Starry Starry Night Prayer Plant
calathea concinna
Also known as: ["Prayer Plant","Zebra Plant"]
Overview
A tropical evergreen perennial with striking, dark green leaves featuring silver-green feather-like patterns and deep purple undersides.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","shade tolerant","air purifying"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Zingiberales |
| Family: | Marantaceae |
| Genus: | Calathea |
| Botanical Name: | Calathea concinna |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a humid room 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 with peat moss, perlite, and organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or when leaves show signs of damage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing only dead or dying foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves. Adjust light exposure gradually if moving from low to bright light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant to brighter light slowly over weeks; keep away from south-facing windows with intense sun; use sheer curtains to filter light for indoor placement.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use a light meter for optimal levels; avoid sudden light changes.
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).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture without saturation.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid temperatures below 60°F (15°C) or sudden fluctuations. Maintain stable conditions year-round.
Use a thermometer to monitor; avoid placing near vents or windows with extreme temperatures; maintain stable 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
Division during repotting is the most reliable method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets with roots, pot in fresh soil, water lightly, and maintain high humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light and consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark.
Hormone
Not typically required for division, but can be used for stem cuttings if attempted.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment if healthy; cuttings: roots in 4–6 weeks, full growth in several months.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, pots, well-draining soil, humidity dome or plastic bag.
Quick Tips
Ensure each division has healthy roots; maintain humidity to prevent drying; avoid overwatering new divisions.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut leaves at the base with clean, sharp tools; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove yellow or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and plant health; encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruning shears, sterilized blade.
Checklist
Check for damaged leaves, use clean tools, cut cleanly, dispose of clippings, clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, when the plant is entering its active growth phase.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., 2–3 cm diameter increase) with drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in appropriate light.
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. Allow excess water to drain completely to prevent waterlogging. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
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 for moisture retention; use organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or browning leaf edges, wilting, curling leaves, or dropped leaves.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage if prolonged.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid drafts, and maintain humidity to mitigate stress.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl, wilt, or develop brown spots; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid foliage contact, flush periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCalathea concinna is not known to be toxic to cats. It poses no significant health risks if ingested in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicCalathea concinna is not known to be toxic to dogs. It poses no significant health risks if ingested in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicCalathea concinna is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and presence in living spaces.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are the leaves of my Calathea concinna turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or low humidity. Ensure proper watering and maintain humidity levels above 50%.
Q: Does Calathea concinna require direct sunlight?
A: No, it prefers indirect, dappled light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.
Q: How often should I water Calathea concinna?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week, but adjust based on environmental conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Marantaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 5–7 days, allowing soi |
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