Upcoming Events: Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Plant Stake Stained Glass Workshop Sunday Sept. 27th @ 2pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm / Intro to Stained Glass October 3rd @ 2 pm
Calathea Musaica is a distinctive tropical houseplant prized for its intricate, mosaic-like leaf pattern made up of fine dark green lines over bright green foliage. Rather than the bold stripes and contrasting colors found on many other prayer plants, Musaica has a detailed network of markings that almost resembles a digital or geometric pattern when viewed up close. Its dense, upright foliage gives it a lush appearance while remaining relatively compact.
The currently accepted botanical name is Goeppertia kegeljanii, although it remains widely sold under its former name Calathea musaica. It is also commonly called Network Calathea, Network Plant, or Calathea Network. Like other members of the prayer plant family, Marantaceae, its leaves can change position throughout the day in response to changing light conditions.
Calathea Musaica does best in medium to bright, indirect light. Filtered light helps maintain strong growth and attractive leaf patterning without scorching the foliage. It can tolerate somewhat lower light, but growth may slow. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight.
Water when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry, keeping the potting mix lightly and consistently moist without allowing it to become soggy or waterlogged. Calathea Musaica does not appreciate drying out completely for extended periods. If your tap water is particularly hard or heavily treated, filtered, distilled, or rainwater may help reduce crispy leaf edges and mineral buildup.
Use a well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix in a container with drainage. A mixture containing quality houseplant soil or coco coir, perlite or pumice, and fine orchid bark works well. The goal is to maintain consistent moisture while still allowing plenty of oxygen around the roots.
Calathea Musaica prefers warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity. It generally appreciates more humidity than the average houseplant, particularly when indoor air is dry. Keep it away from cold drafts, heating vents, and sudden temperature changes.
This plant develops a compact, upright and clumping growth habit, with new foliage emerging from underground rhizomes. Leaves naturally raise, lower, or slightly reposition themselves throughout the daily light cycle. Remove older or damaged leaves near the base as needed to keep the plant looking tidy.
Calathea Musaica is generally considered pet-friendly and non-toxic to cats and dogs. Eating a large amount of any plant material can still cause mild digestive upset, so discouraging pets from chewing on the foliage is recommended.
Upcoming Events: Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Plant Stake Stained Glass Workshop Sunday Sept. 27th @ 2pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm / Intro to Stained Glass October 3rd @ 2 pm
