Calathea Musaica (officially known as Goeppertia Kegeljanii) has exquisitely intricate foliage and more minor care-intensive requirements than other Calatheas, making it an excellent houseplant. This article will cover all you must know about Calathea Musaica care to ensure your plant’s health every year.
Calathea Musaica’s requirements for care are direct, bright light, a humidity of 50 to 80 per cent, and well-draining soil, which is always humid. Ensure temperatures are between 65-85degF(18-30degC), avoid drafts, and fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer.
Calathea Musaica Overview
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Originating from Brazil, It was first described in the form of Maranta Bella by William Bull in 1875; this species of the Marantaceae family isn’t as readily available as other Calatheas However, it’s an absolute pleasure to cultivate, and I’d recommend buying one.
Most Calatheas are decorated with beautiful, captivating foliage and are accompanied by demanding care requirements. Calathea Musaica is a bit more subtle yet still gorgeous, in my opinion. It’s also a bit more manageable than its more demanding counterparts.
With a mid-green colour, lightly arching leaves that are slightly glossy and decorated with the most intriguing and stunning criss-cross or mosaic patterns, it’s difficult to comprehend why the term “Network” was coined.
Names like Calathea Musaica are often used in the trade of houseplants and are also known as Calathea “Network” or Network Prayer Plant. The official name for the plants is Goeppertia Kegeljanii. As with many other species, there are numerous names this plant was given in the past.
- Calathea Bella
- Maranta Bella
- Maranta tessellata
- Goeppertia kegeljanii
- Calathea musaica
- Calathea ‘Network’ (Common Name)
- Network Prayer Plant (Common Name)
To make things easy, I’ll stick with Calathea Musaica because that’s the name you’re likely to come across when searching to purchase this particular plant.
Calathea Musaica Care Summary
| Scientific Name | Goeppertia kegeljanii (Calathea musaica is an accepted synonym) |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Light Requirements | Bright, indirect light, although will tolerate a greater range of lighting than some other Calatheas. |
| Watering | Water thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry. Make sure to let the pot drain thoroughly after watering. |
| Soil | Well-draining, but moisture-retentive soil. A mix of 2/3 peat or coco-coir and 1/3 perlite is a good option. |
| Temperature | 65°F (18ºC) to 85°F (30°C). Will stop growing below 60°F (15°C). |
| Fertilizer | Fertilize with a balanced preparation every 4-6 weeks during Spring and Summer. |
| Humidity | >50%, but 60-80% is ideal. |
| Flowering | Doesn’t often flower indoors. Insignificant white flowers on short stalks grow directly from the rhizome. |
| Pruning | Minimal pruning requirements. Remove dead or damaged foliage just above soil level. |
| Propagation | Propagate by division of the rhizome. |
| Re-Potting | Only repot if growth is restricted or becomes very pot-bound. |
| Diseases and Pests | Prone to pests including spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, scale, and fungus gnats. Quite resistant to disease unless overwatered. |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Where To Buy | Buy Calathea musaica online at Etsy (I buy most of my houseplants from Etsy). |
Calathea Musaica Light Requirements
Calathea Musaica is most effective when it is kept in indirect, bright sunlight, though it is more adaptable to varying lighting than the other varieties of Calatheas. A bit of direct sunlight in the early morning or the late evening will not cause any harm; however, brighter direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
Lighting for Calatheas plants is an act of balance, as you must provide enough light for healthy growth and keep the leaves in a top state. It is possible to read this article on the need for light in indoor plant life to find out further.
Keep in mind that when changes in the weather, you might be required to move your Calathea Musaica to ensure that the lighting is in good condition. A north windowsill could be ideal for winter, but it will be flooded with plenty of bright light in summer.
Pay attention to the leaves. And at the first hint of brown patches or edges, consider what the light source is correct.
A fascinating thing to consider concerning light is the beautiful Calathea Musaica that appears when light shines on the leaves. Place your plant in the light and then look at the leaf’s underside to observe the leaf pattern in its entirety.
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Calathea Musaica Watering
Calathea Musaica is best suited to mildly moist conditions. Therefore, it’s essential to watch the amount of water you are giving for the best results out of this plant. Ensure to check your plant every couple of days and water only when the top of the soil appears dry to the point of contact.
If your plant requires watering, thoroughly soak the soil until the water flows freely through your drainage holes. Be sure to allow the excess water to go away from the pot for at least a few minutes to ensure that the roots on the base of the container aren’t left in the water.
Similar to lighting irrigation, the need for water is also an exercise in balance. Calathea Musaica is prone to wilting when the soil is allowed to dry. However, it also has fragile roots and is susceptible to root decay when kept in a humid environment. Check out the following article to find the most effective methods to determine when your houseplants require water.
Calathea Musaica is slightly more tolerant of watering imperfections than other Calatheas, making it a suitable choice in case you’re unsure whether Calatheas can be too demanding for you.
Water Sensitivity
While most houseplants don’t care about the water used to water them, Calatheas may be sensitive to water rich in fluoride, chloramines or dissolved minerals.
Also, the slightly more waxy leaves of Calathea Musaica are more tolerant to poor water quality than other Calatheas; however, it is something to consider in the event of issues.
Check for areas of brown or edges on a plant growing in good conditions. Be aware. However, that other problems may also result in similar symptoms, so be sure you’ve covered the basics before deciding the type of water you’re using.
Change to rainwater or distilled water for watering your Calathea Musaica. If you’re having trouble, watch what happens to your new leaves as they grow.
Calathea Musaica Soil Requirements
Calathea Musaica needs well-drained, and it is a moisture-retentive soil. A majority of houseplant potting mix can be used for Calathea Musaica. However, I recommend adding a drainage enhancement, such as perlite, coarse sand or gravel, to enhance drainage and decrease the chance of watering too much.
My favourite potting mix to grow Calathea Musaica includes two pieces of coco coir or peat and one piece of perlite. Learn more about selecting and making houseplant potting mixes on this page.
Calathea Musaica Humidity Requirements
High humidity is essential to Calathea Musaica maintenance and is crucial to keeping your plant in top condition. Low humidity can cause leaves to shed excess water, leading to brown edges and tips on the leaves and curling of leaves.
It is recommended to keep the humidity at or above 50%; however, more humid levels are better. The only drawback is that high humidity levels can increase the chance of developing fungal or bacteria-related diseases If ventilation isn’t adequate. If the humidity is greater than 80 per cent, think about putting an air conditioner in the same area as your plants to increase air circulation.
I prefer using the digital humidity meter (hygrometer) to check the humidity levels of my home to modify it as needed. I find it very helpful in keeping the right conditions in my garden. This is the one I use.
It isn’t easy to get the humidity to more than 50% in dry environments and centrally heated homes during winter. Several items will help ensure that your plants.
- Assemble your plants. The water that evaporates from the soil and the leaves will increase the humidity in the local area.
- Place several dishes with water near the plant. The higher evaporation rate of water will boost the humidity.
- Utilize a humidifier to quickly and quickly increase the humidity to your desired degree.
- Do not mist your plants because this is ineffective and may increase the likelihood of fungal or bacterial leaf diseases.
- Find out more about increasing humidity in houseplants by clicking on this page.
Temperature Requirements
Calathea Musaica can thrive in temperatures ranging from 65°F (18oC) to 85degF (30degC). However, generally, it will stop growing after 60degF (15degC) and could exhibit signs of trouble when temperatures drop to a much lower threshold.
The most crucial temperature factor you must be aware of is drafts. Both cold and hot drafts can cause severe damage to Calathea Musaica, which can cause wilting and even browning leaves.
Protect your plant from heat sources, like radiators or heating vents. Also, keep out of drafty windows and air conditioning vents.
How To Fertilize Calathea Musaica
A small amount of fertilizer could make an enormous difference to the well-being of your Calathea Musaica. However, it’s crucial not to overdo it. You have two choices to choose from when fertilizing.
1. Include nutrients in the soil before planting your plant. Ten per cent of compost or worm casts in the mix can provide adequate nutrients for at least two years and virtually has none of the risks of nutrient burn. The downside is that the higher amount of organic material in the potting mixture will hinder drainage, making it more likely to overwater.
2. fertilize your Calathea Musaica regularly using a water-soluble fertilizer for plants. This is my preferred choice, and I prefer a balanced, water-soluble plant fertilizer that is made approximately 1/4 to 1/2 the strength suggested for plants grown outdoors. I apply it every 4 to 6 weeks throughout the summer and spring and do not fertilize it in the winter and fall.
Organic fertilizers generally release their nutrients slower. However, there is less certainty regarding the nutritional content of the product. Synthetic fertilizers offer more certainty. They are usually more efficient. However, you must be careful to not over-fertilize. Check out my guide on fertilizing your houseplants to learn more.
The salts of fertilizer can build up within the soil with time, and it can affect the condition of the plants and cause damage to the foliage and roots. It is possible to see salt deposits accumulated on the soil’s surface as time passes.
It’s an excellent idea to clean the soil thoroughly by soaking it in water every couple of months to wash any fertilizer salts off the soil.
Flowering
Calathea musaica does not often bloom in the indoor environment, and the flowers aren’t beautiful when they do show up. They grow white flowers on short stems which last for several weeks. They emerge directly through the Rhizome. Because the flowers are created beneath the foliage, they can be difficult to miss.
Calathea Musaica Pruning
Calathea Musaica has very minimal pruning requirements. You’ll only need to trim broken or dead leaves occasionally. The best method is cutting them at the soil level with sharp, sterile pruning.
Repotting
As Calathea Musaica develops from a rhizome which slows, expanding over time, The plant may begin to be root-bound after about two years of being in the same container. Please do not rush into repotting since they could be somewhat sensitive to environmental changes and can tolerate being rootbound for quite a long time.
Repotting is generally recommended If you want your plant to get bigger or if you observe that your soil is drying up rapidly after the watering.
How To Report Calathea Musaica
- Gently lift the plant out of the pot.
- Please take a look at the roots to determine their health. If the leaves are unhealthy, they must be cut off at this point using sterilized pruning tools. Looking at the roots can provide a clear idea of how satisfied the plant has been with the treatment regimen.
- Be careful not to disturb the rootball too often if all appear healthy, as too much disturbance to the rootball may cause shock to the transplant after the repotting.
- Pick a pot just a couple of inches bigger than your previous one. Choosing a pot that is too large is a great way to increase the likelihood of water overflowing. Be sure that the pot has ample drainage holes.
- Incorporate a tiny amount of potter’s mix into the bottom of the pot, and then place the plant in the middle within the pot. This section’s purpose is to ensure that the plant’s height is within the pot.
- You can add more layers of soil on the side of the pot to make sure that the pot is filled with soil and to support the plant. Do not compress the soil too much since this could cause drainage and aeration.
- It is essential to water the plant gently. I generally don’t need to overwater the plant at this point because often, the roots need some time to begin functioning effectively after repotting. Also, watering too heavily could increase the root’s chance of rotting.
How To Propagate Calathea Musaica
The most effective method to propagate Calathea Musaica is through the division of the mature plant. Take care to split the Rhizome into several sections before the time of the repotting. It should be possible to divide the Rhizome with just your fingers.
It is important to be aware that splitting the Rhizome from a Calathea Musaica or another Calathea is extremely stressful on the plant. The divided plant will likely cease growing for a minimum of one or two months after division. It will require proper care to ensure it is not damaged.
Calathea Musaica Care Tips
Here are my top suggestions to keep your Calathea Musaica ( Goeppertia kegeljanii) in good condition;
- The humidity, watering and light are vitally essential to keep your Calathea Musaica in good health. Make sure to focus on these areas of concern over all other aspects.
- Humidity levels can vary significantly in response to weather conditions, seasons, and many other variables. Monitoring the humidity can be extremely helpful.
- Ensure you check your plant for any pests frequently to avoid rash detection. Early detection and treatment are essential for preventing severe damage to your plants.
- Brown leaves may result from a myriad of causes, including low humidity and overfertilization, as well as underwatering. Excessive sunlight, etc. Be aware of all aspects of your treatment when you spot the problem.
- Do not let the foliage get damp, as this could make it more susceptible to contracting the disease. It’s not an issue outside; however, decreased ventilation indoors can significantly reduce the water evaporation rate.
Pests
Additionally, it is more challenging to maintain in good shape; Calathea music is also vulnerable to various common pests of houseplants, such as mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, fungus gnats and even scale.
Pests are more likely to threaten plants due to neglect; therefore, ensuring your plant is in good health can help minimize the likelihood of pest issues.
Most pests can be identified quickly if you regularly examine your plants. I typically inspect my plants every couple of days to determine whether they require watering and take this time to examine them attentively for any indications of insects.
It is vital to examine each side of the leaf on the stems and within the soil to see if there is any indication of pests.
Spider mites are incredibly difficult to detect The first sign is usually fine, webs of wisps spun between leaves. I’ve lost several from Calatheas because of spider mites as a result of not being as attentive as I ought to have been, so take note of them.
If you find any insects in your Calathea Musaica, the initial step should be to separate it from the other plants. Next, you must remove all pests that are present. Using a damp cloth or scrubbing your plants down using a hose or showerhead is possible. Be sure not to damage the leaves when you spray water too vigorously.
After getting rid of any obvious pests would recommend applying a diluted spray of the neem oil Isopropyl alcohol or horticultural soap to eliminate any remaining insects. It is possible to try applying a small amount to your garden to ensure that you don’t hurt the leaves.
Make sure your plant is kept separate from other houseplants, and treat it regularly until you’re certain it is free of bugs.
I’ve created a comprehensive guide for finding, treating, and preventing common pests to your houseplants and worms. It covers all that you should know about these unwanted guests.
Diseases
Fortunately, Calathea music isn’t especially susceptible to specific diseases of the houseplant aside from those caused by poor growing conditions. The most effective way to avoid illnesses is to stay clear of overwatering and ensure adequate air circulation within the space where the Calathea Musaica will be growing.
Toxicity
Calathea Musaica is safe and non-toxic for both pets and humans.
Calathea Musaica Size
Calathea Musaica can reach the size of two feet high and 2 feet wide. It’s usually smaller than purchased as a house plant and is growing relatively slowly.
Last Word On Calathea Musaica Care
I’ve found Calathea music (Goeppertia kegeljanii ‘Network’) among the Calatheas that are easy to maintain and keep looking good. I love the mosaic-style leaves, which are different from other plants I have in my home.
I hope this article will provide all you should be aware of Calathea Musaica care to keep your plant flourishing and look stunning inside your home for the years to come.
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