Why Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’

 From my experience, Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ is one of the most striking Calatheas, with bold, patterned leaves and deep purple undersides that catch the eye from every angle.

The leaves are large, glossy, and beautifully patterned, with deep green tones on top and rich purple beneath. The contrast creates a dynamic, almost regal effect, making it a statement piece for any plant shelf, terrarium, or indoor corner.

Light Requirements

This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and fade the patterns, while too little light slows growth. From personal observation, it performs best in a spot that receives filtered light for most of the day.

Watering and Humidity

‘Princess Jessie’ prefers consistently moist soil without being waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while letting it dry out too much can cause leaf curling and drooping. It also loves high humidity, which makes it ideal for terrariums or rooms with humidifiers. Occasional misting can help, especially in drier indoor climates.

Temperature and Fertiliser

Maintaining a stable, warm temperature around 18–28°C is ideal. Feed once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength to encourage vibrant, healthy growth.

Pet and Terrarium Safety

One of the standout advantages of Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ is that it’s non-toxic to cats, dogs, and small reptiles. This makes it safe for homes with pets or terrariums containing non-toxic reptiles and amphibians. (Note: large herbivorous reptiles like iguanas may nibble on the leaves. They won’t be poisoned, but the delicate foliage may not survive.)

Final Thoughts

From my perspective, Calathea ‘Princess Jessie’ isn’t just beautiful — it’s a plant that brings personality to a room. With proper care, it thrives indoors and adds a sophisticated, tropical vibe wherever it’s placed. It’s slightly more demanding than some low-maintenance plants, but the visual payoff is absolutely worth it.