Paperleaf Costus Plant Care
Costus chartaceus Maas
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With striking glossy, deep green leaves that are lance-shaped and slightly wavy at the edges, this plant originates from the rainforests of Central and South America. Plant collectors are drawn to Costus chartaceus for its unique foliage and its ability to thrive in high humidity environments, making it a beautiful and exotic addition to any indoor garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Paperleaf Costus?
Water Paperleaf Costus every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Paperleaf Costus?
Paperleaf Costus (Costus chartaceus) belongs to the Costaceae family within the Costus genus. Paperleaf Costus is native to Colombia and Ecuador.
Paperleaf Costus displays a tall, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Paperleaf Costus produces showy, tubular flowers in vibrant colors like red, orange, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Paperleaf Costus?
Costus chartaceus 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 Paperleaf Costus Need?
Paperleaf Costus thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Paperleaf Costus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Paperleaf Costus Prefer?
Costus chartaceus grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Paperleaf Costus 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 Paperleaf Costus?
Loose, well-draining soil mix with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Paperleaf Costus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Paperleaf Costus?
Feed Paperleaf Costus every 6 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 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Paperleaf Costus?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Paperleaf Costus?
Paperleaf Costus can be propagated through division of rhizomes, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to redleaf costus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Paperleaf Costus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Paperleaf Costus, 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 Paperleaf Costus?
Paperleaf Costus is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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 Paperleaf Costus Need?
Paperleaf Costus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Paperleaf Costus is native to Colombia and Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Paperleaf Costus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Paperleaf Costus 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 Costus genus — compare its care with other Costus species on PlantoScan.
Costus is part of the Costaceae plant family — browse all Costaceae genera and species.
Paperleaf Costus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Costus Species
Other Costus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Costus chartaceus Maas, family Costaceae (first published in Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 8: 98 (1972)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Paperleaf Costus, 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 13b – 11b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
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