A Beginner’s Guide to Caring for Calathea Warscewiczii

With its striking striped foliage, the Calathea warscewiczii makes a dramatic addition to indoor plant collections. This tropical Calathea species is nicknamed the “Jungle Velvet” for its deep green, velvety leaves marked with pale green stripes. Though beautiful, Calathea warscewiczii requires very specific growing conditions to thrive as a houseplant. In this article, we provide tips for caring for this finicky yet gorgeous Calathea variety indoors.

An Overview of Calathea Warscewiczii

Calathea warscewiczii is a prayer plant in the Marantaceae family, related to more common houseplant varieties like the rattlesnake plant and peacock plant. Native to the rainforests of Ecuador and Colombia, this Calathea species thrives in warm, humid environments with dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.

Some key traits of this plant

• Grows up to 2 feet tall with a spreading, clumping habit.

• Oval-shaped leaves reach 8-12 inches long and 4-6 inches wide. They are dark green with light green stripes running vertically from the midrib.

• The leaves raise up at night and lower during the day, a habit that gives rise to the prayer plant nickname.

• Small white and purple flowers occasionally bloom but are not very showy.

• Prefers average room temperatures around 65-80°F.

• Needs very high humidity of 60% or higher.

While certainly not the easiest houseplant, Calathea warscewiczii makes a striking display plant if provided proper care.

Light Requirements

Calathea warscewiczii does best in bright, indirect light. Some key light requirements:

• North or east-facing windows are ideal indoor spots. Provide sheer curtains to filter direct sun.

• West and south windows can also work if shaded. Monitor for leaf burn.

• Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the velvety foliage.

• Low light causes weak growth and loss of the distinctive striped pattern.

• Rotating the plant periodically prevents it leaning toward the light source.

The right balance of indirect sun keeps the leaves a rich green and maintains the vibrant pinstripes. Adjust blinds or curtains seasonally to control light intensity.

Ideal Temperature Range

Warm temperatures from 65°F to 80°F suit Calathea warscewiczii best and support lush growth. Here are some temperature tips:

• Keep away from cold drafts from windows, vents, or exterior doors.

• Avoid wide fluctuations in temperature which can shock the plant.

• Move to a warmer spot or use a space heater in winter if room temps drop below 65°F.

• Provide air circulation with a small fan during peak summer heat.

Monitor temperatures daily and move the plant as needed to maintain the ideal range. The jungle origins make this prayer plant a little hothouse plant.

Crucial Humidity Needs

The most challenging yet essential requirement for Calathea warscewiczii is high humidity. This tropical plant thrives in 60% humidity or greater. In dry indoor air, its leaf tips and margins will turn brown and crispy. Here are some humidity-boosting tips:

• Place on a pebble tray filled with water – the evaporating water increases humidity near the plant.

• Mist the leaves every 1-2 days with a spray bottle of water.

• Run an electric humidifier nearby to raise overall humidity in the room.

• Place in a bathroom or kitchen where natural humidity tends to be higher.

• Cover with a glass cloche or terrarium to create a mini greenhouse.

Proper humidity makes a huge impact on the health and appearance of this Calathea. Monitor moisture closely and make adjustments as needed.

Water Requirements

Calathea warscewiczii enjoys consistently moist (but not wet) soil. Use these tips for watering:

• Water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Check by sticking a finger in the pot.

• Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom. Never let it sit in a saucer of water.

• Grow in porous, peat-based potting mix that retains gentle moisture but still drains.

• Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows.

• Brown leaf edges indicate under-watering. Leaves yellowing or mold mean overwatering.

Providing the right soil moisture prevents leaf browning and supports vivid striped foliage. The plant will let you know if conditions are too wet or too dry.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the spring through fall growing season. Dilute to half the normal strength to avoid fertilizer burn. Reduce to monthly in winter.

Look for a balanced fertilizer or one higher in nitrogen to encourage lush foliage growth. Stop fertilizing if leaf tips turn brown, as this likely indicates over-fertilization.

Propagating Calathea Warscewiczii

Propagating new Calathea warscewiczii plants from cuttings or division takes skill and perfect conditions. It’s generally easier for beginners to find plants at nurseries and online shops. But with care, propagation is possible:

• Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings in spring, ensuring 2-3 leaf nodes per cutting.

• Dip cut end in rooting hormone then plant in seed starting mix. Cover with a plastic bag.

• Division can be done by carefully splitting mature plants at the root ball in early spring.

• Maintain high humidity and indirect light as cuttings and divisions root.

• Once new roots establish in several weeks, pot up the babies into fresh potting mix.

Propagation requires patience and meeting this plant’s picky requirements. But it can be very rewarding!

Repotting When Rootbound

Like many tropical plants, Calathea warscewiczii prefers being a bit rootbound and dislikes having its roots disturbed. Only repot when truly necessary:

• Check annually for roots circling the pot or emerging from drainage holes.

• Repot in early spring, moving up just 1-2 inches to a slightly larger pot.

• Carefully loosen and untangle the root ball, trimming any dead roots.

• Use a well-draining potting mix amended with extra perlite or orchid bark.

Go slowly and minimize root disturbance when repotting to prevent shock. The plant may sulk for a few weeks but should perk up again.

Common Issues with Calathea Warscewiczii

Even with the best care, issues can occasionally crop up with this finicky Calathea:

• Brown leaf edges indicate insufficient humidity. Increase moisture in the air.

• Leaves curling up is a sign of underwatering. Check soil and water more frequently if dry.

• Yellowing leaves point to overwatering. Allow soil to dry out before watering again.

• Leaf spots or mushy stems mean disease problems from too much moisture. Improve air circulation.

• Fading or lost leaf striping results from too little light. Provide a brighter location.

Catch problems early and adjust care. Don’t hesitate to prune off any damaged growth to refurbish the plant.

Enjoying this Dramatic Houseplant

Though demanding, a well-cared for Calathea warscewiczii is sure to become a prized houseplant in any collection. The striking striped foliage adds bold tropical style wherever its placed. Monitor conditions diligently, provide ample humidity, and tend this prayer plant with patience. In return, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous living work of leafy art!