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We are going to discuss one of the most famous houseplants at this time, it is called Calathea Warscewiczii. We will talk further about how to care for this plant and also all the things that we need to know and consider when caring it, especially about some of the problems that we often encounter with this plant and how to deal with them effectively.
Overview
- Botanical Name: Calathea Warscewiczii
- Popular Name: Jungle Velvet
- Mature Size: 2 – 4 feet
- Plant Type: tropical plant/prayer plant
- Sun Exposure: Indirect
- Soil Type: mix loamy peat rich type soil
- Soil pH: 5,5-6,5
- Toxicity: Non toxic to human and animal
This plant has just become one of the most favorable houseplants at this time, one of the reasons is because of its beautiful leaves although it is not easy to care for. There are several types of calathea, and Calathea Warscewiczii is one of the most beautiful and popular plant but also the most complicated to care at the same time.
Especially for beginners, we suggest you to pay attention to this article carefully if you want to know How to care Calathea Warscewiczii to keep them beautiful and healthy.
Calathea Warscewiczii Care Guide
This plant originate in Central and South America, they usually grow in tropical rainforests. As we know that the area has a stable and warm temperature with high humidity and also good lighting.
So, if you keep this plant in a room with a consistent humidity between 85 to 90 percent then this plant definitely can grow well without any serious problems, but of course, if we live together with the plants, inevitably we have to determine the conditions in which we and our house plants can coexist well.
Humidity
The recommended humidity for this plant if you place it indoor is at least 50 percent and will be better at 60 or 70 percent. To best way to manage humidity is by using a digital humidity monitor in order to get the valid and accurate data.
Because the stability of humidity can be different in many places. The instability quite often happens. Sometimes when the humidity in a place drops drastically and we don’t really understand how bad it could be to the plant. But With the tool to monitor the humidity, we can monitor any changes that occur and take the right steps.
What many experts normally do to increase the humidity in extraordinary situation such as a drastic humidity drop is by using a plant humidifier. Sometimes they even move the plant to another place, for example, place it close to the bathroom.
Fertilization
If this plant is lacking in fertilization its growth will not be good, and vice versa if too much fertilizer given it can damage the plant and cause it to wither and rot. You must provide a balanced fertilizer that is dissolved in water.
You will need to fertilize calathea warscewiczii at least once a week. Fertilization needs to be given only in summer and spring when the plant releases new leaves. In autumn and winter plants doesn’t grow so fast so you don’t need to fertilize this season.
There are three main nutrients from fertilizers that are needed by ornamental plants which is:
Nitrogen
This nutrient plays an important role in the process of photosynthesis in plants, thus helping in the growth of plants and good leaves.
Phosphor
Phosphorus is very useful in the formation of ideal and lush flowers. Also to strengthen the roots of ornamental plants.
Potassium
This nutrient supports the strengthening of structure and posture in plants so the ideal posture (in terms of shape) and are also strong enough to fight agains the disease. While other nutrients such as magnesium, iron, and boron are just additionals.
Regular fertilization will make the plant look healthy and produce more leaves.
Lighting
Lighting plays an important role when caring for calathea warscewiczii. This plant needs to kept away from direct sun because it can burn its leaves.
However that doesn’t mean you have to place it in an area with low light, because a dark place also certainly inhibit the growth of this plant.
To place calathea warscewiczii you just need to put it on a bright-filtered light area. The plant that have good lighting can grow 1 to 2 leaves per month.
Read also : Calathea Makoyana: Astonishing Peacock Plant
Watering
You need to make sure have given enough amount of water to your plant. Check the soil condition every 2 days, if its dry on the surface then you need to water them. Make sure the media is porous, so the water does not stagnate in the plant pot and roots. The roots of calathea warscewiczii are very susceptible to rot if there is a stagnant water on the roots.
Another thing you should pay attention too is the water quality, if you live outside of the city (close to the mountain and water source) where the air and water are still clean then it doesn’t matter, but if you live in a big city where the air and water has been polluted it is highly recommended to use rainwater or the distilled water.
Calathea Warscewiczii Soil Requirements
A good soil composition for calathea warscewiczii is 60 percent coco peat or coco coir and 30 percent perlite or pumice.
Coco peat/coco coir can absorb water very well and hold it while perlite/pumice can provide space for the roots to breathe.
Calathea warscewiczii cannot stand any stagnant water, therefore a good and porous media is needed.
Lack of water will make the leaves wither brown while too much water can cause the root to rot.
Temperature
A normal temperature for calathea warscewiczii is 18 – 23 degrees Celcius.
You have to note that this plant does not like windy areas, either cold or warm winds. This is sometimes not understood by many people
So if you find the leaves are starting to wither and look unhealthy even though you have done the best to care them, you should maybe try to consider about the wind.
Pruning
Make sure you trim the old or damaged leaves to keep calathea warscewiczii healty. By removing the old leaves the plant will focused on their existing leaves and usually grow new leaves.
Propagation
To propagate calathea warscewiczii you need to separate the plant into 2 parts or more and repot this plant, only do this when the plant has grown enough.
However, it should be noted that do not propagate too often, because this process is quite exhausting for the roots of the plant, it is better to wait until the plant roots are good enough and has enough leaves so it would not damage the roots.
When the roots have grown strong enough to spread in the soil and the drainage holes, it is a sign that calathea warscewiczii are ready to be propagated.
Diseases and Pests
Calathea Warscewiczii is a type of plant that is susceptible to diseases and pests. Spider mites and mealybugs are common pests that are usually found on this plant.
You should know that these pests can damage both young or mature plant. To prevent these pests from invading your plant is that you have to regularly check the plant. If you see one then take a quick action.
For example, when you do watering you should also check the leaves and also on the stems. If you find any sign of it, take it and separate the plant from others to prevent the spread.
The most common diseases that can be found in this plant are leaf spot disease, fungi, and bacteria. The key to avoid this is water the plant as needed and make sure the plant has good drainage. Because a bad drainage can trigger the roots to rot.
If you find your calathea warscewiczii is infected by pests or diseases then you have to find out what is wrong. It can be from the temperature, humidity, or the quality of the soil. You can use the ideas and methods in this article as a reference so at least you know what to do when it happens.
This house plant is gorgeus and elegant but it is not easy to care for especially for beginners. However, when you understand how to care your calathea warscewiczii, you will enjoy it.
Read also : Calathea White Fusion : a Striking but Sensitive Cultivar
Toxicity
Is calathea warscewiczii toxic to humans and pets? the answer is no. We need to emphasize once again that this is the type of plant that is safe for adult humans and children as well as animals. So, you don’t have to worry to use them as a decoration or collection at home.
Calathea Warscewiczii Grow Rates
At a young age, this plant grows rapidly like really quick, but at the age of 1 year its growth gets much slower and stopped at a height of 2 feet. But actually this plant is an average grower, not so slow and not that fast. If the environment around the plant are not good enough, then this plant growth can be very slow.
The Natural growth of this houseplant occurs in spring and summer because the warm temperatures and humidity in this season are good for them to grow. Unlike winter, with a lack of sunlight and other things, this plant tends to become dormant and will start growing again in the spring.
FAQ About Calathea Warscewiczii
How Big Does This Plant Grow?
Calathea plants are generally able to grow up to 4 feet, but if they are planted indoors they usually only grow up to 2 feet
A healthy calathea warscewiczii can usually grow 1 new leaf each month in the spring and summer. While they are usually dormant in winter, if you find the leaf falls during the winter, it’s a sign that your plant is suffering from a cold and you should move it to a warmer area immediately.
Do Different Varieties Have Different Characteristics?
The answer is yes, although in terms of care it is not much different, each type of Calathea has differences in terms of style and height.
Is Calathea Warscewiczii Hard To Care For?
The calathea warscewiczii is considered as one of the most difficult plants to care for. One of the reasons is that it needs higher humidity. To keep the plants at their best, try to keep the humidity level at least 50%. You can buy a hygrometer to help you monitor its level.
There are some ways that you can try to increase the humidity level for your plant, such as:
- Placing the plant in a bright bathroom so it can get the benefits from a steamy shower.
- Group the plants with others so they can share transpiration. However, try to give space to prevent disease transmission and give them good air circulation.
- Use a water tray that is filled with pebbles and then place the plant over it. You need to make sure that the plant also doesn’t touch the water. By doing this, the evaporation will help you raise the humidity level. Even though it is not dramatic, it is very helpful.
Should I Mist Calathea Warscewiczii?
Generally regular misting is often recommended. However, it probably doesn’t give a big help. Misting doesn’t last long enough to help the plant get the desired humidity. Besides, wetting the leaves regularly can increase the risk of diseases. But if you decide to give some spritz, using the distilled water is recommended because it will avoid from leaf spotting.
Why Is My Calathea Leaves Curling?
There are some possible reasons that make your calathea leaves curling. Some of them are dry soil, water quality, temperature, and humidity. The best way to grow calathea warscewiczii is to mimic the real condition. Therefore, always pay attention to these aspects. If you make the calathea soil completely dry, the leaves will start to drop, limp, brown and possibly curl. Same with the temperature, make sure you don’t place the plant in a drafty area because it will make the leaves curl due to constant airflow.
Conclusion
Calathea Warscewiczii is a beautiful houseplant that should be taken care properly by someone who love it not only as a decoration but as well as a living masterpiece.
