The Calathea ‘Jungle Cat’ (Goeppertia veitchiana ‘Jungle Cat’) is a popular choice for its striking and distinctive foliage. Its vibrant patterns and colors bring an exotic touch to interior spaces.
About the Calathea Jungle Cat
The Calathea ‘Jungle Cat’ has large, velvety, lance-shaped leaves with prominent green stripes and darker patches. The undersides often display a rich purple or burgundy hue, adding visual appeal. Native to the tropical rainforests of South America, particularly Brazil, it thrives on the forest floor under tree canopies. Its natural habitat provides warm, humid conditions and dappled sunlight, influencing its indoor care. As a “prayer plant” (Marantaceae), it exhibits nyctinasty: leaves open during the day to capture light and fold upwards at dusk, mimicking hands in prayer.
Essential Care for Calathea Jungle Cat
Caring for the Calathea ‘Jungle Cat’ involves replicating its native tropical environment to promote healthy growth. Providing the right conditions for light, water, humidity, soil, and temperature helps the plant thrive indoors.
Light Requirements
Calathea ‘Jungle Cat’ prefers bright, indirect light, mimicking filtered rainforest sunlight. Place it near a north-facing window, or a few feet from an east or west-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves and fade patterns. Insufficient light may lead to smaller leaves and stunted growth.
Watering Techniques
Consistent moisture is important, but avoid soggy soil. Keep the soil evenly moist, watering when the top inch feels dry. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater, as Calatheas are sensitive to chemicals like fluoride and chlorine in tap water, which can cause browning leaf edges. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot bottom.
Humidity Needs
High humidity is important, ideally above 50-60%. Low humidity can cause crispy leaf edges and tips. Increase humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray, using a room humidifier, or grouping it with other plants. A naturally humid room, like a bathroom or kitchen with adequate light, can also be beneficial.
Ideal Soil Mix
A well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix is suitable. A good blend includes peat moss, perlite, and pine bark, or a mix of potting soil, peat, and perlite. This provides aeration for root health and prevents waterlogging. An ideal soil pH is between 6.5 and 7, as they do not prefer acidic conditions.
Temperature Range
Calathea ‘Jungle Cat’ thrives in warm temperatures, ideally 65-80°F (18-27°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, which can damage leaves. Avoid temperatures below 60°F (15°C) to prevent stress. Maintaining a stable environment helps the plant remain healthy.
Fertilizing Guide
During the active growing season (spring and summer), Calathea ‘Jungle Cat’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks. Over-fertilizing can harm the plant, causing leaf burn or damage, so err on the side of less. Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows.
Troubleshooting Common Calathea Jungle Cat Problems
Even with diligent care, Calathea ‘Jungle Cat’ plants can show signs of stress. Recognizing these issues helps maintain the plant’s health.
Leaf Issues
Common leaf problems indicate environmental stress or improper care. Curling leaves often point to underwatering or insufficient humidity. Browning edges or tips are typically caused by low humidity or tap water with high mineral content. Yellowing leaves can signal overwatering or nutrient deficiencies, and faded patterns suggest too much direct light. Addressing these factors, like adjusting watering, increasing humidity, or changing water source, helps the plant recover.
Pest Management
Calathea ‘Jungle Cat’ can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions, so adequate humidity is a preventative measure. Regularly inspect leaves, especially the undersides, to detect infestations early. If pests are found, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, use insecticidal soap, or apply neem oil.
Growth Stagnation
Stunted growth can be due to insufficient light, improper watering, or lack of nutrients. Adjusting light exposure, ensuring consistent soil moisture, and providing appropriate fertilization during the growing season can encourage new growth. Healthy root development and nutrient absorption are important for vigor.
Repotting and Propagation
Periodic repotting and propagation are important aspects of Calathea ‘Jungle Cat’ care. They allow the plant to continue growing and enable collection expansion. Undertake these tasks when the plant shows signs of needing more space or when creating new plants.
When and How to Repot
Signs your Calathea ‘Jungle Cat’ needs repotting include roots circling the pot or stunted growth despite proper care. Repot every one to two years, ideally in spring when the plant is actively growing. Select a pot only slightly larger than the current one to prevent excess soil moisture. Gently remove the plant, loosen any circling roots, and replant with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Propagating Your Plant
The most common method for propagating Calathea ‘Jungle Cat’ is division, often done during repotting. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring each new section has leaves and healthy roots. Plant these divisions into separate pots with fresh potting mix and water thoroughly. Provide new plants with a warm, humid environment and indirect light to encourage establishment and new growth.
Calathea Jungle Cat and Pets
The Calathea ‘Jungle Cat’ is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. This makes it a suitable choice for homes with pets, providing a vibrant addition without posing a significant health risk. While generally safe, ingesting large quantities of any plant material can sometimes lead to mild digestive upset, so monitor pets around plants.