All types of Calathea plants aren’t suitable for beginner gardeners. Yet, if you want to add a tropical rich touch to your space, growing the Calathea warscewiczii or the Calathea jungle velvet will be a rewarding experience. The plant is native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua, but it can grow as an indoor plant as long as you maintain its optimum growing conditions.
This plant is best propagated from root divisions, so we’ll talk in detail about when and how to propagate Calathea warscewiczii, the best propagation methods, and what to look out for. So, keep reading to learn more about this luscious plant.
How Do I Propagate Calathea Warscewiczii?
People grow the Calathea warscewiczii for its stunning foliage with its velvety touch and maroon underside. However, with some extra care, your plant might even bloom in winter or early spring, growing small gorgeous flowers. Yet, this happens rarely, and in most cases, maintaining the optimum growing conditions will encourage the plant to grow to reach a height of 40 inches.
Because this plant can get too big, you might want to propagate it to prevent it from becoming root bound. This happens when the root ball becomes too big for the pot your plant already came in.
However, you won’t have to do this too often. The Calathea warscewiczii, just like all types of Calathea plants, has a slow to moderate growth rate. So, you might not have to propagate it except once every two years. Yet, you can definitely do this once a year if you want to enjoy the presence of another Calathea plant in addition to your original one.
What Are the Different Ways to Propagate Calathea Warscewiczii?
All types of Calathea plants, including the Calathea warscewiczii, are best propagated through root division. This method involves examining the root ball of the mother plant and then cutting it into separate root systems, each of which will grow into a new plant.
Although growing the Calathea warscewiczii from seed is possible, it’s a very difficult process. The Calathea warscewiczii is very specific about its growing conditions, and any change in them will kill the seedlings before they’re strong enough to be transplanted into a new pot. This is why we don’t recommend using this method to propagate your Calathea warscewiczii.
Growing the Calathea warscewiczii in water doesn’t work either. Due to the size of the plant, it’s unlikely to keep it growing in a vase that is filled with nothing but water.
Unlike most plants, the Calathea warscewiczii can’t be grown from leaf cuttings. All types of Calathea plants are clumping plants, and they don’t have stems or the necessary cells in the leaves that can help them grow new root systems. This means that if you place some cuttings in water or in the soil, they will die because there are no roots to support their growth.
When Should You Propagate Calathea Warscewiczii?
The best time to propagate your Calathea warscewiczii is in spring or early summer. This is the growing season, so your plant will grow steadily and overcome the transplant shock faster.
Since the Calathea warscewiczii has delicate and fragile roots, it’s crucial to propagate your plant after the root system has been established. This is why it’s recommended to wait at least a couple of years before doing so.
The Calathea warscewiczii doesn’t grow too fast, so it doesn’t become rootbound easily. However, if you notice some symptoms, then it’s time to propagate your plant. Here are a few things to look out for.
- The roots protrude out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
- If you remove the plant from its pot, you can see the roots coiling at the bottom.
- Your plant has stopped growing.
- The leaves are wilting and becoming limp, although you’re maintaining the optimum growing conditions for your plant.
If you notice these signs, then it’s time to propagate your plant. The division method will make room for the old mother plant to stay in good shape, and you’ll be able to grow new plants in different pots.
How Do I Propagate Calathea Warscewiczii from Root?
This is the most successful method to propagate your Calathea warscewiczii, but it’s still challenging. You need to understand that the roots of the Calathea plants are fragile and might not tolerate rough handling.
This is why we recommend that you wait until you see new root shoots coming out of the drainage holes, as this will give you multiple new roots to work with. Here are the proper steps to follow.
- Before you attempt to propagate your Calathea warscewiczii, make sure that it’s healthy by providing it with enough water and sunlight.
- Gently tilt the mother plant’s pot to the side, and remove the soil to expose the root ball. Avoid pulling the plant by the stem.
- Clean the root ball using a soft bristle brush.
- Be careful not to damage any of the bigger roots, as these will keep the plant alive. You might accidentally damage some of the smaller ones, but try to be as careful as possible.
- Use sterile pruning shears to cut some of the roots, and ensure that you’ve removed any infected roots if your plant suffers from root rot.
- Mix some of the old soil with a well-draining potting mix in a new pot.
- Place the new root ball into the new pot, and return the original one to the original pot.
- Water your plant thoroughly until the water runs through the drainage holes.
- Mist your plant regularly or cover the pot with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect to increase the humidity levels.
FAQs
- Why Shouldn’t You Propagate Calathea Warscewiczii From Cuttings?
All types of Calathea plants are cluster plants, and they’re unable to grow new roots from cuttings. If you cut some leaves and place them in the soil or water, they will simply die.
- Is it Difficult to Propagate Calathea Warscewiczii From Seed?
Yes, it’s extremely challenging, and it’s something only professional growers can do because this plant is very specific about its growing conditions.
Wrap Up
The Calathea warscewiczii is a stunning plant with velvety leaves that add beauty to any indoor space. Yet, this plant is very specific about its growing conditions, and any change in them can stunt its growth or even kill it.
The best way to propagate your warscewiczii plant is from root division. Propagating it from seed or in water doesn’t work.
