Wavyleaf Calathea Plant Care
Calathea warscewiczii (L.Mathieu ex Planch.) Planch. & Linden
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Goeppertia warszewiczii is a species of perennial, herbaceous plant in the Marantaceae family, endemic to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. It grows up to 0.5 to 1 meters high, by 0.5 to 1 meters wide, with patterned lanceolate leaves, and white cone-like inflorescences that fade to yellow or pink.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Wavyleaf Calathea?
Water Wavyleaf Calathea every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Wavyleaf Calathea Native To?
What Is the Wavyleaf Calathea?
Wavyleaf Calathea (Calathea warscewiczii) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Calathea genus. Wavyleaf Calathea is native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Wavyleaf Calathea is also known as Jungle Rose, Calathea.
Wavyleaf Calathea displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wavyleaf Calathea?
Calathea warscewiczii requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Wavyleaf Calathea Need?
Wavyleaf Calathea thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Wavyleaf Calathea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wavyleaf Calathea Prefer?
Calathea warscewiczii grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Wavyleaf Calathea prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wavyleaf Calathea?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Wavyleaf Calathea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wavyleaf Calathea?
Feed Wavyleaf Calathea every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Propagate a Wavyleaf Calathea?
Wavyleaf Calathea can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to peacock plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Wavyleaf Calathea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Wavyleaf Calathea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Wavyleaf Calathea?
Wavyleaf Calathea is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Wavyleaf Calathea Need?
Wavyleaf Calathea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Wavyleaf Calathea is native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. In cooler regions, grow Wavyleaf Calathea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Wavyleaf Calathea is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Calathea genus — compare its care with other Calathea species on PlantoScan.
Calathea is part of the Marantaceae plant family — browse all Marantaceae genera and species.
Wavyleaf Calathea thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Calathea Species
Other Calathea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Calathea warscewiczii (L.Mathieu ex Planch.) Planch. & Linden, family Marantaceae (first published in Cat. Pl. Exot. 10: 3 1855) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wavyleaf Calathea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Wavyleaf Calathea Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species