What Is the Velvet Calathea? An Introduction to the Characteristics of This Herbaceous Plant

Other Names for the Velvet Calathea

The velvet calathea is also called zebra plant and velvet-leaf calathea.

Habits of the Velvet Calathea

It likes a warm, humid and semi-shady environment, is not cold-tolerant, fears dryness and dislikes strong direct sunlight.

The suitable growing temperature for the velvet calathea is 18-25°C. In winter the temperature should not be lower than 13°C, and in summer it should not exceed 35°C, otherwise it is extremely unfavorable to the growth of the velvet calathea, causing the stems and leaves to stop growing or to freeze and die.

The velvet calathea has relatively high water requirements. During the growing season it must be watered thoroughly to keep the potting soil moist. However, overly wet soil can cause root rot and even death, so special attention should be paid to this.

If the air humidity is low, the leaves immediately curl, reacting very sensitively. When grown indoors, the air humidity must be maintained at 70%-80%. In winter keep it slightly dry; if too wet, the leaves easily turn yellow and wither.

For soil, fertile, loose and well-drained leaf mold is most suitable. For potting, use a mixture of culture soil, peat soil and coarse sand.

The Flower Language of the Velvet Calathea

Good luck and auspiciousness come.