Calathea musaica 'Network'

Calathea musaica ‘Network’ is a fascinating tropical houseplant admired for its extraordinary foliage and intricate leaf patterns. Its broad, glossy green leaves feature a delicate network of darker green markings that resemble a beautifully woven mosaic. Unlike the bold stripes and colourful undersides of many other Calatheas, ‘Network’ has a wonderfully subtle appearance that becomes even more impressive when viewed up close. With its elegant growth habit and unusual patterned foliage, this beautiful Prayer Plant makes a fantastic addition to any indoor plant collection.

Scientific Name
Goeppertia kegeljanii ‘Network’ (commonly sold as Calathea musaica ‘Network’)

Common Name(s)
Network Prayer Plant, Network Calathea, Mosaic Plant, Calathea Musaica

Origin
A cultivated selection of Goeppertia kegeljanii, a species native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, where it grows beneath the forest canopy in warm, humid and shaded environments.

Light
Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate moderate light levels. Avoid strong direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and cause their delicate patterns to fade.

A position near an east-facing window or slightly away from a brighter south or west-facing window is ideal.

Water
Keep the compost consistently lightly moist, allowing the top centimetre or two to begin drying between waterings. Water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away.

Prayer Plants dislike both waterlogged soil and prolonged periods of drought. Reduce watering slightly during autumn and winter while avoiding allowing the root ball to dry out completely.

Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally around 60% or above. Higher humidity helps maintain healthy foliage and prevents crispy leaf edges.

A bright bathroom, kitchen or position near a humidifier can provide suitable conditions. Keep away from radiators and drying draughts.

Soil
Use a moisture-retentive but well-draining, peat-free houseplant mix. A combination of peat-free compost, perlite and fine orchid bark works well, providing moisture around the roots while maintaining good aeration.

Food
Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength.

Calatheas can be sensitive to excess fertiliser salts, so avoid overfeeding. Reduce or stop feeding during autumn and winter.

Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures between 18–27°C. Protect from cold draughts, sudden temperature changes and prolonged temperatures below 15°C.

Pet-safe
Yes. Calatheas and Goeppertias are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Sprouts Top Tips
Calatheas can be sensitive to minerals and chemicals found in tap water, which may contribute to brown leaf tips. If possible, use rainwater or filtered water to keep the foliage looking its best.

Keep the compost lightly moist and provide plenty of humidity to encourage healthy new growth.

Avoid placing your ‘Network’ in strong direct sunlight, as its intricate leaf markings look their best in bright, filtered light.

Extras
‘Network’ develops a naturally bushy growth habit, producing new leaves from its underground rhizomes as it matures.

Its distinctive mosaic-like markings are particularly striking when light passes through the leaves, revealing the intricate network of green patterns.

Like other members of the Prayer Plant family, its leaves may change position throughout the day in response to light levels, becoming more upright during the evening.

Did You Know?
The name musaica refers to the plant’s extraordinary mosaic-like leaf markings, which resemble a delicate network of tiny green tiles.

Although widely sold as Calathea musaica, this plant is now botanically classified as Goeppertia kegeljanii.

Its intricate leaf pattern is created by variations in pigmentation within the leaf tissue, giving it one of the most unusual appearances of any Prayer Plant.