Calathea Warscewiczii

Scientific Name: Calathea Warscewiczii, Goeppertia Warszewiczii

Common Name: Jungle Velvet Calathea

Calatheas always require a little bit more attention than other houseplants and this Calathea Warscewiczii is no different. Not ideal for beginners, if you have some experience with caring for houseplants and want to be rewarded with lush, velvety, large leaves, get to know the Jungle Velvet Calathea with this complete care guide.

To give Calathea Warscewiczii plant the best care, it requires a well-draining soil high in nutrients, frequent watering to keep the soil moist, bright indirect sunlight, and humid environments with ideal temperatures ranging from 65-85F.

Quick Care Overview

Common NameJungle Velvet Calathea
Scientific NameCalathea Warscewiczii, Goeppertia Warszewiczii
FamilyMarantaceae
OriginCosta Rica, Nicaragua
Growth RateMedium
IdentificationDark maroon undersides with large velvety leaves
HeightUp to 40 inches tall
SoilWell-draining soil rich in nutrients
WaterFrequent watering, keep moist
Temperature65-85F
SunlightBright indirect light
Toxic to Cats & DogsNo
Toxic to HumansNo
PestsSpider mites and fungus gnats
DiseasesRoot rot

Below we will dive deep into this Calathea Warscewiczii care guide.

Calathea Warscewiczii Care

Calathea Warscewiczii History

Native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua, Calathea Warcewiczii, otherwise known as Calathea Jungle Velvet, is a gorgeous tropical plant with dense foliage that makes any home feel like a jungle oasis. Calathea Warscewiczii is a prayer plant, and as such, its stunning foliage may be seen to change throughout the day, lifting up and down in response to the sun. 

Calathea Warscewiczii Identification

Calathea Warscewiczii has large, lush, velvety leaves with a gorgeous fishtail pattern in shades of dark green and light green. The undersides of the foliage are dark maroon. This Calathea is a large, evergreen jungle plant that will display a gorgeous show of creamy white followers that will fade to yellow and then pink when grown under ideal conditions. 

Calathea Warscewiczii Growth Facts

When grown under proper conditions, this plant is very quick growing. 

How Big Does a Calathea Warscewiczii Get?

Under indoor cultivation, this Calathea will grow up to 40″ tall and have a 40″ spread.

Caring for Calathea Warscewiczii

Calathea Warscewiczii Care

This Calathea can be a bit picky when it comes to watering, temperature, and humidity, but if you are willing to give your plant the care it needs, it will reward you with lush, gorgeous foliage. 

Calathea Warscewiczii Soil

This plant requires a well-draining, rich soil that has plenty of nutrients. An organic potting mix with additions of coco coir will suit this Calathea nicely. Incorporation of mulch into the potting mix would also be helpful to aid the roots in maintaining moistness and coolness. Ensure that your container allows for ample drainage from the soil and that you do not leave the plant sitting in collected water from the drainage tray.

Calathea Warscewiczii Fertilizer

This Calathea will benefit from regular feeding during the spring and summer months. Utilize a diluted water-soluble balanced fertilizer. Ensure that you follow all label instructions and do not overfeed, as this may lead to chemical burn. Do not fertilizer during the winter. 

Calathea Warscewiczii Watering

Calathea Warscewiczii will require frequent watering, as it likes to remain moist and damp. Yet, keep in mind that this plant does not want to be waterlogged. Overwatered plants become highly susceptible to root rot. Overwatering is one of the number one killers of houseplants. Depending on growing conditions, this Calathea may need to be watered as frequently as every other day in the warm growing season. Watering frequency should be reduced in winter. It is important to note that this plant is very sensitive to chemicals in tap water. Therefore, this plant will be much happier if it has distilled water or rainwater. 

Calathea Warscewiczii Light Requirements

Calathea Warscewiczii can be found under a canopy of trees in dappled sunlight when found in nature. When bringing a tropical plant indoors, it is best to try to emulate its natural environment. This Calathea will enjoy a lot of bright light but does not do well in direct sun. Too much sunlight will cause dulling of the foliage or leaf scorch. A southern-facing window with bright, indirect light will suit this plant nicely. 

Calathea Warscewiczii Temperature & Humidity

As a tropical plant, Calathea Jungle Velvet prefers to have warm temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is imperative not to let your indoor temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, as this may cause permanent damage to your Calathea. Ensure that your plant is not placed near drafts, AC units, or heaters as this may cause issues – Caltheas like to remain at a consistent temperature and do not do well with large fluctuations. Another critical thing to note when growing this Calathea is that they require high humidity levels and prefer to be kept at around 70% humidity. Dropping below 50% humidity may cause damage to this Calathea; therefore, installing a humidifier, pebble tray, or frequent misting is likely required. 

Repotting Calathea Warscewiczii

It is important to choose a large container when growing your Calathea indoors to have room for its roots to spread and remain well aerated. This plant does not enjoy being overly compacted within its container. It would be best to repot your Calatheas every two to three years or whenever roots are seen sticking out of the drainage holes, whichever comes first. Alternatively, you may select a large pot upon planting and refresh the soil with fresh, well-draining soil every couple of years to maintain the plant’s health. It is notable that as this plant is very sensitive to chemicals in tap water, chemicals may accumulate in the soil after a period of time – which makes for another excellent reason to refresh your soil periodically. 

Calathea Warscewiczii Maintenance & Pruning

Pruning of this Calathea is easy and doesn’t require much. The foliage of the plant may occasionally turn brown, yellow, or dry up; if this happens periodically, it is no cause for concern. As needed, you may prune away dead or dying leaves to spruce up the appearance of your plant occasionally. 

How to Care for Calathea Warscewiczii

Calathea Warscewiczii Propagation

Having a plentiful number of Calathea’s without added cost is easy through root division of Jungle Velvet Calathea. First, during early spring or summer, when new shoots are seen growing from the soil line, gently uproot your mother plant from its container and brush away excess soil from the root ball. Next, separate root clumps with small shoots attached away from the mother plant. Next, plant the root clumps into their own container by filling with fresh nutrient rich soil and lightly tamp down. Finally, water thoroughly and place in indirect light. 

Calathea Warscewiczii Toxicity

Like many other Calathea species, Calathea Warscewiczii is not toxic to humans and household pets.

Toxicity to Humans

Calathea Warscewiczii is considered non-toxic to humans. Still, it should not be ingested as it may cause nausea.

Toxicity to Cats & Dogs

Luckily, this plant is considered non-toxic to pets and is safe for them to be around. 

Calathea Warscewiczii Problems

Calathea Warscewiczii Leaves Turning Yellow

Fading of the leaves may be caused by too much sunlight. Alternatively, the yellowing of the leaves is often an indicator of overwatering, overfertilization, or chemical build-up in the soil.

Calathea Warscewiczii Leaves Turning Brown

When leaves of Calathea Warscewiczii turn brown, it is often due to low humidity levels. Therefore, humidity should be increased as soon as possible. Alternatively, the browning of the foliage may also be due to too much direct sunlight. 

Calathea Warscewiczii Diseases

Calathea Warscewiczii is prone to root rot from overwatering. Be sure to develop a good watering schedule for this plant.

Calathea Warscewiczii Pests

The most common culprits of pest disturbance with this Calathea are spider mites or fungus gnats. These pests may be treated with a pesticide, such as neem oil. Ensure that you follow all label instructions.

FAQ

How Do You Clean Calathea Warscewiczii?

Dust will accumulate on Calathea Warscewiczii, so to clean the leaves, get a damp washcloth and wipe off the dust weekly so the plant can absorb the nutrients it receives from the sunlight.

Why Is My Calathea Warscewiczii Drooping?

Drooping leaves on a Calathea Warscewiczii can be from too little water or too little humidity. Be sure to keep the soil moist and provide plenty of humidity.

OTHER CALATHEA RESOURCES:

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