We interviewed Mike Rimland, Costa Farms Plant Hunter, about some special care tips for some of the most popular Trending Tropicals® collection plants. This collection of usual houseplants is selected by a team of plant hunters (led by plantsman Rimland), hailing from locations around the world—South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. 

Q: Network Calathea is a really popular plant in the Trending Tropicals® collection. The pattern of its leaves is simply mesmerizing. Are there any special care tips for Network?

A: Yes! Network doesn't like tap/city water. City water is treated with chlorine (for water safety as well as some places add fluorides for lowering tooth decay). Instead, use rain or distilled water. You can use tap water if it is left overnight in an open container.

Q: We get lots of questions about when to water Raven®. What’s your advice?

A: Avoid overwatering! It's the number one killer of plants! Raven® likes to dry its soil between watering since the bulbs store water for the plant. Here’s the watering rule of thumb: 8 ounces of water every 10 to 14 days. As always it does vary depending on the environment around the plant and it's important to check the soil.

Q: And what about lighting for plants?  

A: To check if you have adequate light, place your arm in front of the window. If you see the shadow of your arm, you have great light coming through.

Q: What about drapes and shades over windows? How does that affect lighting for plants? 

A: When it comes to lighting, window light is only effective when you don't have drapes or shades that are kept closed during daylight hours. Keep plants within three feet of the window. The farther away and more covered the light source is, the less effective it is. 

Q: Can you use grow lights to raise Trending Tropicals® houseplants?

A: Yes, grow lights are also a great option when you don't have access to natural light for your houseplants.

Written by Karen Weir-Jimerson