Calathea Warscewiczii: How to Keep The Jungle Velvet Plant Thrive?

The Calathea Warscewiczii plant has recently been reclassified as Goeppertia Warscewiczii.  Its close family members are the Marantaceae family or the prayer plant family.  This is a family of plants that have leaves that close at night and open in the morning.

How to Identify Calathea Jungle Velvet

The key identifiers of this plant are:

  • Leaves that feel like velvet
  • Leaves that are dark green with light green banding and stripes throughout them
  • Leaves that have a burgundy-purple underside
  • Leaves that rise at night and lower in the morning

How to Grow Calathea Jungle Velvet from Seed

Calathea Warscewiczii

This plant can be propagated via seed, but it is extremely time-consuming and more challenging than other methods. The steps for growing a Calathea Jungle Velvet from seed are:

  1. Purchase seeds from a reputable seller (sellers who price their seeds between $1 and $2)
  2. Create a mixture of soil and peat mixed with coarse sand (the ratio should 1:1 soil to peat/sand mixture)
  3. Fill a plant container with the soil and peat/sand mixture
  4. Place the seeds half an inch into the soil
  5. Lightly water the soil
  6. Cover the plant container with a plastic bag to retain moisture
  7. Set the plant container in a warm area that receives bright but indirect sunlight
  8. Remove the plastic bag for a few hours every other day to allow the seeds access to fresh air
  9. Once the seeds have germinated and sprouted to two inches tall, they can be transplanted to larger containers

Note: a plant heat mat can provide the seedlings with the heat they need without much cost

How to Propagate Calathea Jungle Velvet

This plant is most commonly propagated via divisions or stem cuttings. It is best to propagate new Calathea Jungle Velvet plants in the spring or early summer to limit shock; this plant does not like its root system to be handled.

Propagation via Division:

  1. Carefully remove the plant from its current container
  2. Gently pull apart the plant’s roots so that each root section has at least one leaf, or, use a sterile cutting utensil to divide the plant’s rhizome.
  3. Fill new plant containers with potting soil
  4. Place the plant sections into the new containers and spread the soil around their roots to secure them into the containers
  5. Water the new plants
  6. Place the plant in a warm area that receives plenty of bright, but indirect sunlight
  7. Cover the plants with a plastic bag
  8. Once the plants begin to grow in a few weeks, the plastic bag can be removed

Propagation via Stem Cuttings

  1. Use a sterile cutting utensil to cut off a stem that is 3 to 4 inches long and includes several leaves
  2. Remove leaves that are near the bottom of the stem
  3. Use a rooting hormone on the bottom of the stem
  4. Set the cutting into a container that has been filled with potting soil (soil should be a 50-50 mix of peat and sand)
  5. Water the soil
  6. Set a plastic bag over the plant to keep in humidity
  7. Set the plant container in a warm area that has access to bright, but indirect sunlight
  8. Repot the plant in a larger container once it is well established

Calathea Jungle Velvet Growing Conditions

Calathea Warscewiczii plant

This plant hails from the warm, tropical regions of South and Central America, and therefore, prefers an environment that resembles its native lands. It should be set in an area that has temperatures that stay above 65 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels that are at least 50%.  It should be kept away from cold drafts and air conditioner and heater vents.

A plant humidifier or pebble tray and a heat mat can be utilized to provide the heat and humidity this plant needs without creating an indoor environment that is uncomfortable for humans and pets.

How to Plant Calathea Jungle Velvet

This plant should not require repotting very frequently (typically, every two years). The signs that it needs a new pot are:

  • It is growing slowly
  • It requires two or more watering sessions a week
  • It looks too big for its current container

Repotting it will provide it with fresh soil and more room for its root system to grow.  This should only be done in the spring or summer.  The steps for repotting a Calathea Jungle Velvet plant are:

  1. Choose a plant container that is 2 inches larger in diameter than its current container
  2. Fill the plant container potting soil
  3. Create a hole in the soil for the plant to set inside
  4. Carefully remove the plant from its current container
  5. Gently dust off any excess soil from its roots
  6. Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off any rotten roots
  7. Set the plant into the hole in the new container
  8. Spread the soil around so that the plant is secure in its new container
  9. Water the plant
  10. Set it in a warm spot with plenty of sunlight

Calathea Jungle Velvet Potting & Soil

This plant requires soil that drains well but also retains some moisture. The soil should contain one part perlite and two parts peat or coco coir.

Calathea Jungle Velvet Water Requirements

This plant should be watered when the top half-inch of its soil is dry. It can be a little persnickety about its water regimen, so keep the following preferences in mind:

  • It prefers room temperature water
  • It prefers to be watered early in the day rather than at night
  • It prefers filtered, distilled, or rainwater
  • It prefers soil that is on the drier side during winter

Best Calathea Jungle Velvet Fertilizer

This plant can be fertilized once a month during spring and summer. It should be fed a diluted dose of fertilizer that has less potassium than nitrogen and phosphorous.

Best Calathea Jungle Velvet Companion Plantings

Clustering plants together is a great way to decorate a space and provide them with extra humidity. The following three plants are excellent options to set next to a Calathea Jungle Velvet.

Monstera Dubia

monstera dubia

This is another vining plant that is a native of the tropics.  It grows against poles, trees, and tall structures in a shingling pattern, which is why it is nicknamed the “shingle plant”.  It is also a relatively easy-going and hassle-free plant.

Light Requirements

Monstera Dubia should be placed in an area that receives plenty of bright, but indirect sunlight.

Soil Requirements

Monstera Dubia requires soil that is well-draining, filled with organic materials and has a pH level range of 5 to 7.

Water Requirements

Monstera Dubia should only be watered when the top two inches of its soil is dry.  It should be watered in the soak and dry method.

Pros 

  • It is easy to learn how to care for and grow
  • It is easy to propagate via stem cuttings

Cons

  • It is toxic
  • It is susceptible to root rot

Calathea Freddie

This is a fussy, but lovely-looking plant from Brazil. It features leaves that are striped in dark and light shades of green, hence its nickname, Zebra Plant.

Light Requirements

Calathea Freddie is sensitive to sunlight and should not be set in direct sunlight. It will grow best when set in an area that receives plenty of bright, but indirect sunlight.

Soil Requirements

Calathea Freddie requires well-draining soil.

Water Requirements

Calathea Freddie requires precision watering. It needs moist soil at all times, but it does not grow well in soggy soil. This is why properly draining soil and plant containers with drainage holes are necessary.

Pros 

  • It is a beautiful and unique-looking plant
  • It is not toxic
  • It produces flowers

Cons

  • It is finicky about its water regimen
  • It is susceptible to root rot
  • It is difficult to propagate
  • It requires a lot of humidity

Calathea Crocata

calathea crocata

This plant produces stunning yellow-orange blossoms which is why it is also known as Eternal Flame. It is part of the Maranta family, which means it is a prayer plant.

Light Requirements

Calathea Crocata should be set in an area that receives plenty of bright, but indirect sunlight.

Soil Requirements

Calathea Crocata requires soil that drains well.

Water Requirements

Calathea Crocata should only be watered when the top inch of its soil is dry. Its soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. It also benefits from misting or a humidifier.

Pros 

  • It is a stunningly beautiful plant
  • It produces blossoms
  • It can be propagated via division

Cons

  • It is particular about its watering regimen

Calathea Jungle Velvet Disease and Common Problems

The most common problems faced by this plant are:

  • Cucumber Mosaic Virus
  • Curled Leaves
  • Dropping Leaves
  • Fusarium
  • Mealybugs
  • Pseudomonas
  • Scale Insects
  • Spider Mites
  • Yellow Leaves

Calathea Jungle Velvet Treatments and Maintenance

Calathea Jungle Velvet

When caring for a plant it is best to treat them quickly when they show signs of an infestation or a disease.  This will give them a chance to recover and it may prevent other, nearby plants from being infected as well.

The best way to deal with any plant pests or infestations is to prevent them.  Learn how to properly water, feed, and provide sunlight for each plant and they will grow strong and healthy.  Along with this, it is best to schedule a regular pest and disease inspections to catch any infestation quickly and prevent it from spreading throughout the plant or to other nearby plants.

If, however, a Calathea Jungle Velvet does show signs of an infestation or a disease, follow these steps:

Cucumber Mosaic Virus

The signs of this type of infestation are leaves that have jagged yellow streaks on them. The only solution for dealing with this is to dispose of the plant so that it cannot infect other plants.

Curled Leaves

This could be caused by a lack of moisture or humidity. Tweak the plant’s water regimen and provide it with extra humidity in its environment.

Drooping Leaves

This often happens when a plant is transplanted, under-watered, or moved to a new environment. Give it the care it needs and it should recover.

Fusarium

The signs of this type of infestation are seeds and cuttings that turn yellow and wilt. The best treatment for this infestation is to remove the cuttings from their soil and wash them clean, then, replant the cuttings in fresh, clean soil.

Mealybugs

This type of infestation looks like cotton that has attached itself to a plant’s stems and leaves.  To deal with an infestation of mealybugs, follow these steps:

  1. Spray a solution of alcohol and water on the leaves
  2. Rub the leaves with a cotton ball
  3. Coat the leaves in neem oil or insecticidal soap every few days

Pseudomonas

The signs of this type of infestation are leaves that have dark green or black lesions on them. The only solution for dealing with this is to dispose of the plant so that it cannot infect other plants.

Scale Insects

This type of infestation looks like tiny brown bumps on the backs of the plant’s leaves.  To deal with this type of infestation, follow these steps:

  1. Spray them off with a hose
  2. Wipe the remainder off with neem oil and a cloth
  3. Prevent them from returning by coating the leaves with neem oil regularly

Spider Mites

This type of infestation looks like webbing spread over the plant’s leaves and stems. To deal with this type of infestation, follow these steps:

  1. Spray the plant with a mixture of 1 quart of warm water, 1 tsp. of dish soap, and 2 tsps. Of neem oil
  2. Wipe off the leaves and stems
  3. Repeat as necessary

Yellow Leaves

This is usually a sign that the plant has been overwatered. Tweak its watering regimen and it should recover.

Where to Buy Calathea Jungle Velvet Seeds Online

The seeds of this plant can be difficult to locate, but these shops are great places to begin searching for them.

Where to Buy Mature Calathea Jungle Velvet Online

To begin enjoying one of these plants right away, look at these online shops:

FAQs

Question: Is Calathea Jungle Velvet Toxic?

Answer: No, this is not a toxic plant.

Question: Does Calathea Jungle Velvet Have Air Purifying Qualities?

Answer: Yes, this plant is known to remove common household toxins from the air.

Question: How Big Does Jungle Velvet Grow?

Answer: This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

Concluding Thoughts

Calathea Jungle Velvet is a truly stunning houseplant, but it isn’t for everyone. It can be a little finicky. This, however, should not hold back anyone who is willing to learn about this lovely plant and grow as a gardener.

Research Citations

Smart Garden Guide

The City Wild

Unica Plants

Plant Care Today

Leaf Envy

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