Calathea Burle Marxii

Name: Calathea Burle Marxii
Brand: MyGreenScape
SKU: PC0411S
Price: 15.0 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Calathea Burle Marxii

$35

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Size 4" Pot - Small 6" Pot - Medium

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About This Plant

Calathea Burle Marxii (Ctenanthe burle-marxii), commonly called the Fishbone Prayer Plant, is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil. It is named after Roberto Burle Marx, the renowned Brazilian landscape architect who promoted native tropical plants in public design. It grows oblong leaves in pale green with a bold fishbone-like pattern of darker green stripes running from the central midrib to the leaf edges.

The fishbone stripe is one of the most geometric patterns in the Calathea family. The regular, herringbone-like alternating stripe of dark and light green running outward from the midrib gives each leaf a structured, almost designed appearance that stands out clearly even from a distance. The pale green base colour also makes it lighter and airier than deeper-green Calatheas.

Safe for cats and dogs. The ASPCA confirms Calathea spp. is non-toxic to cats and dogs. The Burle Marxii is pet-safe and suitable for households where pets and plants share the same rooms. The Calathea Lancifolia Rattlesnake is another pet-safe Calathea with a very different elongated wavy leaf and spotted pattern.

It tolerates lower light better than most Calatheas. The Burle Marxii is noted among the Calathea family for handling lower light levels more gracefully than varieties like the Beauty Star or Orbifolia. It suits north-facing rooms and spots away from windows in Canadian homes where other Calatheas might struggle.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows from November onward but the Burle Marxii handles lower Canadian winter light better than most Calatheas and keeps its colour reasonably well. The main winter challenge is dry air from forced-air heating. Keep it above 18°C, run a humidifier nearby, and use filtered water. No fertilizer until spring.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Calathea spp.). Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pests

Spider mites are the primary pest in Canadian homes from November onward, thriving in the dry heated air and hiding on the undersides of the pale green leaves where they are easier to miss against the light background. Check the underside of each leaf when watering.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Calathea Beauty Star. Same family, more colourful.

For another compact Calathea with a more colourful pattern including silver and pink, the Calathea Beauty Star has lance-shaped leaves with warm tones and the same night-folding movement.

Calathea Lancifolia Rattlesnake. Bold and wavy.

For a Calathea with a very different elongated wavy leaf and bold dark-spotted pattern, the Calathea Lancifolia Rattlesnake is one of the most dramatic in the family and also confirmed pet-safe.

Calathea Makoyana Peacock. Fine and feathered.

For the most delicately detailed pattern in the Calathea family, the Calathea Makoyana Peacock has fine feather-like markings on semi-translucent leaves in a similar compact size.

Common Questions

How often should I water the Calathea Burle Marxii?

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry, every five to seven days in spring and summer and every seven to ten days in a Canadian winter. Always use filtered or overnight-rested tap water. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check moisture correctly.

What light does it need in a Canadian home?

Medium to low indirect light works well. It is one of the more light-tolerant Calatheas and handles north-facing windows and shadier spots better than most in the family. The fishbone pattern stays visible even in lower light, though it is most vivid with some bright indirect light. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants to find the right spot.

Is Calathea Burle Marxii safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA confirms Calathea spp. is non-toxic to cats and dogs. The Burle Marxii is confirmed pet-safe and suitable for homes where pets have access to plant areas.

Why are the leaves curling?

Curling leaves almost always mean the plant is underwatered or the air is too dry. Check the soil first. If it is dry, water immediately with filtered water. If the soil is fine, the dry forced-air heating in Ontario and Quebec homes is likely the cause. Move it away from heating vents and run a humidifier nearby.

Will it survive a Canadian winter indoors?

Yes. It handles lower light better than most Calatheas, which makes it one of the more practical varieties for the dim Canadian winter months. Keep temperatures above 18°C, maintain humidity, and use filtered water. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

How to take care of Calathea Burle Marxii

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect

Medium to low indirect light works well. This is one of the more adaptable Calatheas for lower-light conditions. A north-facing window is manageable. The fishbone pattern is most vivid with some bright indirect light from an east-facing window.

Light: Medium to low indirect

More forgiving of lower light than most Calatheas. A north- or east-facing window suits it year-round in Canadian homes. From October to February when daylight shortens, keep it in the brightest indirect light available without exposing it to direct sun.

Water: Keep top inch moist, use filtered water

Water when the top inch feels slightly dry. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Use filtered or overnight-rested tap water every time. Straight tap water in Canadian cities contains fluoride that causes chronic brown leaf edges.

Humidity: High

Needs humidity above 60 percent. The dry forced-air heating in Ontario and Quebec homes from November onward causes leaf curling and spider mite infestations. A humidifier nearby or grouping plants together makes a real difference through winter.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA. Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pro Tip

Dust settles quickly on the pale green surface of the Burle Marxii and dulls the fishbone pattern. Wipe each leaf gently with a damp cloth every two to three weeks. This is especially worth doing in the short-day months of a Canadian winter when every bit of absorbed light helps the plant stay healthy and the pattern stay clear.

What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll send a replacement or a full refund, and we cover return shipping.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March, you can add Winter Shipping Protection at checkout. It adds insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from the cold in transit. Cold damage is only covered if it's added to your order.

You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If your plant arrives damaged, has pests, or starts to decline within 30 days, we'll send a replacement or a full refund, and we cover return shipping.

Change of mind, repotted or trimmed plants, and cold damage without Winter Shipping Protection aren't covered. See our full Return Policy

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