Plant of the month
Warscewiczii
The Calathea Warscewiczii hails from the humid jungles of Central and South America, especially countries like Colombia, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. Known for its velvety leaves in deep green tones with a purple underside, it’s perfect for adding a splash of vibrant color to your home during those winter days. Named after Polish botanist Joseph Warszewicz, this plant is just what you need to give your home a fresh start in January—and it’s a gorgeous alternative to a Christmas tree!
Fun fact! Ever hear rustling in your room and notice it’s coming from your Calathea, like the Warscewiczii? That’s totally normal! Calatheas are nicknamed “living plants” because they follow a plant sleep cycle. At night, their leaves close up as if they’re sleeping, and in the morning, they open back up, ready for the day!
Care guide
Plants in the Calathea family are often called the drama queens of houseplants. They can be a bit fussy, so it might take some trial and error to figure out the perfect humidity and watering schedule. But trust me, once you’ve got it down, you’ll have a real showstopper in your home! She might need a bit more attention than other plants, but with the right care, she’ll shine anywhere!
Fun fact! Calatheas are pretty vocal about their needs. If your Warscewiczii stops opening its leaves in the morning or closing them at night, it’s a sign something’s up! Too much sun might make her fold her leaves to protect herself, and if it’s cold, they might curl up to keep warm. Pay attention to these signals, and caring for her will become a breeze!
Water
The Calathea Warscewiczii is sensitive to root rot, so make sure she doesn’t get “wet feet.” She likes her soil moist, but the top layer can dry out between waterings. If you forget her for a bit, she’ll let you know by drooping her stems and leaves, which might start drying out or curling. Check the soil regularly with your finger and water when the top 2 cm feels dry. Usually, watering once a week works, but it’s best to find a rhythm that suits you and your leafy friend!
Tip: Water little and often instead of giving her a big soak all at once.
Light
In the wild, the Calathea Warscewiczii grows under other plants and trees, so she’s used to shade. Mimic this at home by placing her somewhere with indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight can fade her vibrant colors and even scorch her leaves. In winter, she can handle even less light without any issues!
Tip: A curtain or blinds are great for filtering light for your plant buddy!
Soil
This plant thrives in well-draining soil. Mix PLNTS soil with perlite and bark to keep water flowing through easily while letting the roots get enough oxygen. Bark helps retain moisture without waterlogging the soil. A good mix is 60-70% soil, 20-30% perlite, and 10-20% bark. This will keep her happy!
Temperature & Humidity
The Calathea Warscewiczii is a true tropical girl, so she loves high humidity! In dry environments, her leaf tips might turn brown, making her lose that velvety texture—something you definitely don’t want! Since she absorbs moisture through her large leaves, give them a light mist regularly. Be gentle though, as her leaves are delicate. Use a spray bottle with a fine mist setting and don’t soak her too much—she’ll reward you by looking her best!
Tip: Put your Warscewiczii in a steamy bathroom for extra humidity—it’ll do wonders for her!
Keep her in a stable temperature range of 18°C to 24°C. Avoid cold drafts or extreme heat, so keep her away from radiators and open windows. As long as it’s warm and above 18°C, she’ll be happy!
Propagation
Propagating a Calathea Warscewiczii is best done through division. Instead of taking cuttings from the plant and having these grow separately from eacht other, you propagate the Warscewiczii by dividing the plant into 2 or more pieces. The advantage is that all the sperate pieces have a root system if you do this correctly, but it can take soms energy from your Calathea to recover from this method. If you want to create your more Warscewicziis, just follow these steps:
Step 1:
Choose a healthy, mature plant with multiple shoots. Water her the day before to make the roots flexible and reduce stress.
Step 2:
Carefully remove her from the pot and shake off excess soil to expose the roots.
Step 3:
Look for sections with their own root system and shoots—basically mini plants attached to the main one.
Step 4:
Use your hands or a sharp knife to divide the root ball into sections. Make sure each part has at least one shoot with leaves and roots.
Step 5:
Plant the separated sections in fresh soil. Cover the roots properly but don’t pack the soil too tightly.
Step 6:
Water the new plants right away and place them somewhere with indirect light and high humidity.
It’s super easy to propagate this plant! After dividing, give her a bit of time to adjust, and she’ll be thriving again in no time!
Buy Calathea Warscewiczii
Now that you know all about this beauty, it’s time to bring her home! With her velvety green and purple leaves, she’ll add color and life to your interior. Perfect for a fresh start to the new year—and a great replacement for your Christmas tree. The Warscewiczii is a true stunner all year round. Order yours now on our website and enjoy special discounts all January!