Origin
The Calathea rosea-picta var. illustris 6/tray, also known as Calathea 'Illustris', has its roots in the tropical parts of Central and South America. This evergreen plant is a member of the Marantaceae family, making it related to bamboo. The rainforest is its natural habitat where it grows in the shade of larger trees and plants.

Characteristics
As typical for Calathea species, the Calathea 'Illustris' has oval leaves. These are about 30 cm long and colourful. The leaves have a unique pattern of dark green and silver-white stripes, giving the plant its striking appearance. A purple colour can be admired on the underside of the leaves. The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height.

Care
The Calathea 'Illustris' has specific care requirements. It requires a humid environment, which can be promoted by regularly spraying the plant. The soil must be well-draining and the plant does not like direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for the plant is between 16 and 24 degrees Celsius. Too cold or too hot water can lead to leaf discolouration.