If you’re looking for a houseplant that truly stops people in their tracks, the calathea musaica is a perfect choice. This exotic patterned leaf beauty is unlike any other foliage plant you’ve seen, with a mesmerizing mosaic design that looks almost digital.
Often called the Network Plant, its leaves are covered in a intricate, quilted pattern of fine yellow-green lines on a darker background. It’s a stunning, living piece of art. While it has a reputation for being a bit fussy, don’t let that scare you off. With the right knowledge, you can keep this beauty thriving.
Calathea Musaica
This plant’s official name is Goeppertia kegeljanii, but everyone knows it by its old name, Calathea musaica. It’s part of the Marantaceae family, which includes prayer plants known for moving their leaves. The “musaica” refers to its unique leaf pattern, which resembles a detailed network or mosaic tile work.
Why Its Leaves Are So Special
The pattern isn’t just on the surface. The intricate lines are part of the leaf’s very structure. This design helps the plant in its native environment, the understory of Brazilian rainforests. It allows it to make the most of dappled sunlight that filters through the trees above.
- The leaves are broad and oval-shaped, growing up to 2 feet long in ideal conditions.
- They feel firm and waxy to the touch.
- Unlike some calatheas, the undersides are a solid, pale green without purple coloring.
Finding the Perfect Spot in Your Home
Light is the most important factor for a healthy calathea musaica. It needs bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant pattern and grow well. Direct sun will scorch and fade those beautiful leaves.
- An east-facing window is often ideal.
- A spot a few feet back from a south or west window works well.
- If the light is too low, the plant will grow very slowly and the pattern may become less distinct.
It also loves consistent warmth and hates drafts. Keep it away from air conditioning vents, heaters, and leaky windows. Aim for temperatures between 65°F and 80°F.
Dealing with Low Humidity
This is where many people struggle. As a tropical plant, it prefers humidity levels above 50%. Dry air leads to crispy brown leaf edges.
- Use a humidifier nearby. This is the most effective solution.
- Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot isn’t sitting in the water).
- Group it with other humidity-loving plants to create a microclimate.
- Misting can help a little, but it’s not a long-term solution and can sometimes cause issues if overdone.
Watering Your Calathea Musaica Correctly
Watering is the other big key to success. This plant likes its soil to be consistently moist but never soggy. Letting it dry out completely will cause stress, but letting it sit in water will lead to root rot.
- Check the soil weekly. Stick your finger about an inch into the potting mix.
- If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
- Empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes so the roots aren’t submerged.
Use room temperature or lukewarm water. Cold water can shock the roots. If your tap water is hard or heavily treated, using filtered or distilled water can prevent leaf tip burn.
The Best Soil and How to Repot
Your calathea musaica needs a potting mix that holds some moisture but drains excellently. A standard houseplant soil is too dense on its own.
You can make a great mix by combining:
- 2 parts regular potting soil
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- 1 part orchid bark or coconut coir
Repot every 1-2 years in spring or early summer. Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter. A pot that’s too big holds too much wet soil and can cause problems. Always use a pot with drainage holes.
Feeding for Healthy Growth
During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your plant monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Dilute it to half the strength recommended on the bottle. Calatheas are sensitive to fertilizer salts, so less is more.
In fall and winter, stop fertilizing altogether. The plant’s growth slows down and it doesn’t need the extra nutrients.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue or two. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Crispy Brown Leaf Edges
This is almost always due to low humidity or chemicals in your water. Increase the humidity around the plant and try switching to filtered water for a while.
Yellowing Leaves
A few older leaves yellowing is normal. But if several leaves are turning yellow, it’s often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and make sure the pot drains properly.
Leaves Curling or Drooping
This usually means the plant is thirsty. Check the soil; if it’s dry, give it a good drink. It should perk up within a few hours. Persistent curling can also indicate the air is too dry.
Faded or Washed-Out Pattern
The plant isn’t getting enough light. Gradually move it to a brighter location with indirect light. Be careful not to move it into direct sun to quickly.
How to Propagate Your Plant
The best way to propagate a calathea musaica is by division during repotting. It’s simple and has a high success rate.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil.
- Look for natural clumps or sections with their own roots and stems.
- Carefully tease the roots apart with your fingers or use a clean, sharp knife if necessary.
- Pot each new division into its own container with fresh potting mix.
- Water well and keep it in a warm, humid spot while it establishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the calathea musaica a prayer plant?
Yes, it is part of the Marantaceae family, commonly called prayer plants. Its leaves may rise slightly at night, but the movement is less dramatic than in some relatives like the Calathea medallion.
Why are the leaves on my network plant turning brown?
Brown leaf tips or edges are most commonly caused by low humidity. Dry air from heating or air conditioning is the usual culprit. It can also be from using tap water with high mineral content.
How fast does the mosaic calathea grow?
With good care, it has a moderate growth rate. You can expect new leaves every few weeks during the warm growing season. Growth slows or stops in the winter.
Is this plant safe for pets?
Yes! The calathea musaica is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for pet-friendly homes.
Should I cut off the brown tips?
You can trim off brown edges for aesthetics. Use clean scissors and follow the natural shape of the leaf. Avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue, as this can cause further browning.
With its stunning, geometric foliage, the calathea musaica is a rewarding plant to grow. Pay attention to its light, water, and humidity needs, and it will thrive for years, bringing a touch of living art to your space. Remember, consistency is more important then perfection with this exotic patterned leaf beauty.