Goeppertia warszewiczii (Goeppertia warszewiczii)
Goeppertia warszewiczii is an upright, clumping, rhizomatous evergreen perennial herb.
Overview
Goeppertia warszewiczii is an upright, clumping, rhizomatous evergreen perennial herb.
Origin and habitat
Goeppertia warszewiczii is native to Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama in Central America. It is reported to inhabit tropical forests of Central America with a warm, humid tropical climate.
Characteristics
With few sources, mature height and spread are reported at about 50.8–121.9 cm each. The large, soft, velvety leaves are dark green, with light green feather-like markings radiating from the midrib toward the slightly wavy margins; they range from ovate to narrowly lance-shaped with pointed tips and have vivid purple undersides. Terminal inflorescences bear spirally arranged bracts and tubular flowers with white to creamy-white corollas; one account describes the flowers as changing from creamy white through yellow to pink as they mature, while another describes the bracts as initially white and later dark purple. Sources describe the fruit differently; one account describes an ovate, creamy-white capsule containing small seeds.
Light
Bright, indirect light to partial shade is generally recommended, while strong direct sunlight should be avoided.
Watering
The growing medium is generally kept moist but well drained without waterlogging; distilled water or rainwater is preferred, as fluoride in tap water is reported to cause browning of leaf margins and tips.
Humidity and airflow
With few sources, humidity is reported at about 60–100 %.
Temperature and dormancy
It is reported for USDA zones 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b.
Growing medium and mounting
A moist, well-drained, organic-rich growing medium is generally recommended; a peat-based medium with perlite and vermiculite for improved drainage may be used, and the plant is reported to tolerate loamy and sandy soils with acidic to neutral soil conditions.
Feeding
A balanced liquid fertilizer is generally applied monthly during the spring and summer growing season.
Propagation
Goeppertia warszewiczii is reported to be propagated by division.
Common problems
Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects are reported as possible pests. Overwatering is reported to cause root rot, while poor airflow or wetting the leaves during watering may cause leaf spot. Low humidity or fluoride in tap water may cause brown leaf margins and tips; insufficient water and low humidity may cause leaf curling, while insufficient light may fade leaf patterns and strong direct light may scorch the leaves. Sudden temperature changes and cold drafts are generally avoided, and high humidity is preferred.
Identification
Sources describe the distinguishing features differently; prominent ornamental traits include dark green velvety leaves, light green feather-like markings radiating outward from the midrib, purple leaf undersides, and inflorescences with conspicuous bracts.
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