 months, the heavy shade is removed, and plants are finished at a natural light condition which varies between 550 to 10,000 foot candles. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Calathea leitzei ‘STELLA’. Age of plant described: 120 days from a rooted cutting.

PROPAGATION AND PRODUCTION

(5) Time to initiate roots: Summer: 30 to 40 days at approximately 85° F. Winter: 40 to 50 days at approximately 64° F. Root description: Roots emerge from nodes in rhizomes. Roots approximately 3 mm thick, colored near RHS White 155A. Rhizomes Green-White 157A, irregular oblong, approximate diameter range from 5 mm to 1.3 cm. Length varies with age, typically 1.0 cm to 3.0 cm. Time to produce a finished plant: From cuttings to a 72 cell pack takes approximately 4 weeks to finish a 4-inch saleable pot. About 8 to 10 months to finish a 6-inch pot, which will be about 18 to 20 inches tall. The variance in time depends upon the time of year.

PLANT

(6) Growth habit: Compact, growth. Basal leaves emerge in clumps. Pot size of plant described: 4 inch. Plant vigor: Slightly less than moderate, as typical with strongly variegated plants. Plant shape: Upright, slightly outwardly arching, forming an irregular oval. Height: 12 inches. Plant spread: 7 inches. Main stem color: Near RHS Yellow-Green 145C. Main stem texture: Smooth. Main stem length: Average range 5.5 inches. Main stem diameter: Average approximately 2.5 cm. Main stem strength: Flexible, easily resists breaking. Branching characteristics: No true branching. New leaves emerge direct from base of plant. Number of clumps of leaves: 4 to 6 clumps. Number of leaves per clump: Average 6 to 8. Age of plant described: 120 days from a rooted cutting. Internodes: Not present. Individual stems arise from the rhizomes. No branching.

FOLIAGE

(7) Leaf: Arrangement.—Single leaves emerging basally, in clumping rosettes. No leaf internode. Quantity per stem.—2 to 3. Average length.—4 to 6 inches. Average width.—1.5 inches. Shape of blade.—Somewhat broad elliptic. Aspect.—Undulating. Somewhat curling appearance. Apex.—Acute. Base.—Rounded Margin.—Entire, undulating, and wavy. Appearance.—Semi-glossy upper and lower surfaces. Texture of top surface.—Smooth. Texture of bottom surface.—Smooth. Color.—Immature foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 137A, 139A, 138C, Greyed-Green 193B, and White 155A. All colors present individually in large, irregular patches and marbled variegations. Margin near Green 137A and 139A. Immature foliage under side: Near RHS Purple N79C completely overlaying variegation of Green 139A, 138C and White 155A. Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 137A, 139A, 138C, Greyed-Green 193B, and White 155A. All colors present individually in large, irregular patches and marbled variegations. Margin near Green 137A and 139A. Mature foliage under side: Variegation of Green 139A, 138C and White 155A. Some overlay of Purple N78B. Venation: Type.—Pinnate. Venation coloration upper side.—Indistinguishable from leaf blade coloration. Venation coloration under side.—Indistinguishable from leaf blade coloration. Petiole.—Length: 6 inches. Diameter: Approximately 2 mm. Color: Near RHS Yellow-Green 145B lightly flushed Purple N78C. Texture: Smooth. Petiole sheath.—Length: Approximately 1 to 1.5 inches. Diameter: Approximately 0.8 inches. Color: Near RHS Yellow-Green 145C and White 155A. Texture: Smooth.

FLOWERS

(8) Not observed to date and not typically producing flowers.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(9) Disease and pest resistance: Typical resistance and susceptibility to normal pests and diseases of Calathea has been observed. Typical diseases found in the Marantaceae family include: Pseudomonas species, Pseudomonas cichorii, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum. Typical pests include: Radopholus similis, Tetranychus urticae, and various flies from the Sciaridae family. Drought tolerance and cold tolerance: The new cultivar is a typical Calathea, cold tolerant to approximately 55° F. and does not tolerate drought. High temperature tolerance to at least 90° F. Fruit/seed production: Not observed.