Calathea warscewiczii, also known as the Jungle Velvet Calathea, is a velvet-leafed tropical houseplant. Green patterns on the top sides, and purple undersides, characterizes the gorgeous leafy foliage. With a little care, this evergreen perennial plant thrives indoors. The Jungle Velvet Calathea brings tropical greenery to any home thanks to its smooth foliage and bushy appearance.
Calathea plants thrive in pots, and the Jungle Velvet Calathea is one of them. The Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana), Calathea Medallion, and Network Plant (Calathea musaica) are among the other spectacular varieties of Calathea. This is an comprehensive guide to caring for the Calathea Jungle. In addition, you’ll learn ways to deal with Jungle Velvet Calathea’s developing concerns, such as leaves that turn yellow or brown.
How to Care for Jungle Velvet Calathea
Grow the Jungle Velvet plant in medium or bright indirect light to care for Calathea warscewiczii. In loose, well-draining soil, sow the Jungle Velvet Calathea. When the potting soil is mostly dry, water the calathea. In general room temperatures and humidity levels, keep the potted calathea between 50% and 70%. During the growing season, fertilize monthly.
What is Jungle Velvet Calathea?
The Jungle Velvet Calathea (Calathea warscewiczii) belongs to the Marantaceae family of evergreen, broadleaf perennial plants. Green and burgundy leaves close at night and open in the morning on this Calathea variety. Calathea grows to be 20 inches (0.5 meters) tall and broad in the jungle.
Calatheas are tropical plants that thrive on the forest floor in the shade. Calatheas prefer dim light, consistent warmth, and high humidity in their natural environment. Calathea plants must thrive in temperatures of at least 60°F (15°C) outdoors. USDA zones 10 through 12 are home to the Jungle Velvet Calathea.
Prayer plants (maranta plants) and Jungle Velvet Calathea belong to the same plant family. Calatheas have similar growing habits and resemble prayer plants. Their multicolored leaves seem to be folded up in prayer in the evening. The leaves then open again in the morning, once it’s light, to reveal their amazing designs.
The Jungle Velvet Calathea has recently been given the scientific name Geoppertia warszewiczii by botanists. Nonetheless, the name Calathea warscewiczii is used in this article by most people.
Jungle Velvet Calathea Leaves
Calathea warscewiczii plants have velvet-like leaves with a underside. Beautiful fishtail patterns can be found on the smooth, slightly fuzzy lanceolate leaves. The veins of Jungle Velvet Calathea leaves on the top side are light green and green. When the leaves close at night, the undersides of the leaves become dark maroon or purple.
Calathea leaves of Jungle Velvet tend to fold into a tube, which is a remarkable characteristic. If the growing conditions are not optimal, this curling growth habit may appear. The leaves may roll like a cylinder if there isn’t enough water or if they are exposed to too much intense sunlight.
Jungle Velvet Calathea Flowers
Calathea warscewiczii is a blooming tropical plant that grows in the jungle. Calathea blooms (inflorescences) are impressive, cone-shaped clusters of blossoms in the Jungle Velvet. Above-ground, calathea blossoms develop a lovely cream white hue that resembles a rose.
The flowers progress from yellow to pink as they grow, opening into stunning flowerarrangements. The Jungle Velvet Calathea, like most Calathea species, does not bloom indoors. A potted indoor calathea will only produce flowers if the growing conditions are optimal.
The primary reason to grow this tropical plant indoors is the velvety green and maroon foliage of the Calathea warscewiczii.
Jungle Velvet Calathea (Calathea warscewiczii) Care Guide
Indirect light, typical room temperatures, and moderate to high humidity are required for Jungle Velvet Calathea to thrive indoors. Therefore, proper watering methods and soil consistency are required to keep a potted calathea healthy. Growing Calathea houseplants in a tropical environment is quite complicated.
Light Requirements to Grow Jungle Velvet Calathea Indoors
If it’s protected from direct sunlight, Jungle Velvet Calathea thrives best in medium to bright light. Its leaves tend to darken as a result. A calathea potted plant placed near an east- or north-facing window is the best location. You should ensure that the calathea is in indirect sunlight when exposed to the sun from the south or west.
Calathea leaves can be bleached and discolored by intense direct sunlight. Moreover, overabundance of bright light might make the leaves bend upwards and resemble burgundy tubes. For raising a Jungle Velvet Calathea in the summer heat, partial shade is optimum. Plant the plant in a sunny area during the winter so that it gets enough indirect sunlight.
In low-light situations, the Jungle Velvet Calathea thrives. In rooms or offices that have little natural light, your leafy potted plant should do well. Calathea is an ideal plant for your bathroom because it thrives in low-light, humidity-loving environments. When Calathea plants are growing in the shade, it’s important to keep in mind that their leaves darken.
How to grow Jungle Velvet Calathea outdoors: If you reside in USDA zone 10 or higher, you can cultivate Calathea warscewiczii outdoors. In dappled sunlight with excellent drainage, plant the leafy tropical calathea. Make sure the ground is never soggy, but always moist.
In addition, if you live in temperate areas, you may take your potted calathea plants outdoors during the summer. Just make sure that when nighttime temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C), you bring them inside as soon as possible.
The Best Soil for Growing Jungle Velvet Calathea
Loamy, peat-rich potting soil with excellent drainage is ideal for growing Jungle Velvet Calathea houseplants. For drainage, use two parts peat moss and one part perlite to prepare the ideal growing medium for Jungle Velvet Calathea. Since it’s light and airy, peat moss is an excellent option for keeping the roots hydrated.
To grow a Jungle Velvet Calathea, you may also use a commercial potting mix for African violets. Charcoal bits, pumice, orchid bark, and coco coir may also be used to enhance a regular houseplant soil. These soil amendments make the growing medium more porous and improve drainage.
To avoid the soil mixture becoming waterlogged or drying out completely, the most important thing is to get it right for calathea plants.
How to Water Jungle Velvet Calathea
When the potting soil is partially dry, water Jungle Velvet Calathea. Wait until the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil has dried. Fill the potting mixture with water until it drains through the pot’s drainage holes. Before returning the plant to its preferred position, allow all the excess water to drip out.
watering calatheas on a set schedule is preferable. Overwatering tropical houseplants and causing root rot are common problems with watering plants on a schedule. Dry soil may cause leaves to brown or curl up if you don’t water the plant enough in the summertime.
Poke your finger in the soil to determine if your Jungle Velvet Calathea requires watering. Water the plant if the top layer is dry. Wait a few days if there’s still moisture left in the soil. For watering a Jungle Velvet Calathea, here are a few handy tips:
- Water your plant more often because hot temperatures promote fast calathea development and the soil dries out quicker.
- Terracotta pots lose moisture more quickly than plastic ones.
- Always keep drainage holes in pots for calathea and prayer plants.
- You must water Calathea plants less frequently during the winter because their growth slows down.
Temperature Requirements for Jungle Velvet Calathea
Warm temperatures are required for Calathea warscewiczii to thrive. Temperatures of 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) are ideal in standard rooms. It’s fine in the winter if the temperature does not drop below 60°F (15°F). Avoiding sudden temperature fluctuations is critical when caring for calathea plants.
Keep your Calathea in the Jungle Velvet safe from drafts and warm air to keep it thriving. Avoid placing the plant pot near a hot radiator or heating duct in the winter. Keep tropical calathea away from cold air-conditioning air or drafts from open doors or windows in the summer to grow calathea houseplants.
Jungle Velvet Calathea Humidity Needs
To grow indoors, a Jungle Velvet Calathea needs a lot of humidity. Because they prefer at least 50% humidity, several plant owners believe calatheas are picky. You might install a humidifier in the room, put the plant pot on a pebble tray with water, or hang tropical houseplants together to replicate their tropical surroundings.
You’ll need water, pebbles, and a large tray to build a pebble humidifying tray. A layer of decorative stones should be placed on the bottom of the tray. Halfway up the stones, pour in enough water to cover them. Make sure the calathea plant isn’t sitting in water by placing it on the pebbles.
Should you spray Jungle Velvet Calatheas leaves? That’s a question people ask. To spray a fine mist over the leaves, you can use distilled water. Misting the leaves, on the other hand, is seldom an effective solution for a calathea’s high humidity needs.
Jungle Velvet Calathea Growth Rate
The evergreen tropical plant Calathea velutina grows at a modest pace. The Calathea Jungle Velvet grows to a height of 3 feet (1 meter) under optimum conditions. Calathea grows slower in low light or in the shade.
How to Fertilize Jungle Velvet Calathea
Calathea isn’t particularly hungry. During the growing season, apply a weakly concentrated houseplant fertilizer once a month to boost the plant’s nutrient levels. The danger of nutrient burn is reduced by applying a weak fertilizer solution on a regular basis.
Or you may encourage a Jungle Velvet Calathea’s development naturally by using an suitable organic fertilizer. Overfertilization is harmful to Calathea plants. As a result, don’t fertilize too heavily or often. Every two or three months, you should also flush the soil to remove any excess mineral salts.
Repotting Jungle Velvet Calathea
Every two years in the spring, repot a Jungle Velvet Calathea. Calathea foliage grows well in larger pots when transferred to them. You can refresh the soil while repotting to replace nutrients and check for roots rot symptoms. For calathea and prayer plants, use a potting soil that is appropriate. When repotting a Jungle Velvet Calathea, here are two helpful guidelines:
- Slow development, roots protruding from the pot, and water doesn’t drain as quickly are all indications that your calathea requires repotting.
- Calanthis shouldn’t be placed in huge pots since they’re susceptible to over watering.
Pruning Calathea warscewiczii Soft Velvety Leaves
Removing old, rotting, or dead leaves is the only reason to prune a Jungle Velvet Calathea. To cut off leaf stalks at the soil line, use clean sharp pruning shears. The plant gets more energy to develop new leaves and improve its look after you remove old leaves.
How to Propagate Jungle Velvet Calathea
To propagate a Jungle Velvet Calathea, root division is the recommended method. Calatheas’ rhizome roots may be split into two or three sections. Remove the calathea from its pot and scrub the roots clean of soil. When you can split them, look for clumps that are growing together.
Using sterile equipment, cut the clumps off of the main plant. Fill a new pot with the proper root-growing soil and place each section in it. Fill with water and place in a spot with bright to moderate light.
Is Jungle Velvet Calathea Toxic?
Cats, dogs, and other pets are safe from the dangers of the Jungle Velvet Calathea. On the non-toxic houseplants list of the ASPCA, plants from the family Marantaceae are included.
Pests Affecting Calathea warscewiczii Growth
Leaves may be damaged by common household pests like mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites, which stunt growth of a Jungle Velvet Calathea. Make a natural neem pesticide spray to get rid of houseplant pests. Mix 2 tsp. of this with 2 tsp. of water 1 tsp. of neem oil In a spray bottle, mix 1 quart (1 liter) of water with liquid Castile soap.
To get rid of pests, spray the neem oil solution on the Jungle Velvet Calathea leaves every week. It’s vital to inspect your Jungle Velvet Calathea on a regular basis for signs of houseplant pests in order for it to thrive. The following are some of the most common calathea pests:
- Spider mites—Web strands hanging from leaves or stems are a good sign. These little insects spin webs beneath the surface of leaves as well. Spider mites are usually prevented by keeping your Jungle Velvet Calathea in humid, wet conditions.
- Mealybugs—These little white specks look like they’re hiding under leaves, and they’re bothersome. The presence of cotton wool-like substance on the leaves and stems may indicate mealybugs. To exterminate mealybugs fast, dip them in rubbing alcohol.
- Scale insects—Calatheas have rough growths on their stems that resemble scale. Sticky honeydew on the plant and sooty mold on the foliage are two other signs of infection. To get rid of scale insects, use rubbing alcohol or neem oil.
Diseases Affecting Calathea warscewiczii Growth
The most prevalent ailment that affects Jungle Velvet Calathea is a fungal ailment called root rot. Roots decay when they are overwatered or have insufficient soil drainage. Leaf spot or yellowing leaves that start to wilt may appear over time. Watering a Jungle Velvet Calathea properly is the best way to avoid illnesses from affecting it. Only water a calathea when the potting mix has partly dried, which is the golden rule.
FAQs — Growing Calathea Houseplants
Despite the fact that your sensitive tropical plant may need minimal care, it might be displaying some symptoms. Calath atheas pose a number of common problems that may be resolved in a variety of ways.
Why is my Jungle Velvet Calathea drooping?
The failure of calathea to thrive is typically due to watering concerns. The green leafy leaves may wilt and the stems might become weak if there is too much water or not enough. To address this difficulty, simply water your plant when the soil is somewhat dry.
How do I revive Calathea warscewiczii?
It’s common to repot a Jungle Velvet Calathea to prevent it from dying. Calathea is often killed by root rot. Examine the roots of the calathea plant for signs of rot after removing it from the pot. Remove any mushy or soft roots. After that, you may transplant the plant’s healthy portion. You may have to cut your losses and get a new plant if the damage is significant and root rot is widespread.
Why is my Calathea not opening?
In response to light levels, Calathea warscewiczii leaves its leaves open or closed. Calatheas that grow in dim light situations frequently seem to remain shut. Move the pot to a brighter location to encourage the plant’s leaves to open. There’s something that your Jungle Velvet Calathea doesn’t like, however, if the leaves are curled and look like tubes.
Make sure you’re caring for it properly if you want to get rolled up calathea leaves to open. Calathea leaf curl can be caused by a lack of moisture in the soil, dry air, or too much sunlight.
Why does my Jungle Velvet Calathea leaves have brown tips?
Brown tips on calathea leaves are usually caused by a lack of moisture or overfertilization. Increase humidity and make sure the plant is getting enough water to avoid more leaf pieces from becoming brown and crispy.
Flushing the soil might be a good idea to eliminate any mineral salt buildup that has accumulated. With Jungle Velvet Calathea leaves, the only way to get rid of brown tips is by removing the entire leaf and stalk.
Why are the leaves on my Calathea turning yellow?
The roots of yellow jungle velvet calathea are typically waterlogged, which is indicated by the leaves. Calatheas need to be watered on a regular basis, just enough to keep the soil moderately damp.
When the roots are in wet soil or have started to rot, yellowing leaves develop. To assist your stressed calathea recover, postpone watering until the soil is mostly dry.