Calathea Warscewiczii Care guide

CANDICE THE CALATHEA WARSCEWICZII

Also known as the Prayer Plant or velvet Calathea. The Calathea warscewiczii is native to the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica.

LIGHTING 

The Calathea Warscewiczii prefers a medium to bright light. If she is placed in direct sunlight her variegation will start to fade and leaves will burn. Candice will thrive in a well lit room but can also tolerate lower levels of light in the winter months.

WATERING 

The Calathea Warscewiczii likes regular watering but is sensitive to root rot, make sure the first few inches of soil feel dry to touch before watering her again. Water frequently in the summer to avoid curling leaves and reduce your watering schedule in the winter months.

HUMIDITY 

The Calathea Warscewiczii is a tropical plant and loves high levels of humidity and will thrive in a humid climate. Place Candice near a humidifier, on top of a pebble tray or in a steamy bathroom. Check out our blog on increasing humidity into your home.

TEMPERATURE 

The perfect temperature for Candice is between 18-24°C. As long as the indoor temperature doesn’t dip below 18°C Candice will be happy. 

FERTILISER 

To promote growth use our fortifying fertiliser every 4 weeks in the months from March-September. Make sure to dilute the fertiliser to a quarter strength to avoid fertiliser burn to Candice’s roots.

REPOTTING 

The Calathea Warscewiczii will grow quickly in the spring and summer months. Repot her every 12 - 18 months or whenever her roots start sticking out of the drainage holes. 

 

TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR CALATHEA WARSCEWICZII

 Curling leaves - The curling leaves could be a sign of two things: 

 

  1. The Calathea Warscewiczii is ready for a drink, feel the first two inches of soil and if it is dry then give her a small drink. 
  2. She is suffering from cold stress. Check to see if she is near any open windows or drafts that could be causing her discomfort.  

Drooping leaves - The Calathea Warscewiczii prefers moist soil. If her soil dries out too much then her leaves will start to droop. Check her soil and only water if the first few inches of soil is dry. It’s worth noting that Calathea’s leaves move with the light. The leaves appear droopy during the day and will move upwards in the evening.

Yellow leaves - Yellow leaves often indicate that the Calathea Warscewiczii has been overwatered but the occasional lower yellow leaf is normal especially in winter.

 Brown edges: The brown edges could be caused by a variety of things. 

  1. The Calathea Warscewiczii can react badly to the harsh chemicals found in tap water. Use filtered or rainwater moving forward.
  2. Lack of humidity levels. Be sure that Candice is in a humid room near a humidifier or on top of a pebble tray. 
  3. Occasionally the brown tips could be from underwatering so it’s good to check that the soil feels moist but not soggy.

 

OUR TOP 3 CARE TIPS 

Top tip 1: Keep the Calathea Warscewiczii away from any drafts, radiators or open windows. 

Top tip 2: Use the incredible beautifying leaf shine to remove any dust or dirt.

Top tip 3: Always water the Calathea with filtered or rain water to avoid any crispy edges. 

candice ziggy iggy fortifying-houseplant-fertiliser peat-free-soil