🌿 Jungle Velvet Calathea (Calathea warszewiczii), also known as Goeppertia warszewiczii, is a stunning tropical houseplant with soft, velvety green leaves, feather-like markings and rich purple undersides. In this video, I share how to keep Jungle Velvet Calathea healthy and happy in your indoor garden, including the right lighting, watering, humidity, fertilizing, repotting and propagation. You’ll also learn how to prevent common problems such as brown leaf tips, curling leaves and spider mites. See time stamps below.
What You’ll Learn
- How to identify jungle velvet calathea by its distinctive velvety deep green leaves with feather-like patterning and rich purple undersides — and what growing conditions it prefers
- The correct light, watering, and fertilizing routine for jungle velvet calathea, including moisture meter guidance and why tap water can cause brown leaf tips
- Why high humidity (at least 60%) is essential for this plant, and practical methods to achieve it including humidifiers, pebble trays, and grouping plants together
- How to recognize and troubleshoot common problems including underwatering, overwatering, low humidity, spider mites, mealybugs, and root rot
- When and how to repot jungle velvet calathea, including the best soil mix, container type, and how to handle its sensitive roots
- How to propagate jungle velvet calathea by division, including step-by-step guidance on timing, technique, and aftercare
#healthyhouseplants #junglevelvetcalathea #calathea #prayerplant #tropicalhouseplants
Jungle Velvet Calathea Care: How to Keep This Stunning Plant Healthy and Happy
Welcome to healthyhouseplants.com, where I teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today we have a plant care video for this lovely jungle velvet calathea. This video is going to tell you how to keep this stunning plant healthy and happy in your indoor garden.
The plant’s currently accepted botanical name is Goeppertia warszewiczii, but you will still commonly see it sold and referred to as Calathea warszewiczii.
About Jungle Velvet Calathea
Jungle velvet calathea is a tropical evergreen perennial native to Central America, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. It grows well in warm, wet tropical forests and belongs to the prayer plant family.
This plant is known for its large, incredibly soft, velvety leaves. The upper surfaces are deep green with lighter green markings that radiate from the center vein, creating a feather-like pattern. The undersides of the leaves are a rich purple and are also covered in fine hairs, which adds to their velvety softness.
This is a substantial houseplant that can eventually reach 3 to 4 feet tall and wide under ideal conditions. It can also produce creamy white cone-shaped flowers that gradually change to yellow and then pink. Flowering indoors is unusual for this group of plants, but jungle velvet calathea is one that may bloom inside when it is especially happy.
Light
Jungle velvet calathea requires medium to bright indirect light. Place the plant in front of an eastern window, near a bright northern window, or several feet away from a southern or western window. It also grows very well under full spectrum lighting.
Avoid direct midday or afternoon sunlight, which can scorch the foliage and cause dry brown spots. If the plant receives too little light, growth will slow and the beautiful leaf patterning may begin to fade.
Turn the plant slightly every time you water so that it receives even lighting on all sides.
The large textured leaves can collect dust, so wipe them carefully with a soft, damp microfiber cloth when necessary. Dust blocks light from reaching the leaves and slows photosynthesis. Be especially careful when cleaning because the velvety surface can be easily damaged — which is why a microfiber cloth is recommended.
Watering
Keep jungle velvet calathea soil consistently moist but never soggy. Allow the surface to top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again. You can also lift the container to check whether the plant has become more lightweight. If you are using a moisture meter, water when it reaches four and definitely before it drops to three.
Water thoroughly until excess water begins draining from the bottom of the pot, then empty the drainage tray so the plant never sits in standing water.
Always use warm water. For best results, use distilled, reverse osmosis, filtered, or rainwater. Calatheas and Goeppertias can be sensitive to fluoride, chlorine, chloramine, and excess minerals in tap water, which can lead to brown leaf tips and edges.
Signs of underwatering include curling and drooping leaves, crispy brown edges, and dry soil. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, limp growth, root rot, and consistently wet soil.
Fertilizing
Fertilize jungle velvet calathea once a month during spring and summer with a well-balanced organic fertilizer made for houseplants. This plant is not an especially heavy feeder, and its roots can be sensitive to fertilizer salts. Avoid overfertilizing, which can lead to damaged roots and brown leaf tips.
Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows. If the plant continues actively producing new leaves under full spectrum lighting, feed less frequently rather than stopping completely.
Humidity
Jungle velvet calathea requires high humidity to thrive. Aim for a humidity level of at least 60% around the plant. Use a humidifier, place the plant on a humidity pebble tray, and group it with other houseplants — plants humidify each other as they release moisture into the surrounding air. Use a hygrometer to check the humidity level in the plant’s growing area. Brown curling leaf tips and edges are common signs that the humidity is too low.
Temperature
Jungle velvet calathea grows best in temperatures between 65 and 75°F. Keep the plant away from cold drafts, frequently opened doors, air conditioning units, and heating vents. Sudden temperature changes and dry air blowing across the leaves can cause curling, browning, and general decline.
Repotting
Jungle velvet calathea doesn’t like having its roots disturbed, so don’t repot until the plant needs it. Signs it is ready for repotting include roots growing from the drainage holes, slowed growth despite proper care, soil drying unusually quickly, or the plant surpassing the two-thirds to one-third plant-to-pot ratio rule.
Repot in spring or early summer and move the plant up no more than one pot size. Repotting is generally necessary every two to three years, though your plant’s growth rate and pot size will determine the timing.
Use a rich potting soil that retains moisture but also drains well. A mixture containing equal portions of high-quality houseplant potting soil, coconut coir, and perlite works well. Plastic, metal, and glazed ceramic containers are generally better choices than unglazed terracotta. Handle the root ball carefully and avoid unnecessarily pulling apart or damaging the sensitive roots.
Pruning
Jungle velvet calathea requires very little pruning. Remove yellow, brown, or severely damaged leaves by cutting the leaf stems near the soil line with clean, sharp pruning shears. If the plant flowers indoors, remove the blooms after they fade so the plant can direct its energy toward producing new foliage.
Pests and Diseases
Spider mites are the most common pest on jungle velvet calathea, especially when indoor air is dry. Also watch for mealybugs and scale. Check the undersides of the leaves regularly for fine webbing, pale speckling, sticky residue, cottony white material, or small bumps attached to the leaves and stems — all indicators of these various pests.
Root rot is the primary disease problem and generally results from overwatering, poor drainage, or allowing the plant to sit in standing water. Fungal or bacterial leaf issues can also occur when the foliage remains wet or there is insufficient air circulation.
Brown leaf tips and edges are usually caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering, excess fertilizer salts, or chemicals and minerals in tap water. Curling leaves generally indicate that the plant is too dry, the humidity is too low, or spider mites are present.
Propagation
Jungle velvet calathea is best propagated by division. The ideal time to divide the plant is in spring or early summer when you are already repotting it. Water the plant the day before division so that it is well hydrated.
Carefully remove the plant from its container and look for natural divisions within the root ball. Gently separate a section with several healthy leaves and a good root system attached. If the roots can’t be separated by hand, cut through them with a clean, sharp knife.
Place the division in a small container with drainage holes using the same potting mix as the parent plant. Water thoroughly and place the new plant in a warm, humid location with bright indirect light. You can loosely cover a small division with a clear humidity dome or plastic bag while it becomes established, making sure the covering doesn’t rest against the leaves.
Is Jungle Velvet Calathea Safe for Pets?
Jungle velvet calathea is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a good choice for homes with pets. Even so, discourage pets from chewing on the leaves, since eating a large amount of any plant material can potentially cause digestive upset.
So there you go — how to keep this stunning plant, jungle velvet calathea, healthy and happy in your indoor garden. Thank you for stopping by today. Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see, and remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the botanical name of jungle velvet calathea?
The currently accepted botanical name for jungle velvet calathea is Goeppertia warszewiczii. However, it is still widely sold and referred to as Calathea warszewiczii, so you will commonly see both names used.
Where is jungle velvet calathea native to?
Jungle velvet calathea is native to Central America, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. It grows naturally in warm, wet tropical forests.
How large does jungle velvet calathea grow?
Jungle velvet calathea is a substantial houseplant that can eventually reach 3 to 4 feet tall and wide under ideal conditions.
What do jungle velvet calathea leaves look like?
The leaves are large, incredibly soft, and velvety. The upper surfaces are deep green with lighter green markings that radiate from the center vein, creating a feather-like pattern. The undersides of the leaves are a rich purple and are also covered in fine hairs, adding to their velvety texture.
Does jungle velvet calathea flower indoors?
Flowering indoors is unusual for this group of plants, but jungle velvet calathea is one that may bloom inside when it is especially happy. The flowers are creamy white and cone-shaped, gradually changing to yellow and then pink.
What kind of light does jungle velvet calathea need?
Jungle velvet calathea requires medium to bright indirect light. It can be placed in front of an eastern window, near a bright northern window, or several feet away from a southern or western window. It also grows well under full spectrum lighting. Avoid direct midday or afternoon sunlight, which can scorch the foliage and cause dry brown spots.
How should I water jungle velvet calathea?
Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Allow the surface to top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again. Water thoroughly until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot, then empty the drainage tray so the plant never sits in standing water. If using a moisture meter, water when it reaches four and definitely before it drops to three.
What type of water is best for jungle velvet calathea?
Always use warm water. For best results, use distilled, reverse osmosis, filtered, or rainwater. Calatheas and Goeppertias can be sensitive to fluoride, chlorine, chloramine, and excess minerals in tap water, which can lead to brown leaf tips and edges.
What are the signs of underwatering or overwatering jungle velvet calathea?
Signs of underwatering include curling and drooping leaves, crispy brown edges, and dry soil. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, limp growth, root rot, and consistently wet soil.
How often should I fertilize jungle velvet calathea?
Fertilize once a month during spring and summer with a well-balanced organic fertilizer made for houseplants. This plant is not a heavy feeder and its roots can be sensitive to fertilizer salts, so avoid overfertilizing. Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows. If the plant continues actively growing under full spectrum lighting, feed less frequently rather than stopping completely.
What humidity level does jungle velvet calathea need?
Jungle velvet calathea requires high humidity to thrive. Aim for a humidity level of at least 60% around the plant. Use a humidifier, place the plant on a humidity pebble tray, and group it with other houseplants. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity in the plant’s growing area. Brown curling leaf tips and edges are common signs that humidity is too low.
What temperature does jungle velvet calathea prefer?
Jungle velvet calathea grows best in temperatures between 65 and 75°F. Keep it away from cold drafts, frequently opened doors, air conditioning units, and heating vents, as sudden temperature changes and dry air can cause curling, browning, and general decline.
When and how should I repot jungle velvet calathea?
Repot in spring or early summer when the plant shows signs it is ready, such as roots growing from the drainage holes, slowed growth despite proper care, soil drying unusually quickly, or the plant outgrowing the pot. Move up no more than one pot size. Repotting is generally needed every two to three years. Use a mix of equal portions of high-quality houseplant potting soil, coconut coir, and perlite. Plastic, metal, and glazed ceramic containers are better choices than unglazed terracotta.
What pests affect jungle velvet calathea?
Spider mites are the most common pest, especially when indoor air is dry. Mealybugs and scale can also be a problem. Check the undersides of the leaves regularly for fine webbing, pale speckling, sticky residue, cottony white material, or small bumps, which are all signs of pest activity.
What causes brown leaf tips and curling leaves on jungle velvet calathea?
Brown leaf tips and edges are usually caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering, excess fertilizer salts, or chemicals and minerals in tap water. Curling leaves generally indicate the plant is too dry, humidity is too low, or spider mites are present.
How do I propagate jungle velvet calathea?
Jungle velvet calathea is best propagated by division, ideally in spring or early summer during repotting. Water the plant the day before to hydrate it. Remove it from its container, find natural divisions in the root ball, and gently separate a section with several healthy leaves and a good root system. If needed, cut through roots with a clean, sharp knife. Plant the division in a small container with the same potting mix, water thoroughly, and place in a warm, humid location with bright indirect light. A clear humidity dome or plastic bag can be used loosely over small divisions while they establish.
Is jungle velvet calathea safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. Jungle velvet calathea is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a good choice for homes with pets. However, it is still a good idea to discourage pets from chewing on the leaves, as eating a large amount of any plant material can potentially cause digestive upset.
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