Jungle Rose Calathea

Jungle Rose Calathea (Calathea 'Jungle Rose') is an indoor plant grown entirely for its leaves. Broad oval foliage is patterned in two tones of green above and flushed rose to burgundy beneath, on a compact clump about 60cm tall and 60cm wide. It is not toxic to cats or dogs, one of the safer choices for a home with pets.

Why you'll love it

• Pattern on every leaf. Light and dark green banding above, rose and burgundy underneath, so it shifts colour as the leaves move through the day.
• Pet friendly. Not toxic to cats or dogs, so it can sit at floor level in a home where a chewer lives.
• A tidy 60cm. A neat rounded clump about 60cm each way suits a side table, a bathroom shelf or a plant stand.
• Happy in lower light. Bright indirect light is ideal and it copes with a shadier corner, unlike most patterned foliage plants.

Where it works best

Indoors. This is where it belongs, anywhere in the country. Bathrooms and ensuites are the sweet spot, because the shower keeps the air humid.

Pots and containers. Use a pot with a drainage hole and a quality indoor mix. Grouping three plants raises humidity and keeps the leaf edges cleaner.

Balconies and courtyards. In tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens it works outdoors in full shade, out of wind. It is frost tender, so bring it inside once nights turn cold.

Growing Jungle Rose Calathea in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light, never direct sun through glass, which bleaches the pattern. Indoors your climate stops mattering, which counts for a plant this frost tender. Outdoors it is limited to frost free tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens in deep shade.

Soil. A free draining indoor potting mix with added perlite or coarse bark. It should hold moisture without staying soggy, and the pot must drain into a saucer you can tip out.

Water and humidity. Keep the mix evenly damp, watering once the top 20mm has dried. Brown crisp edges are usually dry air rather than thirst, so group plants or use a pebble tray.

Feeding and grooming. Half strength liquid fertiliser monthly through spring and summer, none in winter. Cut damaged leaves at the base rather than trimming edges, and repot every two years in spring.

What to expect when it arrives

This one is grown in 125mm pots sold in packs of ten, which suits styling a whole house, a rental fit out or a commercial interior rather than a single plant. Each is a young established clump with several patterned leaves, ready for a decorative pot of around 200mm.

Calatheas dislike travel, so expect a few tired or curled leaves on arrival. Unpack straight away, water lightly, and leave them somewhere bright, indirect and humid for a fortnight. New growth usually appears within four to six weeks. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read how to keep your indoor plants alive.
• Browse the wider indoor plant range.
• See more pet friendly indoor plants.
• Compare our ten best pet friendly plants for the home.

Common questions

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. Calatheas are not toxic to cats or dogs, so this is a reasonable choice for a floor level pot. Chewing large amounts of any plant can still upset a stomach.

Why are the leaf edges going brown and crisp?

Dry air or salt build up from tap water. Move it somewhere more humid, water with rainwater or filtered water, and flush the pot every few months.

Why do the leaves move during the day?

Calatheas raise their leaves at night and lower them in the morning, a normal rhythm driven by light. It is a sign of health rather than a problem.

Can I grow it outside?

Only in a frost free tropical, subtropical or warm temperate garden, in full shade and out of wind. Anywhere colder and it lives indoors.