Golden Callisia, also known as Callisia repens 'Gold', is a popular houseplant known for its bright yellow-green foliage and trailing habit. Native to Mexico and Central America, it is a member of the Commelinaceae family, which includes other popular houseplants like spiderwort and wandering jew.
Caring for Golden Callisia is relatively easy, and it is a great choice for beginner plant parents. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful plant:
💡Light Requirements:
Golden Callisia thrives in bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate some direct sun. However, too much direct sun can scorch its leaves, so it's best to provide it with filtered light or bright, indirect light.
💧Watering:
Golden Callisia likes to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water it thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, and be sure to drain any excess water from the saucer or pot. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
🌅Humidity:
This plant likes high humidity, so it's a good idea to mist it regularly or place it near a humidifier. You can also place a tray of pebbles filled with water under the plant to increase the humidity around it.
🌎Soil:
Use a well-draining potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. You can also add some sand or gravel to the mix to improve drainage.
🧪Fertilizer:
Feed your Golden Callisia every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. During the fall and winter, you can reduce the frequency of fertilizing to once a month.
✂Pruning:
You can prune your Golden Callisia to keep its growth in check or encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching, and trim back any leggy or straggly stems.
🐛Pest
Golden Callisia can be susceptible to several common houseplant pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites can be controlled with a solution of water and neem oil, while mealybugs can be removed by wiping them off with a damp cloth or using a solution of water and rubbing alcohol. Scale insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. It's important to act quickly if you notice any signs of pest infestations to prevent damage to your plant.
🏡Other Plants You Might Like!
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Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina): Like Golden Callisia, Wandering Jew is a member of the Commelinaceae family and has a trailing growth habit. It has striking purple and green foliage and is easy to care for, making it a popular houseplant.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Pothos is another easy-to-care-for trailing plant that is often recommended for beginner plant parents. It has heart-shaped leaves in various shades of green, and is known for its air-purifying properties.
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String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): String of Pearls is a succulent that has long, trailing stems covered in small, bead-like leaves. It is a unique and interesting plant that is easy to care for and can add a touch of whimsy to any indoor space.
- String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii): String of Hearts is another trailing plant that has delicate, heart-shaped leaves that trail down long stems. It is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant that can be grown in a hanging basket or trained to climb a trellis.
