All calathea varieties are vibrant and beautiful tropical plants. Calathea warscewiczii is one of my favorite calathea varieties due to its sporting exotic velvety foliages with two-toned green tops and burgundy-colored undersides.
Calathea warscewiczii care overview entails the provision of well-draining soil, bright to medium indirect sunlight, average humidity, and moderate soil moisture. Feeding the houseplant every four weeks in the growing season is also beneficial.
This article is a comprehensive guide on how to care for calathea warscewiczii like a professional. These ultimate care tips will help to resolve growing issues associated with jungle velvet calathea.
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What Does Calathea Warscewiczii Look Like?
Calathea warscewiczii also known as jungle velvet calathea is a perennial tropical plant that belongs to the Marantaceae family. The evergreen plant hails from central and South America.
Mature jungle velvet calathea plants are large houseplants that grow up to 3-4 feet tall. The soft velvety foliages with vibrant light and dark green fishtail patterns mark a lasting impression.
The solid purplish tones underside with small cream-colored flowers appears in cone shape during the late fall season. These distinctive foliage and flower colors make the plant beautiful.
Calathea warscewiczii grow under the canopy in its native habitat. The foliages are moved by nyctinasty in response to light and temperature.
These features make the plant thrive indoors without becoming fussy. If the correct conditions are offered, the plant will stay healthy and happy.
The jungle velvet calathea is non-toxic to humans and pets. But I recommend keeping the houseplant away to avoid destruction from cats and dogs.
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Calathea Warscewiczii Care Details
| Origin | Central and South America |
| Scientific Name | Calathea warscewiczii |
| Common Name | Jungle velvet calathea |
| Light Requirement | Medium to bright indirect sunlight |
| Watering Frequency | Maintain moderate soil moisture with regular watering. |
| Soil Requirement | A well-draining potting mix |
| Temperature Range | 65-85oF (18-30oC) |
| Fertilizer | Water-soluble and balance fertilizer monthly during spring and summer. |
| Humidity Level | High humidity of about 50-80% |
| Flowering | Cream-colored cone-shaped flowers emerging from central stalk. |
| Pruning | Trim old or yellow leaves. |
| Propagation | Propagate through division in spring season. |
| Repotting | In case of root-bound issue. |
| Pests and Diseases | Pests: Mealybugs, spider mites, and scales Diseases: Fausarium and leaf spot due to overwatering |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to humans and pets |
How to Care for Calathea Warscewiczii Plant
Calathea Warscewiczii Light Requirement
The calathea jungle velvet thrives under medium to bright indirect sunlight. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will cause sunburn and leaves scorching.
Place the houseplant on either a north or east-facing window with protection from intense sunlight. It can also survive in the south-facing window when placed a few feet away and shaded with curtains.
Take note that too much illumination with adequate humidity might cause browning on the leaves. I recommend sticking to medium-bright indirect sunlight for a couple of hours a day.
How to Water Calathea Warscewiczii?
Calathea warscewiczii loves moderate soil moisture that never becomes damp or dry. The moisture consistency enables the plant to develop beautiful foliages and stay healthy.
A damp environment will result in root rot and other related overwatering issues. The best option to save the plant from dying is by transplanting it to fresh potting soil.
Be sure to inspect the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering and under-watering problems. I recommend inserting an index finger into the topsoil to test moisture content.
If the 2-3 inches of topsoil is dry, soak the potting mix with rainwater or distilled water until it runs through the pot drainage holes.
Create a strict watering schedule to help the plant stay hydrated throughout the year. It will help to overcome problems associated with watering routines.
Best Calathea Warscewiczii Soil Mixture
Soil composition is essential when growing the jungle velvet calathea. Consider light and well-draining potting mix for your houseplant.
Ensure the soil structure allows proper aeration and can hold moisture. The potting soil should never become soggy after watering.
I recommend a mixture of perlite, pumice, coarse sand, and peat. Be sure to mix one perlite and two parts of peat for better drainage. Add organic matter to boost soil fertility.
Calathea Warscewiczii Temperature Range
The jungle velvet flourishes in a warm environment and temperature range of 65-85oF during the growing season. Besides that, the plant can tolerate temperatures above 90oF with high humidity.
The plant enters the dormancy phase when the temperature is below 60oF. Freezing temperatures may damage the plant leaves due to frost.
Put the houseplant outdoor in summer to enjoy the warm weather and take them inside due to cold night temperatures.
I recommend installing a digital thermometer to help in detecting weather changes. The readings will help to keep the plant healthy and happy.
How to Feed Calathea Warscewiczii?
The calathea jungle velvet plants are not heavy feeders. Applying fertilizer once a month in spring and summer is enough.
I recommend the use of water-soluble and balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen and phosphorous. These nutrients help the indoor plant develop striking foliages and stay healthy.
Another excellent option is the use of organic fertilizer or homemade fertilizer. Calathea warscewiczii roots are super sensitive to artificial fertilizer overdose.
Organic fertilizers are slow-release and are mild to sensitive roots. You may read my guide on how to make homemade fertilizer for houseplants.
Calathea Warscewiczii Humidity Requirement
The jungle velvet calathea is a fussy houseplant that thrives in higher humidity than average indoor offers. But the plant can tolerate low humidity for a couple of hours only.
Every houseplant enthusiasts need to create an atmosphere that mimics the plant’s native habitat for better growth. Ensure the indoor humidity is above 50% for successful growth.
Install a humidifier to boost humidity levels indoors for the plant to thrive. Another option is to place your jungle velvet close to other plant collections to experience higher humidity.
Calathea Warscewiczii Bloom
The jungle velvet is not grown due to its flowers but rather its tropical feelings. The plant can produce small cream-colored cone-shaped flowers as an additional attraction point.
Indoor jungle velvet rarely blooms despite providing ultimate care, but a happy plant will surprise you with flowers. The bloom emerges from a central stalk and lasts for a few weeks.
How Do I Prune Calathea Warscewiczii?
The jungle velvet needs a minimal pruning routine. But you can trim old or damaged foliages to keep the houseplant in a better shape.
Pruning also helps to stimulate new growths and conservation of energy. I recommend the use of a sharp and sterilized pruner to cut old leaves from the base.
How to Propagate Calathea Warscewiczii?
The jungle velvet calathea can be propagated through seeds and rhizome division. The seeds take a long time to sprout and develop into strong plants.
I recommend propagation by rhizome division since it takes a few weeks to grow. Perform the task in the spring season with ultimate care since the roots hate disruption.
How to Repot Calathea Warscewiczii?
Repotting the jungle velvet is compulsory for rejuvenation purposes. But the task should be undertaken every 2-3 years due to root-bound issues.
Use a proportional pot with well-draining potting soil to avoid overwatering-related problems. Be sure to use a pot that offers adequate space for the roots.
Repot the plant in spring to give the houseplant a humble time to relaunch. Try to be gentle to avoid disrupting the root systems.
Common Problems and Solutions
Pests
Warscewiczii species are vulnerable to insect infestations. Mealybugs, spider mites, and scales are the most common sap-sucking insects that attack the jungle velvet.
I recommend the use of isopropyl alcohol to eradicate pests attacking the plant. But horticultural oil and insecticidal soap are ideal for dealing with large colonies of pests.
Diseases
The jungle velvet is less susceptible to diseases under good conditions. But overwatering causes leaf spots, pseudomonas, fusarium, and cucumber mosaic virus.
Be sure to inspect soil moisture content before watering. The gaps between the watering will help to prevent overwatering-related problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calathea Warscewiczii Toxic?
The jungle velvet calathea is non-toxic to humans and pets. I recommend keeping the plant away from pets and toddlers to avoid destruction.
Why Are My Calathea Warscewiczii Leaves Drooping?
Inconsistent watering habits and extremely high temperatures are the possible causes of leaves drooping. Direct sunlight exposure will be accompanied by scorches.
Develop a strict watering schedule and grow the plant within the required temperature range to avoid leaves drooping. Besides that, keep the plant under medium indirect sunlight.
Why Are My Calathea Warscewiczii Leaves Curling?
Cold temperatures, lack of soil moisture, and humidity are the possible cause of the jungle velvet calathea leaves curling. Root rot due to overwatering is another serious cause of the problem.
I recommend inspecting the plant to identify the exact cause. The information will help to adopt the corrective measure for resolving it.
Why Are My Calathea Warscewiczii Leaves Turning Yellow?
Overwatering and acclimation are the leading cause of leaves turning yellow. Other possible causes are low light, lack of humidity, under-fertilization, and pests’ infestation.
Take the time to inspect your jungle velvet calathea plant to identify the exact cause. It may take time but it is worth it to find a permanent solution.
Final Word
All calathea varieties are fussy to grow at home. The jungle velvet calathea species is not ideal for beginners due to the overwhelming calathea velvet care routine.
But following the above calathea warscewiczii care tips will make the task fun and enjoyable. Take the time to read through this comprehensive guide to become a professional grower.
How to care for calathea warscewiczii involves the provision of well-draining soil, medium-bright indirect sunlight, high humidity, monthly feeding in summer, and regular watering.