Calathea warscewiczii is a particularly impressive variety of Calathea commonly referred to as “Jungle Velvet”. This nickname comes from the fantastic foliage, which feels soft and furry like velvet. This article will detail every aspect of Calathea warscewiczii care.
What is a Calathea warscewiczii?
Calathea warscewiczii are a stunning species of Calathea found in parts of Central America such as Costa Rica. The broad, dark green foliage sports attractive light green to white streaks radiating from the middle of each leaf. Underneath, the foliage is a vibrant purple, earning them the common nickname of “Jungle Velvet”.
Quick Summary
Botanical Names: Calathea warscewiczii, Goeppertia warscewiczii
Native to: Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua)
Care: Moderate
Size: Grows up to 3 feet high and wide
Common Problems: Overwatering, Mealybugs, Scale insects, Spider mites
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people or pets
Plant recommendation: looking for plants from South America, then check out Neoregelia plants.
How to care for Calathea warscewiczii
Sunlight
In their native jungles, Calathea warscewiczii get very little sunlight underneath the canopy. As houseplants, they require bright to medium-bright indirect sunlight. In colder northern climates, give them more sun. Sitting in full, unfiltered sunlight will scorch their leaves.
Watering
From spring until fall, Calathea warscewiczii requires moist soil. Provide a small dose of water regularly if the top surface of the soil feels almost dry. Be careful not to overwater the soil or get water on the leaves.
In the winter season, Calathea warscewiczii should be watered less often. Calatheas are sensitive to water pollutants, so try to use rainwater if possible. Tap water can be used if it’s been distilled or filtered.
Humidity & Temperature
Hailing from a tropical climate, Calathea warscewiczii are used to warm, humid conditions. Maintain humidity above 50% as much as possible. Monitor this using a hygrometer.
Calathea warscewiczii do well in a steamy bathroom. Alternatively, mist the leaves every few days. Humidity can be boosted further by sitting the Jungle Velvet in a pebble tray or creating a microclimate alongside other tropical species.
A temperature range of 65 to 85ºF (18 to 29.5ºC) replicates the natural conditions for Calathea warscewiczii. If the temperature dips below 60ºF (15.5ºC), this will be too cold.
Cleaning
The big, broad foliage of Calathea warscewiczii easily attract dust. This can interfere with photosynthesis but mainly makes the plant look neglected. Wipe the foliage down using a clean, marginally damp cloth.
Fertilizing & Soil
Calathea warscewiczii grows best in a moist medium, but the mixture should also drain well to prevent overwatering. A 2:1 blend of houseplant compost and perlite is a good medium. As for fertilizing, Calathea warscewiczii appreciates a dose of liquid fertilizer once or twice a month throughout the growing season.
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Repotting
Once settled in a pot, Calathea warscewiczii doesn’t like to be disturbed too much. These plants can grow for a couple of years without needing to be repotted.
When the roots are clearly visible at the surface of the soil, it’s time to repot the plant. Great care must be taken not to cause too much stress. Aim to repot during the spring and only move up one pot size.
Propagation
Calathea warscewiczii can be propagated by dividing the fleshy rhizomes of the plant. This is the simplest and safest division route as stem cuttings aren’t overly successful.
Lift the parent plant out and gently excavate the root ball to determine the clumps. Use a sterile knife to cut through the rhizomes, making sure that each clump keeps some roots. Pot them up in smaller nursery pots containing the same soil mix used for the parent.
Toxicity
Like all Calatheas, Calathea warscewiczii are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and people.
Pruning
Calathea warscewiczii don’t require regular pruning. They are quite delicate and may react negatively if pruned too enthusiastically. If any leaves become unattractive or old, these can be pruned at the bottom of the leaf. This can encourage new leaves to develop.
Plant recommendation: looking for a bright statement plant, then read up on Aglaonema widuri from Southeast Asia.
Pests and other common problems
The warm, humid conditions needed to successfully grow Calathea warscewiczii can be a breeding ground for several common pests and ailments:
Overwatering
Because Calathea warscewiczii requires high humidity levels and moist medium, it’s easy to overwater. This can lead to root rot and provides ideal conditions for several pests. Water in small bursts and don’t water if the first inch of soil still feels moist. Only give the plant a drink if the top inch of soil is dry.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are prevalent houseplant pests that form a cloudy white wax over foliage. Blackened leaves or dark spots can also indicate their presence. Cut off affected leaves and liberally spray organic pesticides over the plant.
Scale insects
Scale insects extract sap from plants, leaving behind a sticky substance called honeydew. Bumps or scales may begin to appear on stems or leaves. Again, organic pesticides are the best solution, but some smaller scale insect populations won’t cause too much harm.
Spider mites
Web-like material underneath the leaves can indicate the presence of spider mites. The foliage of the Calathea warscewiczii might also start to yellow and carry spotted growths. Organic pesticides should clear the infestation.
Plant recommendation: want to have an easy to prune plant, then check out amazing Manjula pothos.
Common FAQs
Are Calathea warscewiczii plants difficult?
Despite their fussy reputation, Calathea warscewiczii aren’t hugely difficult to care for. Keeping their humidity topped up at the correct levels is the biggest chore, but can become second-nature with experience and planning.
Should I mist my Calathea warscewiczii?
The leaves of a Calathea warscewiczii benefit greatly from being misted once every two or three days. This provides an immediate boost to humidity, creating an ideal growing environment.
How do you make Calathea warscewiczii bushy?
Providing optimal growing conditions can create a beautifully bushy Calathea warscewiczii. Selective, infrequent pruning to remove older leaves can create bushy new growth.
Should I cut brown leaves off my Calathea warscewiczii?
Brown leaves can develop if humidity levels are too low or if the water contains chemicals. If browning is only occurring around the perimeter of the foliage, these sections can simply be trimmed away. Leaves that have turned completely brown should be snipped off at the base of the leaf.
How long does it take a Calathea warscewiczii to reach full growth?
A fully mature Calathea warscewiczii can reach up to three feet high and wide. This takes little more than a single year if the right environment is provided.
How do you grow Calathea warscewiczii indoors?
Calathea warscewiczii need a warm, moderately humid environment to thrive indoors, with the temperature kept within a range from 65ºF (18ºC) to 85ºF (29.5ºC). Keep the growing medium moist, but not sopping wet. Only water when the surface of the soil feels nearly dry. Provide a location with indirect sunlight of medium intensity.
