Goeppertia warszewiczii

The jungle velvet Calathea is a large tropical evergreen perennial native to tropical forests of Central America that reaches up to 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. It is found in Costa Rica and Nicaragua's warm and humid climates. The plant has large soft, velvety green leaves and features a peacock feather-like pattern. Uniquely, this plant can produce flowers indoors which is uncommon in most species of this genus. The jungle velvet Calathea is a popular indoor plant for its soft texture and decorative leaf pattern. It is a member of the prayer plant family (Marantaceae). The specific epithet, warszewiczii, Is named in honor of Józef Warszewicz Ritter von Rawicz, a 19th century Polish gardener and plant collector. He introduced this plant into cultivation in Berlin, Germany. 

This plant requires bright, indirect light and a moist, well-drained, peat-based potting mix. Adding perlite and vermiculite will improve the drainage of the soil and will help prevent problems such as wet or soggy soils. Distilled or rainwater is best for watering this plant since tap water contains fluoride and can cause the leaves to have brown edges and tips. The room temperature should be stable and range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level above 60%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and cold drafts. The humidity can be increased by using a humidifier or placing the plant on a wet pebble tray. It is recommended to fertilize this plant monthly during its growing season (during the spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Dust can collect on the leaves and cause slowing of photosynthesis. Using a damp clean cloth, gently wipe the leaves to remove any dust. The best method propagation is by division.

The jungle velvet Calathea grows upright and has a rhizomatous root system, and the leaves appear on long purplish-green stems. The foliage is large, soft, velvety, deep green and has light green coloring along the midrib that radiates from the midrib out toward the leaf margins like a feather pattern. The underside of the leaf is a striking shade of purple and is covered in dense woolly hairs. The flowers emerge as creamy white. then yellow, and then finally a pinkish shade and are in a tubular shape.

The jungle velvet Calathea could serve as a larger accent plant for your home or office, and the soft, velvety texture of the leaves, and the color design will provide a strikingly beautiful addition to your indoor plant collection.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant has no serious insect or disease problems, but some common houseplant problems can arise. Monitor for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Overwatering can cause root rot, and leaf spot can occur from poor air circulation or wetting the leaves while watering. Low humidity and fluoride from tap water can cause the leaf edges and tips to brown. The leaves can curl from lack of water and low humidity. The leaf patterns can fade from inadequate light, and leaf scorch can occur from too much direct sunlight.