Pinstripe Plant
calathea ornata
Also known as: ["Pin-stripe Calathea","Calathea pinstripe"]
Overview
A tropical evergreen perennial with striking pinkish-white stripes on dark green leaves, native to the rainforests of Colombia.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","shade tolerant","air purifying"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Zingiberales |
| Family: | Marantaceae |
| Genus: | Calathea |
| Botanical Name: | Calathea ornata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a humid environment with bright, filtered light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"11–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich, and slightly acidic potting mix; peat-based with perlite or orchid bark.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or when dead leaves accumulate.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing only damaged or unsightly foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves. Adjust for lower light in winter.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to brighter light gradually; place in a north or east-facing window indoors; use sheer curtains to filter intense light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; avoid south-facing windows; provide dappled light outdoors.
Watering
every 5–7 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup; ensure soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil
moist, well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).
Use a mix designed for tropical plants; avoid heavy garden soil; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); thrives in stable temperatures, avoiding drafts or sudden fluctuations.
Avoid placing near vents or windows with extreme temperature changes; maintain stable indoor conditions.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), every 3 months with slow-release fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes; division is the most reliable method for Calathea ornata.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide rhizomes at the base, ensuring each section has roots and foliage.
- Repot divisions into fresh soil.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–80°F), indirect light, and consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or orchid bark for division; moist sphagnum moss for stem cuttings.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–6 weeks, full plant in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, pots, well-draining soil, rooting hormone (optional), humidity dome or plastic bag.
Quick Tips
Ensure divisions have healthy roots; maintain high humidity for cuttings; use sterile tools to prevent disease.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut leaves at the base with clean, sharp tools; trim stems just above a leaf node if shaping is desired.
Pruning Plan
Remove yellow or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and plant health; encourage fuller growth by trimming leggy stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, or scissors; sterilize tools before use.
Checklist
Identify damaged leaves, use clean tools, cut at the base, dispose of clippings, clean up afterward.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refreshment.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil, inspect roots, trim if necessary, repot carefully, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, use appropriate water, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even saturation of the root zone. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot. Adjust based on humidity and temperature.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf curling, or browning leaf edges; stunted growth or bud drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot due to reduced water uptake.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots from cold surfaces; maintain consistent room temperature.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or drying out; increased water demand without adequate humidity.
Solution: Increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; provide shade during peak heat; water more frequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; cease in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCalathea ornata is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCalathea ornata is not considered toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCalathea ornata is not considered toxic to humans. It does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are the leaves of my Calathea ornata turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or low humidity. Ensure proper watering and maintain humidity levels above 50%.
Q: Does Calathea ornata require direct sunlight?
A: No, it prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Q: How often should I water Calathea ornata?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week, but adjust based on humidity and temperature.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Marantaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 5–7 days, allowing soi |
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