The Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ is a captivating houseplant with striking foliage. Its large, medallion-shaped leaves feature a deep green to almost black background, contrasted with wide, bright pink bands and a vibrant pink central vein. Its undersides are a rich purple hue. As a member of the Marantaceae family, it exhibits nyctinasty, where its leaves fold upwards at night and unfurl in the morning.
Calathea Princess Jessie Care
Light
Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural rainforest habitat. Direct sun scorches delicate leaves and fades their vibrant colors. Place the plant near a north or east-facing window, or a shielded south or west-facing window, for optimal light.
Watering
Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ prefers consistent, slightly moist, never waterlogged, soil. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, adjusting frequency based on conditions. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater; tap water chemicals like chlorine and fluoride damage leaves. Allowing tap water to sit overnight helps chemicals dissipate.
Humidity
High humidity is crucial for Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’, ideally above 60%. Low humidity causes crispy, brown leaf edges. Increase humidity with a humidifier, pebble tray, or by grouping plants. Regular misting helps.
Soil
The ideal potting mix for Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ should be well-draining yet moisture-retentive. A blend of organic matter, perlite, coco coir, or orchid bark is ideal. A neutral soil pH between 6.5 and 7 is preferred, as acidic soil harms root health.
Temperature
Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ thrives in warm and stable temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). It is sensitive to cold, not tolerating temperatures below 55-60°F (12.7-15°C), which leads to growth problems and leaf damage. Avoid cold drafts, open windows in winter, or heating/cooling vents, as sudden fluctuations are detrimental.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season, spring and summer, Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 NPK ratio), diluted to half strength, every two to four weeks. Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilization causes salt buildup and root burn; follow dilution instructions carefully.
Repotting Calathea Princess Jessie
Repot Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ every one to two years, or when root-bound (e.g., roots from drainage holes, stunted growth). Repot in early spring, before its active growing phase, to minimize stress and aid recovery. Choose a new pot only slightly larger (one to two inches wider) to prevent soil from staying too wet.
To repot, water the plant thoroughly the day before to ease removal. Gently remove the plant without damaging the delicate root system. Place fresh, well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix in the new pot, center the plant, and fill around the root ball. Avoid unnecessary root disturbance, as Calatheas are sensitive. After repotting, water the plant well.
Propagating Calathea Princess Jessie
Propagate Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ through division, during repotting in spring. This involves separating the plant’s rhizomes (underground stems that store nutrients and produce new shoots). Use clean, sharp tools for precise cuts.
Gently remove the plant from its pot and untangle the root ball. Identify natural divisions where plantlets with roots and foliage can be separated. Pull or cut these sections apart, ensuring each new division has healthy rhizome and roots. Plant each section into its own pot with fresh potting mix. Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture for newly potted divisions to encourage establishment and growth.
Common Problems with Calathea Princess Jessie
Browning Leaf Tips or Edges
Browning leaf tips or edges on Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ are a common sign of environmental stress, often pointing to low humidity or issues with water quality. Tap water containing high levels of salts, chlorine, or fluoride can accumulate in the soil and burn the leaf margins. Inconsistent watering, specifically underwatering, can also lead to dry, crispy leaf edges.
Curling Leaves
Curling leaves on a Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ indicate that the plant is not receiving enough water or is exposed to excessive light. When the soil becomes too dry, the plant curls its leaves inward to conserve moisture. Too much direct sunlight can also cause leaves to curl as a protective mechanism against intense light.
Fading Leaf Color or Pattern
If the vibrant colors and distinctive patterns of Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ leaves begin to fade, it often suggests improper light conditions. Insufficient light can cause the colors to become dull and muted, as the plant cannot produce enough chlorophyll. Conversely, too much direct sunlight can also lead to fading, bleaching the delicate pigments.
Pests
Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ can be susceptible to common houseplant pests, particularly in dry conditions. Spider mites are a frequent concern, often appearing as tiny specks or fine webbing on the undersides of leaves, and they thrive in low humidity. Mealybugs and scale insects can also infest these plants, appearing as white, cottony masses or small bumps on stems and leaf joints. Regular inspection of leaves and stems, especially the undersides, is important for early detection. Treating infestations promptly with organic methods such as wiping leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap can effectively manage these pests.