Calathea is a group of houseplants that are known for their unique foliage. They are closely related to the more commonly known Maranta group which includes the Prayer Plant and others. The particular Calathea that Monica, our house plant buyer, thinks is really fun and unusual is the Rattle Snake Plant (Calathea insignis). They are called the Rattle Snake Plant because, when the leaves open during the day and fold at night, there is a faint sound that is heard resembling a rattle snake! The leaves are 12-18 inches long and are bright green, marked with bold, deep olive green blotches. The underside of the leave is reddish purple. Wow—a plant that is not only beautiful but is also entertaining!

 The care requirements of this plant include:

~Medium light such as a morning light or a tree shaded window. Do not put in direct light because leaves will burn or fade.

~Average home temperature between 60 and 70 degrees. If it is warmer than 70 degrees, mist the plants daily with filtered or purified water to help keep the edges from drying out and becoming brown.

~Keep soil moist during the growing season (March through October) and then reduce watering so soil surface is slightly dry to the touch. Do not let it dry out completely.

~Feed with Max Sea All Purpose Plant Food using 2 teaspoons per gallon of water once per week. This is particularly important during the growing season.

~ They love humidity so to help increase humidity use an oversized saucer.  Fill it with small decorative rocks. Place the plant on top of rocks. Be sure plant pot is not sitting in water. They also do well in terrariums or bottle gardens.

It is really nice to have an area designated for repotting, planting seeds, and doing other gardening tasks. To help you create that space, we offer a selection of potting benches in a range of sizes and prices to meet most budgets. For a simple but still very functional option, take a look at the Astoria Potting Bench (sku 8264830). It is compact and stows away easily. It measures approx. 47x23x37 inches. It is great for quick gardening jobs. We also offer another model for garden enthusiast that measures approx.40x23x60 inches (sku 8264822). This model has a tool and storage area. Both are made from wood and are available fully assembled or boxed.

Develop new ideas for improving and rejuvenating your garden. The winter garden shows the “bones” of your landscape, so if it looks sparse and unattractive consider adding some cold hardy shrubs that look good year-round. Many have decorative flowers berries or unique branch structures that add color and interest to the winter garden.

Prune roses, fruit trees, and summer and fall blooming shrubs and trees. Prune spring bloomers after they finish blooming. If you need help with pruning fruit trees, we stock a wonderful book called How to Prune Fruit Trees, by Martin R. Sanford which we recommend for all you do-it-yourselfers. Protect your hands and arms with Gloves that prevent injuries and bruises from thorns and other irritants.

It’s time to apply a second application of dormant disease control spray on your fruit trees. Use Copper sprays such as Monterey Liquid-Cop (copper ammonium complex) or organic Copper Soaps (OMRI).  For best results, add Summit Horticultural Oil Spray or Saf-T-Side Oil Spray, a certified organic oil to Liquid-Cop. The oil helps the copper stick to the plant and is effective in smothering overwintering insects such as aphids and scale. This process is an effective, earth friendly prevention program to help reduce insects and diseases such as peach-leaf curl.

Add winter color, such as primroses, violas, calendula, and alyssum to pots and spaces that you view from windows or doors. This will help keep your views bright and cheery throughout early spring.

Start Perennial Flowers from seed. We stock a wonderful supply from Botanical Interest and Renee’s.

Check Houseplants for insects and for repotting needs. Spray with an appropriate product for the insect problem and with one that is safe to use indoors. If you need help, simply bring a sample to our nursery in a plastic bag so we can help identify the pest and guide you towards the proper remedy.

Cold and dry weather is dangerous to the health of many plants. Continue to check plants in areas under eaves and porches to be sure they do not dry out. Water all other plants in the landscape if rain has not fallen within a 2 week period. For added protection for the most frost tender plants, use frost blankets, frost bags or Cloud Cover Spray.