If you are interested in calatheas, you will know that there are many different ones, that they have unique characteristics and that make them real jewels in themselves. One of them is Calathea warscewiczii, which is quite different from what you usually know.
But, How is the Calathea warscewiczii? What care do you need? Are there any curiosities about this plant? If you want to know more about her, then we will reveal it to you.
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How is Calathea warscewiczii?
Calathea warscewiczii is also known as calathea jungle velvet, zebra plant or Goeppertia warscewiczii (the latter is not yet generalized). It is an evergreen plant that belongs to the Marantaceae family (or what amounts to the same, prayer plants).
This is Native to South America and also to the central part. His name has a reason. And it is that it derives from ‘Kálathos’, in Greek, and means “basket”, which is what it looks like when it begins to bloom (its flowers are born in inflorescences that simulate baskets).
Its natural habitat is in tropical forests. But even if you can grow between 90 centimeters and one meter thirtyNormally it does not reach sunlight, so it lives in the shade of other large trees which provide it with plenty of humidity.
It is classified as a rhizome plant and its stems, which are abundant, will be brown. They are one of the few to grow well inside the ground (up to 10 cm) to emerge later outside. From these emerge large leaves with fairly long petioles. Indeed, they can measure up to 10 centimeters wide and 40cm long.
If you look a little closer, you will notice that the Calathea warscewiczii will be covered with a very, very fine and soft down which helps protect it from drying out. That’s why it feels very soft to the touch.
As for the leaves, you should know that they have two colors: on the back they are completely purple; on the obverse these will be dark green with a central nerve, of light green color, which makes it stand out. In the case of the petioles, these are also purple.
Care Calathea warscewiczii
We will not deceive you. Calathea warscewiczii is a plant quite complicated to maintain because the leaves are sensitive to the temperature that is provided (Thus, it will react to excessive heat, but also to excessive cold). In addition to a lack of humidity, intense sun, etc. Therefore, do not be surprised that if you have one, it looks bad or even dies in a short time.
For this reason, we are going to provide you with a maintenance guide in case you want to have it at home.
location and temperature
Calathea warscewiczii is a plant that grows outdoors in its natural habitat because it is protected by tall trees that filter light and also provide it with high humidity.
Of course, depending on where you live, you can provide this location. But the normal thing is that have it inside the house, indoors, and that it doesn’t give it a lot of light (It is advisable to place it in a semi-shaded area and that the lighting is filtered.
It is important that the temperature fluctuates between 18 and 29 degrees because that way everything will be fine.
Ground
The next thing you should see is the substrate to use. As it is customary for Calathea warscewiczii to be in pots, the soil must be very draining. For it, using perlite with peat moss can help give the plant some crowded space (and you will make sure that the roots do not suffer).
You should change the pot as little as possible. And it is that the Calathea warscewiczii does not like the stress caused by a transplant. And, in general, sudden changes in location, temperature, etc. If you have no choice, do it, but don’t be surprised if your plant looks sad for a few days.
Watering and humidity
Irrigation and humidity (and the latter to a greater extent) are two of the most important cares for this plant.
The watering must be regular because Calathea warscewiczii likes moist soil. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s soaked or waterlogged, far from it (it will cause root rot).
We advise you to use distilled, filtered or rainwater.
Now, what about humidity? Like many other Calatheas, it is important to give it a moist environment. In this aspect, you must ensure that there is at least 50% humidity for it to develop properly. The more the better, as this will result in less watering and a better situation for the plant.
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During the months of growth, that is, in spring and summer, to give it extra energy, it is recommended to pay it.
To do this, use a strong and above all balanced fertilizer.
Cut
Poda did not as such. But it’s more of an interview. When the leaves wilt, you will need to remove them. Likewise if they turn yellow, because they disfigure their appearance and at the same time prevent them from developing new ones.
This allows you cut the leaves when you want; there is no exact period when you say it should be pruned.
Plagues and diseases
Regarding pests and diseases, know that there are some that can affect you a lot. In the case of pests we speak of cochineal and mites. On the other hand, in diseases, you would have leaf spot, fusarium and pseudomonas.
Multiplication
The most appropriate, and easy to do, multiplication is by factory division. This always happens at the beginning of spring or summer and consists of separating the plant into two or more parts (depending on its size).
Apps
Before finishing with the Calathea warscewiczii, you should know that, although this it is one of the air purifying plants, and so you can have it in your room and sleep with her, the truth is that she is indicated for people with dry airways, or with a tendency to dryness. One of the properties of this plant is that it acts as a natural humidifier.
Do you dare to have a Calathea warscewiczii in your home?