Calathea musaica Network

Why the Calathea musaica Network makes a great office plant

Some plants enter a room quietly yet manage to transform it with surprising grace. The Calathea musaica, often called the Network plant, belongs exactly to this category. Its broad, bright green leaves are patterned with fine yellowish lines that intersect like a miniature architectural drawing. The effect is both delicate and geometric, giving workspaces a fresh, contemporary accent.

With its compact height of around 50 centimetres and a width of 30 centimetres, the Calathea musaica slips easily into most office layouts. It enhances shelving areas, softens the sharpness of desks and meeting corners, and works beautifully in grouped plant installations. The broad leaf surface creates a sense of lushness without overwhelming the visual rhythm of a workspace.

The plant’s natural preference for indirect light aligns neatly with typical office lighting conditions. It performs reliably in environments with stable room temperatures, making it a resilient companion in climate-controlled interiors. Its quiet and contained growth habit makes it ideal for shared spaces where calmness is appreciated and productivity is the focus. Another advantage is its lack of pollen production, which helps maintain a comfortable atmosphere for employees with sensitivities. As a decorative divider, it gently guides the eye without blocking light or crowding a room.

All of this makes the Calathea musaica a charming and intelligent choice for offices that value both aesthetics and employee well-being.

Under what conditions does the Calathea musaica Network thrive?

To understand the conditions this plant appreciates indoors, it helps to look at its origins. The Calathea musaica comes from the humid primeval forests of South America, particularly the warm and shaded landscapes of Brazil. Here, beneath dense canopy layers, it developed its characteristic leaf movement known as nyctinasty. Throughout the day, the plant raises its leaves as if greeting the sun and lowers them again at night, creating a gentle rhythm that quietly animates indoor spaces.

In an office environment, the plant thrives in conditions that mirror its natural habitat. Indirect light and warm temperatures contribute to maintaining its vibrant leaf structure. The bright mosaic pattern that gives the plant its name remains most vivid when humidity levels are balanced and when the plant is sheltered from harsh, direct exposure.

Maintenance

Watering

The plant should be watered regularly in order to maintain a consistently moist soil environment. It should be ensured that the substrate is never oversaturated, as this may affect the roots.

Fertilizing

During active growth periods, the plant should be supplied with nutrients at appropriate intervals. This supports stable colouring and healthy leaf development.

Cutting

Individual leaves can be removed once they naturally age or lose their form. This allows the plant to maintain its structured and lush appearance.

Other Care

It should be ensured that the plant is kept in a stable indoor temperature range, ideally between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 15 degrees may influence its vitality. Consistent humidity enhances the characteristic leaf pattern and supports the plant’s natural daily movement.

All these steps are fully handled through Oxygen at Work’s all-inclusive maintenance package. Clients benefit from expertly maintained greenery without ever needing to take care of plant tasks themselves.

How much water is evaporated by the Calathea musaica Network?

George - Data Project Manager

“Using research, real-life tests, and office air quality data, we approximate the effect of different plant species. Of course, the actual effect can vary depending on things like room conditions and the plant’s overall health.”

In the context of indoor air quality, the Calathea musaica makes an understated yet measurable contribution. With a leaf surface area of 0.482 square metres, this compact plant evaporates around 0.8 litres of water per month, which gently increases humidity in its immediate surroundings. This evaporation helps counteract the dryness frequently found in modern office interiors.

For comparison, a taller Howea forsteriana measuring 1.90 metres in height and 0.7 metres in width evaporates around 2.1 litres per month. While the Howea naturally delivers greater output due to its size, the Calathea musaica performs efficiently relative to its compact dimensions. When placed in grouped arrangements, the cumulative effect from several plants contributes meaningfully to workplace comfort.

Stats

• Height: 50cm

• Width: 30cm

• Leaf Surface: 0.5 m²

• Monthly Water Evaporation: 0.8 l

These figures illustrate Oxygen at Work’s data-driven understanding of indoor plants and their environmental impact. Every plant species is assessed according to measurable performance, ensuring that workplaces receive greenery that is both beautiful and beneficial.

FAQs about the Calathea musaica Network

Is the Calathea musaica suitable for low light offices?

Yes, the plant thrives in indirect light conditions and performs well in offices where natural light is present but not direct. It fits naturally into shaded corners or areas slightly removed from windows.

Does the Calathea musaica produce pollen?

No, this plant species does not release airborne pollen. It is suitable for workplaces where employees may be sensitive to allergens.

Why does the Calathea musaica move its leaves throughout the day?

The plant exhibits nyctinasty, a natural movement pattern in which leaves lift and lower in relation to day and night cycles. This behaviour originates from its tropical forest habitat.

How large can the Calathea musaica grow indoors?

While office plants typically reach a height of around 50 centimetres, the species can grow up to 90 centimetres in ideal conditions. Its moderate size makes it adaptable to desks, shelves, and group arrangements.

Does the Calathea musaica improve indoor air quality?

Yes, the plant contributes to higher humidity levels through natural water evaporation and supports a more comfortable indoor climate. Its leaf structure also helps soften acoustics in office environments.