Title

Calathea Jungle Velvet Care Guide - Essential Tips

Written by Ivy

Nov 10 2022

Calathea Jungle Velvet Care Guide - Essential Tips

We hope this Calathea Jungle Velvet care guide will give you everything you need to know to keep your plant happy. You will also get helpful tips on resolving growing issues with the Jungle Velvet Calathea—for example, leaves that turn yellow or brown.

Jungle Velvet Calathea belongs to the Calathea species and is botanically known as Cathleen Warscewiczi. A flowering tropical plant, it is distinguished by its pronounced, velvety two-toned leaves. The lower side of the leaf is maroon or burgundy, while the top is a fish-tailed pattern of dark and light green. The perennial indoor plant originally came from the tropical jungles of Central and South America. With little but regular attention, it booms indoors. Calathea Warscewiczii's plant care basic requirements are indirect bright light, warm temperatures, and high humidity.

Calathea Jungle Velvet Information

Calathea Jungle Velvet adds tropical greenery indoors, growing up to 3-4 feet high in ideal surroundings, and it blooms with cream color ice-cream cone-shaped flowers in season. Its delicate flowers have long, white petals that overlap and twist to resemble long, white rose flowers.

  • Botanical name: Goeppertia Warszewiczii
  • Common name: Calathea Jungle Velvet, Jungle Calathea
  • Origin: South and Central America
  • Family Name: Marantaceae
  • Plant height: 3 – 4 feet tall
  • Ideal temperature: 65-85°F
  • Hardiness zone: 10 -12

Calathea Jungle Velvet Care Guide

Light Requirement

Jungle Calathea thrives in shady areas as they are native to the tropical rainforest of They can't stand exposure to direct sunlight. If you plan to grow Calathea Warscewiczii outdoors, plant them under the shade of the trees.

The north-facing window inside is the best location for Jungle Calathea. They can be protected from direct sunlight by being placed in front of an east or west-facing window with curtains or blinds.

Both excessive light and darkness have an impact on plant health and growth. Change the Calathea spot as soon as you notice plant leaves beginning to bleach, turn pale, or lose their vibrant green hue. In addition, the intense lighting may cause leaf curling, turning the leaves into maroon tubes.

Humidity and Temperature

Calathea Warscewiczii flourishes in the temperature range of 65°If the temperature falls below 60°F during the winter, it has an impact on the health and growth of plants. Cold and hot drafts may harm the plant because Calathea Jungle Velvet cannot withstand abrupt changes in the environment's temperature.

Although Calathea Jungle Velvet grows best in temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it can tolerate temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit in conditions of high humidity. In the USA, you can grow Calathea Jungle outdoors. zone 10 to 12.

Below 60°F, the plant naturally enters a period of dormancy and stops growing. The leaves of the Jungle Calathea become damaged by cold drafts. Therefore, please make sure that the plant is not exposed to cold air conditioning draft in summer, whereas in the winter season, protect the plant from chill coming in through windows. In order to prevent temperature fluctuations, keep them away from heaters or heating ducts in the winter.

Jungle Velvet Calathea humidity requirement is between 50 – 60 %. The plants' growth and health are greatly enhanced by ideal humidity and temperature levels. Plant humidifiers can create perfect humidity levels to duplicate their native tropical rainforest environment.

Making your own humidifier with a tray, stones, and water is an additional choice. Put stones in the tray and fill it up to the lower surface of the stones to create this humidifier. Keep the pot perched atop those rocks. Keep water from coming in contact with the tray's pot bottom.

Is Misting Well for Jungle Velvet Calatheas Leaves?

Misting can be beneficial, but it doesn't produce results that are as reliable and efficient as a humidifier. For misting, always use filtered or distilled water. Wipe the leaves off properly after misting to avoid leaving watermarks on the lovely leaves.

Water Requirement

Calathea Warscewiczii likes to grow in moist soil. For the soil to stay moist, regular watering is necessary. Water your Calathea Jungle Velvet two to three times per week when it's warm outside because high temperatures quickly dry out the soil.

Please water your plants more frequently from spring through late summer; however, once a week will suffice during the winter. Please be aware that the rate at which water evaporates depends on a number of factors, including the type of soil used in the pot and the indoor climate.

Therefore, before rehydrating the plant, we advise checking the soil's moisture content. Before watering, the soil's top inch must feel dry. A watering globe, which regulates water flow, maintains soil moisture, and guards against overwatering, can also be used to track irrigation.

Calathea's roots may rot from overwatering, which could eventually kill the plant. So, do everything you can to prevent this circumstance. Always use pots with an appropriate drainage hole for your Calathea Jungle Velvet to allow the water to flow easily out from the soil.

If possible, use rainwater to water the jungle velvet, but if that's not an option, you can also use distilled or filtered water. Calathea is chemically sensitive and can develop sharp brown edges on its leaves when exposed to tap water, which contains a variety of chemicals.

Soil Requirements

Calathea jungle velvet adores well-drained, airy, and moist soil to grow. The best soil is a blend of 25% peat moss, 15% perlite, 10% vermiculite, 10% worm castings, 15% orchid bark, 20% coco coir, and some charcoal.

This particular soil combination drains water well and prevents water from collecting in the pot. When soil drains poorly, it becomes soggy and hinders root growth, whereas well-draining soil maintains its moisture. Roots rot when they are left in waterlogged soil for an extended period of time.

Fertilizing

Jungle Velvet Calathea needs periodic fertilizing of the soil in the growing season. To retain plants' nutrients, use diluted nitrogen-based or house plant fertilizers every month in the growing season. Plant growth can also be accelerated by using organic fertilizer.

To stop nutrients from burning, weaken the fertilizer solution. Calathea Warscewiczii should not be fertilized more frequently because the plant is sensitive to high mineral levels in the soil.

Minerals that are unfavorable to the plant can build up in the soil over time. You can perform soil flushing after two to three months to avoid the situation.

The plant should be placed under a stream of water for two to three minutes to perform the flushing. Water moves through the soil, carrying with it the minerals that have accumulated over time. When flushing is finished, make sure to completely drain the extra water.

Does Jungle Velvet Calathea Bloom?

Calathea Warscewiczii produces beautiful stunning flowers like If you keep the temperature, humidity, and lighting in your home at levels that are similar to a tropical rainforest, you can grow Calathea Crocata.

Indoors, calatheas hardly ever bloom. However, Calathea Warscewiczii may surprise you with flowers if grown in favorable conditions. Calathea Jungle Velvet produces a stunning cluster of eye-catching floral arrangements that resemble creamy cones. It appears to be a stunning white blossomed rose at first glance.

The flower starts out creamy in color but gradually ages to become light yellow with a pink undertone.

How Do I Prune Calathea Warscewiczii?

Diseases and natural factors harm plants and have an impact on them. After removing the damaged plant leaf or branch, they naturally heal and sprout again. Pruning is the deliberate removal of any leaves, branches, roots, shoot twigs, or limbs.

Maintaining a plant's health and shape requires pruning. Calathea Warscewiczii pruning encourages the development of new leaves while also improving the plant's aesthetics. Prune all dead, yellow, brown, or decaying leaves with the help of clean shears or a sharp knife.

Is Calathea Warscewiczii Pet Friendly?

Calathea species leaves are so attractive not only for humans but also for pets. Kids and pets may want to play with the velvety soft leaves of Purple Jungle Calathea You need not worry, though, as the Calathea Warscewiczii plant is completely non-toxic and does not endanger children or pets.

Propagation of Calathea Jungle Plant

Increased plant populations and indoor vegetation are both benefits of propagation. Calathea Jungle Velvet is a seed-producing flowering plant; however, its rhizomes are the most successful way to propagate it. In this method of propagation, you should wait for fresh shoots to emerge from the potting soil as opposed to taking a direct cutting from the plant. The new baby shoots, which are made up of a stem and rhizome, typically emerge alongside the mother plant.

For rhizome-based Calathea Warscewiczii propagation, kindly follow the steps below.

  • From the pot, carefully remove the plant.
  • Clean up the edges' soil.
  • Without damaging or tearing the roots, gently separate the shoot's root from the parent plant.
  • The mother plant should then be planted into a new, 1-inch-larger pot.
  • The baby shoots should be planted in a four to five-inch-tall pot filled with moist, well-drained soil.
  • Put the pot somewhere with a moderate amount of light, a warm temperature, and high humidity.

One other way to propagate Velvet Jungle Calathea is through seeds. However difficult, it is doable.

  • Please order contaminant-free seeds from your neighborhood garden center or online.
  • Use a soil mixture that is equal parts peat and coarse sand.
  • Plant the seeds at a depth of one-quarter to one inch in the soil mix in the pots or growth tray.
  • Whatever seeding container you're using, water it, then cover it with a plastic sheet to keep the humidity in.
  • Put the pot in a spot with some shade or some indirect light. To speed up the germination process, keep the seeds warm with a heat mat.
  • It takes 20 to 25 days for the Calathea Warscewiczii seed to germinate. A Seed germination tent can help in providing
3. Calathea Jungle Velvet2

When Should I Repot My New Calathea Warscewiczii?

Every two to three years, repotting is necessary. Calathea jungle plant takes time to adjust to new surroundings that's why repotting every year is not suitable for the plant. It's time to repot the Calathea in a pot that is 2-inches bigger than it was two years later if roots begin to emerge from the topsoil or the drainage hole in the pot.

ere are two handy tips when repotting a Jungle Velvet Calathea:

  • Slow growth, roots poking out of the pot, and slow water drainage are all indications that your calathea needs to be repotted.
  • Calatheas shouldn't be planted in large pots because it's easy to overwater them.

Jungle Velvet Calathea Pests and Problems

Red Spider Mite

A few alarming signs of pests are

  • the underside of the leaf is discolored.
  • On the leaf's surface, there are brown or yellow spots.
  • White web clusters on the stems, leaves, and leaf blades, as well as holes.

The plant's levees will first show signs of bronze or small yellow spots. Infected plants will stop growing and develop completely yellow leaves if red spider mites are present.

If a few of the leaves are infected, it is possible to save the Jungle Velvet Calathea from spider might. Spider mites sucking sap from the leaves deprive the plant of vital nutrients needed for growth. Neem oil should be applied to the remaining diseased leaves after removing the severely infected areas. The damage, however, cannot be undone if the entire plant's leaves have suffered significant harm.

Common Problems of Jungle Velvet Calathea

Calathea Poor Growth and Crispy Brown Leaf Edges

Calathea velvet jungle plant native to Warm temperatures and high humidity are prevalent in South America. They need a lot of humidity for healthy growth, and not enough humidity causes the edges of the leaves to turn crispy brown. Take off the brown leaves and add the necessary humidity to your plant's surroundings.

Brown Spotting and Curling of Leaves

Only when the plant is dry do these symptoms appear. It is a natural process for leaves to curl in order to reduce the amount of transpiration by reducing the amount of heat or light that they are exposed to. Since they are from Brazil, where it rains a lot, they need constant moisture in the soil; otherwise, their leaves will curl and develop brown spots.

Browning leaf edges can also result from too much fertilizer or too much mineralization of the soil. You can solve this issue by giving the plant water and flushing the soil to get rid of extra minerals. The only way to reverse browning tips is to remove the affected leaves from the plant.

Wilted, Drooping Leaves Or Rotting Stems

An overwatered plant or flooded soil is indicated by rotting stems. To solve this issue, either move the plant to soil that is moist or enhance the pot's drainage system. The exposure of the plant to excessively cold or hot currents can cause wilted and drooping leaves.

If unfavorable conditions continue for a long time, plants harmed by cold drafts cannot recover. The plant should be moved as soon as you can to a warmer location.

Leaf Pattern Fading / Washed Out Appearance

There may be two reasons.

  • It is getting less light for the plant.
  • The plant is in direct, intense sunlight.

When exposed to intense light, leaves lose their vibrant green color and become bleached, giving them a lifeless appearance.

A permanent location should be chosen in a shaded area away from the sun.

Why is My Jungle Velvet Calathea Drooping?

The main reason for drooping calathea growth is usually inadequate watering. Underwatering or overwatering can weaken the stems and cause the green, leafy foliage to wilt. It's critical to only water your plant when the soil is halfway dry in order to solve this issue.

How Do I Revive Calathea Warscewiczii?

Repotting a Jungle Velvet Calathea is typically required to prevent the plant from dying. Calathea usually perishes due to root rot. Calathea roots should be checked for decay after being removed from the pot. Remove any mushy or soft roots. After that, you can repot the plant's healthy portion.

You might have to give up and buy a new plant if the damage is severe and the root rot is extensive.

Why is My Calathea Not Opening?

Calathea warscewiczii leaves open and close in response to light levels. Low-light calatheas can occasionally appear to never open at all. Place the pot somewhere brighter to encourage the plant's leaves to open.

FAQs

Is Calathea Warscewiczii a Prayer Plant?

Calathea Warscewiczii species belong to the Family Marantaceae and the Geoppertia genus. The Maranta genus, which is a member of the Marantaceae family, contains the so-called prayer plants because their leaves respond by curling day and night when they are praying.

The Red-veined plant is one famous It belongs to the Maranta genus and is also referred to as the prayer plant. The leaves of Calathea plants also respond to day and night changes; therefore, many people confuse them with prayer-plant and call them prayer plants. This is untrue, though, as Calathea Warscewiczii foliage does not depict the motion of a praying hand and is not the true prayer plant.

How Big Does the Calathea Warscewiczii Plant Grow?

Calathea Warscewiczii can grow up to 3-4 feet in height in a suitable environment. Large indoor ornamental plants, they have lovely velvety foliage.

Is Calathea Warscewizcii Appropriate for Beginners?

Calathea Warscewizcii plant care required more attention than some easy-going Calatheas like Leopardina and Freddie; therefore, it can be a problematic plant for beginners. However, it may be simple to grow this finicky plant if support and instruction are readily available.

Prior to bringing the Calathea Jungle plant into your home, it would be best to carefully review all the pertinent information regarding the plant's requirements.

Why Does My Jungle Velvet Calathea Leaves Have Brown Tips?

Brown tips on calathea leaves are typically caused by either an abundance of fertilizer or a lack of humidity. Make sure the plant is receiving enough water and increase humidity to prevent additional leaf parts from turning brown and crispy. Flushing the soil might be a good idea to get rid of any extra mineral salt buildup.

The entire leaf and stalk must be taken off in order to get rid of the brown tips on Jungle Velvet Calathea leaves.

Why Are the Leaves on My Calathea Turning Yellow?

The presence of yellow Jungle Velvet Calathea leaves typically indicates that the plant's roots are flooded. Calatheas need routine watering, but only enough to keep the soil moist. When the roots are sitting in wet soil or when the roots have started to rot, yellowing leaves will appear. To aid in the recovery of your stressed plant, wait to water the calathea until the soil has partially dried.

When Should I Repot My New Calathea Warscewiczii?

Most of the time, there's no rush to repot unless the potting soil is utterly unsuitable. Calatheas can tolerate being somewhat rooted in place while they adjust to their new surroundings because it takes them some time. In most cases, waiting until spring is a wise move.