If you are interested in calatheas, you will know that within these there are many different ones, that they have unique characteristics and that make them true jewels in themselves. One of them is the 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.
What is Calathea warscewiczii like?
The Calathea warscewiczii is also known as calathea jungle velvet, zebra plant or Goeppertia warscewiczii (the latter not yet generalized). It is an evergreen plant that belongs to the Marantaceae family (or what is the same, prayer plants).
This is Originally from South America and also from the central part. His name has a reason. And it is that this derives from 'Kálathos', in Greek, and means "basket", which is what it resembles at the moment it begins to bloom (its flowers are born in inflorescences that simulate baskets).
Its natural habitat is in tropical forests. But even though 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 that provide it with a lot of moisture.
It is classified as a rhizomatous plant and its stems, which are abundant, will be brown. They are one of the few that develop well inside the earth (up to 10 cm) to later emerge outside. From these come out large leaves with fairly long petioles. In fact, they can measure up to 10 centimeters wide and 40cm long.
If you look a little closer, you'll notice that the Calathea warscewiczii will be covered in very, very fine, soft down that helps protect it from dryness. That is why it seems 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, in a light green color, which makes it stand out. In the case of the petioles, these are also purple.
Calathea warscewiczii care
We are not going to deceive you. The Calathea warscewiczii is a plant quite complicated to take care of 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 in poor condition or even dies in a short time.
For this reason, we are going to provide you with a care guide in case you want to have it in your home.
Location and temperature
The Calathea warscewiczii is a plant that grows outdoors in its natural habitat because it is protected by tall trees that filter the light and also provide it with high humidity.
Of course, depending on where you live you could provide this location. But the normal thing is that have it inside the house, indoors, and that it does not give it much light (It is advisable to place it in a semi-shaded area and that the lighting is filtered.
It is important that the temperature oscillates between the 18 and the 29 degrees because that way you will be fine.
Earth
The next thing you should see is the substrate to use. As it is usual for Calathea warscewiczii to be in a pot, the soil must be very draining. That's why, using perlite along with peat moss can help give the plant a little cluttered space (and you will ensure 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, neither do 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.
Irrigation and humidity
Both irrigation and humidity (and the latter to a greater extent) are two of the most important cares for this plant.
El watering must be regular because the Calathea warscewiczii likes to have moist soil. Of course, it does not mean that it is soaked or waterlogged, far from it (that will cause rotting of the roots).
We advise you to use distilled, filtered or rainwater.
Now, what about the humidity? Like many other Calatheas, it is important to give it a moist environment. In this aspect, you should make sure there is at least 50% humidity for it to develop properly. If there is more, the better, because that will result in less watering and a better situation for the plant.
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During the growing months, that is, spring and summer, to give it extra energy, it is recommended to pay it.
To do this, use a fertilizer that is strong and above all balanced.
Pruning
Poda does not have as such. Rather, it is more of a maintenance. When the leaves wither, you will have to remove them. The same if they turn yellow, since they disfigure their appearance and at the same time prevent them from developing new ones.
This makes it possible for you cut the leaves whenever you want; there is no exact period in which you say that it should be pruned.
Plagues and diseases
As for pests and diseases, know that there are some that can affect you a lot. In the case of pests we talk about cochineal and mites. On the other hand, in diseases, you would have leaf spot, fusarium and pseudomonas.
Multiplication
The most suitable multiplication, and easy to do, is through plant division. This always occurs at the beginning of spring or summer, and consists of separating the plant into two or more parts (depending on how big you have it).
Uses
Before finishing with the Calathea warscewiczii, you should know that, although this it is one of the air purifying plants, and therefore 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?