Looking for a stunning plant with a striking pattern and fuzzy texture? The Calathea Warscewiczii is one of the most stunning Calathea Plants around, making it increasingly popular for green thumbs who want an exotic and tropical vibe in their home.

 

The Calathea Warscewiczii is a picky plant that takes a bit more care than other indoor plants. But if you’re willing to put in the extra effort, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful indoor plants around. Here is how to properly care for your Calathea Warscewiczii, even if you plan to keep it outdoors.

 

 

What is a Calathea?

Calatheas are part of the Marantaceae family, commonly known as the Prayer Plant family. Prayer Plants get their name from their unique ability to move their leaves upward and toward each other, resembling two hands praying. Prayer Plants will do this at night and then spread their leaves out in the morning to soak up some sun.

 

This constant movement has made the Calatheas a symbol of “new beginnings.” People often have Calatheas around to inspire change, fresh starts, and inspiration. They are also seen as a symbol of good luck.

 

There are over 300 varieties of Calathea, but only a small handful of them are available for people’s homes and gardens. These plants come from the jungles of the Amazon in South America. They prefer humidity and shade, making them a good fit for many homes.

 

 

 

 

What is a Calathea Warscewiczii?

The Calathea Warscewiczii is more commonly known as the Calathea Jungle Velvet. This perennial evergreen originates in Central and South America. It’s becoming more and more popular as a houseplant due to its exotic, two-toned green foliage and velvety texture. Each leaf has a solid purple tone underneath.

 

When it comes to movement, the Jungle Velvet isn’t as dramatic of a mover as other varieties of Calathea Plants. But you will still notice that the leaves change position each day and night.

 

What Colors Can They Be?

The Calathea Warscewczii features round leaves with light green and dark green stripes on the top. The leaves are rich and deep, appearing almost shiny. Underneath each leaf you’ll find a more solid and purplish appearance.

 

How Tall Can a Warscewiczii Grow?

The Calathea Jungle Velvet reaches about three to four feet tall when mature. They reach the same size in width as well.

 

Does the Calathea Warscewiczii Flower?

The Calathea Warscewiczii sports small cream-colored flower cones during blooming season. Keep in mind, however, that most Calathea Plants don’t bloom when kept indoors. It’s very rare but can happen with the right care!

 

 

Other Popular Calathea Varieties

There are many Calathea Plant varieties to consider! While there are hundreds of varieties, there is a good handful that is considered perfect for indoor living. Looking for some of the most popular Calathea Plants to add to your collection? Here are some to consider, all with their own unique looks!

 

• Rattlesnake Plant: This is a very easy plant to grow. This low-maintenance beauty sports narrow leaves with dark green spots. The underside of each leaf is maroon, creating a bold contrast.
• Round-Leaf Calathea: This variety has very large, round leaves with light green and dark green stripes. The leaves are eight inches wide, and the plant itself can reach two to three feet.
• Zebra Plant: With zebra-like stripes of dark green and light green, this stunning plant is ever-popular for its bold appearance.
• Peacock Plant: Similar to its brilliant bird namesake, the Calathea Makoyana has round leaves with striking patterns and colors. Some leaves are light green with dark green stripes, and others are light purple with deep purple outlines and streaks.
• Rose-Painted Calathea: Unlike a lot of the green varieties, this plant has rose-colored stripes through its large and round green leaves. This incredible foliage makes this plant stand out amongst other varieties.
• Network Plant: This is one of the most unique varieties of Calathea, thanks to its leaves’ intricate pattern. The top and bottom of the leaves are the same color, which is also rare for Prayer Plants.

 

 

 

 

Do Calathea Warscewiczii Grow Indoor or Outdoors?

The Calathea Warscewiczii can be grown indoors or outdoors. But keep in mind, this is a tropical plant. This Prayer Plant variety can only grow outdoors if you live in specific environments since cold weather can kill the Jungle Velvet Plant.

 

 

General Calathea Warscewiczii Care

Looking to grow a Calathea Warscewiczii of your own? Luckily, taking care of this plant is not as complicated as the spelling. Here is what you need to keep in mind if you want your Jungle Velvet to thrive.

 

Light & Water Requirements

When it comes to light requirements, the Calathea Warscewiczii requires medium to bright indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch its leaves. If your plant isn’t getting a lot of natural light, make sure it’s kept in a room that has enough artificial light to be able to read.

 

Moving on to water needs, make sure your Calathea Warscewiczii has consistently moist soil. You need to monitor this plant each day, making this a bit of a high-maintenance plant. Some people will leave a moisture meter in the potting soil, but you should always check the top of the soil with your finger. You’ll notice you’ll have to water your plant more in the growing season to keep the soil moist. You can water a bit less in the colder months but still regularly check the soil.

 

The type of water you use is also critical to your Calathea Warscewiczii Plant’s survival. Room temperature water will avoid stressing your plant. The Calathea Warscewiczii is sensitive to salts, and other toxic impurities, so make sure the water is distilled. Water your plant early in the day since staying wet overnight may lead to fungal issues. Soil that remains too wet will also lead to pests, diseases, and root rot.

 

Soil & Temperature Preferences

The potting soil you use is very important if you want your Jungle Velvet to thrive. The potting soil should hold enough water to keep the roots moist but never become soggy. Peat and coco coir are very common since they hold water sufficiently.

 

The Calathea Warscewiczii thrives when it’s 65 to 85 degrees. It can be a bit hotter if it’s also humid. This plant requires a lot of humidity to stay healthy and happy. Fifty percent humidity or higher is ideal.

 

Indoor Growing Tips

Keeping your Calathea Warscewiczii inside is usually the most common since you can control the environment a bit more, avoiding root rot and making sure you have the right temperature and humidity level for your tropical plant.

 

You should keep this Prayer Plant variety near an east or north-facing window. Direct lighting from southern exposure can also work but move the Calathea Warscewiczii a few feet from the window or use curtains.

 

Make sure the potting mix is moist by watering every time the top half-inch of soil is dry. The pot you choose should have adequate drainage, as should the potting mix. Choose a potting mix that’s made specifically for tropical plants.

 

The room you keep your Calathea Warscewiczii in should be room temperature or warmer. Make sure there are no drafts, meaning you should keep your plant away from doors that are frequently used or windows you like to keep open.

 

You might want to keep your Calathea Warscewiczii in the bathroom, where the plant can benefit from the humidity from steamy showers. To create even more humidity, try putting a water tray beneath the pot on top of pebbles. The evaporation will increase the humidity. But a humidifier is probably the best solution.

 

Outdoor Growing Tips

As you can see, the Calathea Warscewiczii is a bit of a picky plant. You might have a difficult time growing the Jungle Velvet outside. You’ll need to live in a USDA zone of 10 or above, ensuring that the winter months don’t get too cold. Even then, you might have to take your plant indoors overnight to avoid colder weather.

 

To improve the humidity in your garden, group plants together so they can benefit from each other’s transpiration. Just make sure they still have space to preserve soil oxygen to avoid disease and pests.

 

Related : Plant Info Guides

 

Final Thoughts – Calathea Warscewiczii

The Calathea Warscewiczii is a bit complex when it comes to its care. It needs the right amount of humidity and a very strict watering schedule to thrive. But if you have the time to dedicate to caring for a pickier plant, the Calathea Warscewiczii is worth the effort. This is a plant that’s both stunning and soft, making it the perfect addition to any room.