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If you’re looking for a stunning plant to add to your home, consider the Calathea White Fusion. 

This plant has vibrant green foliage that is splashed with a white variegated pattern, making it a unique choice for an indoor garden. 

Unfortunately, like other Calathea varieties, the Calathea White Fusion is often overlooked because of its picky reputation. But how true are these rumors? 

Let’s take a look at the Calathea White Fusion and what is needed to keep this plant healthy.

calathea white fusion on the table
Source: Elodie Capel (CC BY-SA 4.0)

How do you care for calathea fusion white?

Calathea White Fusion requires the same care as other types of calatheas. Warm temperatures that are 65 to 85 degrees, high humidity levels of at least 50 percent, bright indirect sunlight, moist soil, and feeding once a month are what this plant needs to stay healthy and happy.

The Calathea White Fusion isn’t susceptible to many problems, but you have to watch out for overwatering or underwatering the plant. Implementing a proper water schedule will go a long way to preventing watering issues.

Additionally, the Calathea White Fusion is sensitive to tap water. Because of this, tap water should be avoided when watering the plant. Instead, use distilled water when possible.

Consider yourself a Calathea pro? Take this quiz and prove it!

What’s the best soil for calathea white fusion?

Calathea White Fusion requires soil that drains well while still retaining some level of moisture. A good soil for this plant will contain a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Mix 3 parts peat moss with 2 parts perlite for the best soil for Calathea White Fusion.

Another option is to amend traditional potting soil by mixing in peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite. These amendments will help ensure the soil has good drainage. No matter what, however, you should avoid cactus soil as this mixture is too dry for the Calathea White Fusion.

While it isn’t recommended to use soil that is known to be too compact for the Calathea White Fusion, such as soil designed for African Violets, you can use it if you’re in a pinch. 

However, you will need to amend the soil by adding peat moss or perlite. This will help improve the soil’s aeration and allow it to drain better.

Related: Best Calathea Soil: Tips to Pick the Right Potting Mix

When should I fertilize calathea white fusion?

Calathea White Fusion are not heavy feeders, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t fertilize the plant. In fact, it is recommended to fertilize the Calathea White Fusion once a month during its active growing season, which is in the spring and summer.

All feeding should be stopped in the fall and summer, however, as feeding the plant during this time could disrupt its natural growing cycle. Overfeeding is a potential serious problem that can occur if you give the calathea too much fertilizer.

To help prevent this from occurring, read and follow the application instructions found on the calathea fertilizer’s label. 

In most cases, you will need to dilute the fertilizer to half its strength before giving to the Calathea White Fusion. If you notice any signs of over fertilization, immediately stop all feeding.

What’s the best calathea white fusion fertilizer?

When you do feed the Calathea White Fusion, use a balanced liquid fertilizer. A good example of this is one with an NPK ratio of 5/5/5, or equivalent. No matter what fertilizer you use, make sure to dilute it to half of its strength and apply no more than once a month.

If you want to forgo traditional fertilizers, consider using a more organic option, such as compost, worm castings, or fish emulsions. These natural fertilizers are safer to use in your home and have a lower risk of burning your Calathea White Fusion.

Organic fertilizers, such as those mentioned above, can be obtained from local gardening centers and even small businesses in your town. You can also make your own compost by simply creating a compost pile in your backyard.

calathea white fusion on a gray pot
Source: SqueakyKitty (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Is calathea white fusion easy to care for?

Whether or not the Calathea White Fusion is easy to care for is hard to say. This is because the plant isn’t actually difficult to grow, but it does require a certain level of care to stay healthy. For those who have experience with tropical houseplants, growing this Calathea variety should be no problem.

You will have to provide the Calathea White Fusion with an environment as close to its native habitat as possible. 

This means keeping its soil moist, but not soggy, with a humidity level that is higher than the average home, and temperatures that are consistently warm.

The Calathea White Fusion also needs bright indirect sunlight, and should never be placed in direct light as this can burn the foliage. Furthermore, you may have to mist the plant’s leaves when conditions are drier than normal.

Is calathea white fusion hard to grow?

Even though they often get a bad rap for being a bit fussy, the Calathea White Fusion doesn’t require much more care than any other tropical houseplant. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can just set the plant somewhere and forget about it.

The needs of the Calathea White Fusion are about the same as the needs of other Calatheas. So, if you have experience growing this type of plant, then you should have no problem with the White Fusion. 

For those new to the whole indoor gardening game, however, you may find this plant a bit more needy than some of the other common houseplants.

close up view of calathea white fusion
Source: hullio (CC BY-SA 4.0)

That doesn’t mean you should avoid the Calathea White Fusion at all cost. Just make sure to do your research and know what you’re getting into before taking on the responsibility to care for this tropical plant. 

This means learning what its ideal growing conditions are and striving to achieve them.

Is calathea fusion white rare?

Calathea White Fusion is considered a rare plant. In fact, White Fusion is the rarest of all the Calathea varieties. This plant is the only cultivar that has the true variegated pattern. Because it is so rare, trying to find this plant for sale can be a bit difficult. 

If you do find it, the cost may be more than you are willing to spend on a plant.

Where to find calathea white fusion for sale

Calathea White Fusion isn’t as readily available as other Calathea varieties, which means you probably won’t find this plant at garden centers. Your local nursery may be able to special order the plant for you, although you will need to confirm this with them.

Another option is to order the Calathea White Fusion from an online merchant. There are several online gardening stores that do sell this plant. However, you will be required to pay for shipping, which could greatly increase the overall cost of the plant.

If you have a local plant swap or garden group in your area, consider reaching out to them to see if anyone has a Calathea White Fusion you could potentially purchase. This may be a great way to get a division from a propagated plant for a low price.

What’s a standard calathea white fusion price?

Even though the Calathea White Fusion is considered rare, its price tag is usually much lower than other rare plants. For example, you can often find a Calathea White Fusion in a 4-inch pot for under $30. However, these plants are often young and not mature.

For a larger and mature plant, however, expect to pay between $50 and $100. 

While this price may be higher than you want, a mature plant is typically more established than a juvenile Calathea White Fusion and more likely to withstand the stress that comes from being shipped or transported.

a drooping calathea white fusion
Source: samken yangchen (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Can you buy calathea white fusion seeds?

Calathea White Fusion seeds are not usually available to purchase and most gardeners do not grow this plant from seeds. Instead, the parent plant is propagated by root division, which is a much safer way to ensure that you’re actually getting the Calathea you want.

You can, however, purchase seeds of various other Calathea varieties. This isn’t typically recommended since it can take an extended period of time before the seeds grow into an adult plant.

What are calathea white fusion’s light needs?

Calathea White Fusion needs at least six hours of bright, indirect light per day, although it can tolerate medium light. You should avoid placing the Calathea White Fusion in direct sunlight as it will burn the plant’s foliage.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, you should also not allow the Calathea White Fusion to sit in low light conditions. If natural sunlight isn’t an option, consider using artificial light as needed.

If you do use artificial light, you may have to increase the amount of hours of light that you give to the Calathea White Fusion. It is recommended that the plant receives at least 6 hours of sunlight, but this amount is increased to at least 8 hours a day when using artificial lighting.

Related: Calathea Light Requirements: The Ultimate Guide

Where should you put calathea white fusion?

The best location for the Calathea White Fusion is near a south-facing window. However, you can also place it near a north, east, or west-facing window as well. The most important aspect is to ensure it has bright, indirect sun, while keeping the plant out of direct light.

Direct sunlight is too harsh for the Calathea White Fusion and will cause its leaves to burn, scorch, and discolor. If you continue to subject the plant to direct sun, the leaves will begin to wilt and fall off the plant, and its growth rate will be negatively impacted.

To help prevent damage caused by direct sun, consider placing a sheer curtain on the window near the Calathea White Fusion. The sheer curtain will diffuse any direct sunlight shining in and stop it from burning the leaves of your Calathea.

How many times a week should I water white fusion calathea?

Calathea White Fusion needs regular watering to keep the plant healthy, but the amount of times you water the plant in a week varies on several factors. In most cases, however, expect to water the plant about once a week.

The goal is to keep the soil damp but not soggy, as soggy soil will lead to rot. On the flip side, you should avoid underwatering this plant as it isn’t tolerant of drought-like conditions.

The best way to ensure your Calathea White Fusion is properly watered is to check the soil moisture level by inserting your finger two to three inches into the soil. 

If it feels moist, wait and check the soil the next day. If, however, it feels dry, go ahead and water the Calathea White Fusion deeply.

You may also be interested in: How Often to Water Calathea Plants (So They Thrive)

Can you water calathea white fusion with tap water?

Calathea White Fusion is sensitive to tap water and shouldn’t be watered with it. If you do use tap water, you may find that the plant is exhibiting symptoms similar to a chemical burn. The best water for the Calathea White Fusion is distilled.

Alternatively, you can use filtered or rain water in place of distilled water. Tap water should be avoided at all costs since it typically contains a wide array of additives, such as chlorine, fluoride, minerals, and even salt. All of these can cause damage to the Calathea White Fusion.

If you must use tap water, always let it sit on the counter for at least 24 hours before using it to water the Calathea White Fusion. 

Just remember that, while this will give the chlorine enough time to dissipate from the water, any extra minerals and salts added will still be there.

Should I bottom water calathea white fusion?

Bottom watering is a useful watering method that helps to prevent overwatering, while ensuring the Calathea White Fusion gets enough water. This method will require filling a bowl, or some other container that the Calathea White Fusion can fit into, with about 3 inches of lukewarm water.

Set the bottom of the Calathea White Fusion’s pot directly into the water and let soak for 10 minutes. After this allotted time, check the soil dryness. If the soil still feels dry, allow it to soak for another 10 minutes before checking again.

If, however, the soil feels damp, immediately remove the Calathea White Fusion from the water. Even though bottom watering helps to prevent overwatering, it can still occur if you let the plant sit in the water for too long.

someone holding a calathea white fusion
Source: Anouk Me (CC BY-SA 4.0)

How long should you bottom water a calathea white fusion for?

Calathea White Fusion is typically bottom watered for about 45 minutes, although you should check the soil every 10 minutes throughout. This is because the exact timeframe will depend on several factors, such as the age and size of the plant, environmental conditions, and time of year.

If the soil starts to feel damp each time you check it, remove the Calathea White Fusion from the water. 

This may be a time-consuming task, but bottom watering helps to prevent overwatering the plant.

How to propagate a white fusion calathea

Like other calathea varieties, the Calathea White Fusion is propagated via division. This is done by removing the parent plant from its pots and then carefully dividing its roots into separate sections. Each section will be used as a new plant.

Once you have divided the roots, plant each section into its own pot. Choose a pot that is no more than 3 times bigger than the small root ball, and use the same soil that the parent plant is growing in. Water the young plants thoroughly.

Set the new plants in an area where they will receive bright, indirect light. Mist the plants every day with distilled water until the young plants start to produce new growth. 

Once new growth appears, stop misting daily and care for the plant as you would the parent plant.

Related: 10 Easy Steps to Propagate Calathea Plants

How big does a calathea white fusion get?

The mature height of the Calathea White Fusion is 2 feet tall. Remember, however, that this is just the average height and can vary from one plant to the next. The best way to ensure your plant grows as big as possible is to provide the Calathea with its ideal growing conditions and keep the plant healthy.

Remember that an unhealthy Calathea White Fusion won’t grow as quickly or as strong as a healthy plant. That is why you should always aim at providing the plant with the best care possible. 

This means regular waterings, bright, indirect light, warm temperatures, and high humidity.

Feeding the Calathea White Fusion with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer will help give the plant a boost. This promotes strong root growth, which will have a direct effect on how big your Calathea White Fusion gets.

Is the calathea white fusion toxic?

Calathea White Fusion, like other varieties of the calathea plant, is considered a non-toxic plant. This means it is a good choice for homes with children and/or pets. Even though the plant isn’t toxic, you should still prevent your children and pets from bothering the plant.

Even plants that are considered safe and non toxic can still cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal distress when consumed. This is typically not life threatening, but it is also not a pleasant experience.

Additionally, allowing pets and children to play or bother the Calathea White Fusion poses a risk to the plant itself. 

The leaves of the Calathea White Fusion can be easily ripped or torn, which can cause stress on the plant. Making sure the Calathea is out of reach helps to protect your investment.

You may also be interested in: Is Calathea Toxic to Cats, Dogs or Humans?

Calathea white fusion problems

Calathea White Fusion doesn’t have many problems, but one thing that can arise is poor growth and variegation development caused by not enough light. 

This Calathea type needs bright, indirect light for at least 6 hours a day to maintain its health and its stunning variegation.

You should, however, keep the Calathea White Fusion out of direct sun as this is too harsh for its sensitive leaves.

Other potential problems the Calathea White Fusion can face are underwatering or overwatering the plant, both of which can impact its growth rate and open the plant up to pests like calathea with spider mites and diseases.

Why is my calathea white fusion drooping?

When your Calathea White Fusion is drooping, it is a sure sign that the plant isn’t receiving the proper amount of water. This could be too much water or too little water, as both will cause the plant to droop.

The best way to determine which is the culprit is to look at the soil. If the soil is soggy, then the Calathea White Fusion has been overwatered. If, however, the soil is dry, then you haven’t been watering the Calathea White Fusion enough.

No matter what the cause, you will need to immediately correct the problem. This could mean stopping all watering until the soil dries out, or implementing the bottom watering method to ensure the plant gets enough moisture.

calathea white fusion with another plants
Source: Steve C. (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Why is my calathea white fusion turning green?

Calathea White Fusion is a variegated variety that needs a certain amount of light to retain its stunning variegated pattern. If it doesn’t receive the correct amount of sun, the leaves will begin to lose their variegation and revert to their original green color.

Finding the right amount of su for your Calathea White Fusion can be a difficult task, but it isn’t possible. 

If you find your Calathea White Fusion is turning green, try moving the plant closer to a sunny window. Just make sure that the window has a sheer curtain to help diffuse the direct sun shining through.

Once the Calathea White Fusion starts to turn green, it may be too late to stop the process. That is why it is vital to ensure you are giving the Calathea White Fusion the right type and amount of light before a problem appears.

Why is my calathea white fusion browning?

The most common cause of the Calathea White Fusion turning brown is that the plant is too dry. This could be because it isn’t getting enough water, the temperature is too hot, the air is too dry, or a combination of the three. 

Thankfully, this issue is fairly easy to fix as long as you act quickly.

Calathea White Fusion needs soil that is moist, so ensure you are watering the plant about once a week. The plant should also not be subjected to temperatures above 80 degrees, as this will quickly start to dry out the plant.

Furthermore, Calathea White Fusion needs humidity levels that are between 50 and 60 percent. A humidifier or drip tray can help keep the moisture in the air. 

When conditions are drier than normal, consider misting the plant’s leaves with distilled water to help keep them moist and prevent the Calathea from drying out.

Related: 12 Causes of Brown Spots on Calathea (+ How to Fix It)

Why are my calathea white fusion’s leaves curling?

Leaf curling is typically due to the Calathea White Fusion not getting enough water. When the plant is underwatered, it will begin to dry out and its leaves will curl or turn brown and crispy. Its soil may also be so dry it pulls away from the pot.

While you should always try to avoid underwatering your plant, this is not nearly as serious of a problem as overwatering. That doesn’t mean, however, that you should go ahead and neglect the Calathea White Fusion’s watering needs. 

An underwatered Calathea White Fusion is a stressed plant and that can make it more susceptible to calathea leaves curling.

If you do find yourself with an underwatered Calathea White Fusion, trying to water it as you normally would probably won’t work, since the water merely rolls off the top of the dry soil. 

Instead, let the plant soak in a bucket of water for about 30 minutes and then set the Calathea White Fusion back in its location.