Calathea 'White Fusion'

The Calathea 'White Fusion' is a prized, pet-friendly tropical houseplant known for its striking green, white, and purple-tinged leaves that move with the sun, earning it the "prayer plant" nickname; it demands high humidity, bright indirect light, consistently moist but not soggy soil, and filtered water to prevent crispy leaf edges, often struggling with chemical sensitivities in tap water and low humidity. 

Origin

Calathea 'White Fusion' isn't a naturally occurring wild plant but a distinctive cultivar developed from Calathea lietzei (now Goeppertia lietzei), originating from a natural mutation discovered in a Malaysian greenhouse in 2007 by Tyianne Yam, who then cultivated it in Florida for its striking white and green variegation, making it a man-made marvel for the houseplant trade.

Key Characteristics

• Foliage: Features vibrant green leaves with bold white streaks and splashes, often with purple or magenta undersides.
• Prayer Plant: Its leaves fold upwards at night (nyctinasty) and open during the day.
• Pet-Friendly: Generally considered safe for cats and dogs. 

Care Requirements

• Light: Bright, indirect light; too much direct sun burns leaves and fades variegation, while too little can cause reversion.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but never soggy. Use distilled, filtered, or rainwater to avoid tap water chemicals that cause brown tips.
• Humidity: High humidity (above 40%) is crucial; use a humidifier or pebble tray if your home is dry.
• Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic, peat-based mix. Temperature: Prefers warm, consistent temperatures (65-80°F / 18-27°C).