Habitat:
Goeppertia warszewiczii is native to Central America, specifically Costa Rica and Nicaragua, where it occurs in humid lowland and premontane rainforests at elevations of approximately 400–1,000 metres. It grows in shaded forest understories, often near streambanks or in deeply humid ravines, where it thrives in constantly moist, humus-rich soils under dense canopy cover.
Description:
Goeppertia warszewiczii is a rhizomatous, clump-forming herbaceous perennial grown for its striking velvety foliage. Mature plants typically reach 60–90 cm in height. Leaves are ovate to elliptic, 20–40 cm long and 10–20 cm wide, with a deep emerald green upper surface patterned with pale feather-like markings along the midrib, and a rich purple-maroon underside. The leaf surface is finely velutinous (soft-hairy). Leaf blades are borne on slender, green to purplish petioles. Inflorescences are cone-like spikes produced at or just above soil level, composed of white flowers with pinkish bracts, each flower 1.5–2 cm long. Flowering is relatively rare in cultivation. It resembles Goeppertia ornata and G. makoyana but differs in its dense velvet texture, darker foliage, and shorter petioles.
Cultivation:
Grow Goeppertia warszewiczii in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Daytime temperatures should remain between 20–28 °C, with nighttime lows of 16–20 °C. This species requires high humidity (60–85%) and thrives in a well-draining, peat-rich substrate that retains moisture without becoming soggy. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, using tepid, soft water. Avoid cold drafts and low humidity. Maintain a slightly acidic pH (5.5–6.5). Feed with a diluted balanced fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Ideal for terraria, indoor displays, or tropical shade gardens in frost-free areas.
Specifications:
Plant Size: plants have been growing away nicely and are firmly established inner their pots
Plant Family: Marantaceae
Plant Passport: Goeppertia warszewiczii B 140084 C [user input] D GB