What is Calathea Magic Star (stromanthe magic star)
Calathea magic star is a genus of plants in the family Marantaceae, native to tropical regions of Central and South America. It contains around 80 species, mostly tropical lowland perennials. The name comes from Galatea, a Latin word meaning a small drinking cup or vessel.
Calathea plants are well-known for their attractive leaves in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Calatheas are mostly grown as houseplants because of their low light needs and because they require little care.
One cultivar that stands out from the crowd is the Calathea magic star (stromanthe magic star). This plant has green and marbled or mottled with whitish patterns. This cultivar has also been given Calathea lancifolia var. sanderiana, although this is now considered a synonym.
Plant recommendation: Looking for an easy to care plant, then check out Manula pothos.
Appearance and characteristics
Calatheas are grown primarily for their ornamental foliage due to the wide variety of patterns, colors, shapes, and textures. Calathea are relatively easy to care for once they are established.
Calatheas need a relatively humid environment to thrive. They will appreciate a regular misting of water on their leaves and regular fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer in the home. Care should be taken to keep Calathea plants away from cold drafts as they are very sensitive to the cold.
They do well in filtered light but should be kept out of the direct sun in the summertime.
Quick summary
Botanical plant Name: Stromanthe magic star
Native to: Rainforests of Central and South America.
Care: Calatheas prefer medium light (indirect sunlight, no full sun). Can tolerate temperatures ranging from 15 – 30 degrees Celsius.
Size: The average height is between 10 to 20 inches, while the width can be up to 3 feet wide
Common problems: It’s temperature-sensitive, attracts mealybug infestations.
Toxicity: This plant is not toxic to pets or humans
How to care for Calathea Magic Star (stromanthe magic star)
Calatheas are pretty low-maintenance plants, but they do still need specific care to look their best.
Watering
Water your Calathea magic star once every 2-3 days. Water to the point that the soil is medium moist. It’s important to avoid leaving water in the saucer, as it may contribute to root rot and other fungal issues.
Watering tip: avoid watering in the center of the plant; this may promote the growth of algae and moss in that area.
Humidity & Temperature
Calathea magic star love humidity and can’t live without it. For dry environments, place your plant on a saucer filled with rocks and mist it daily. In a non-dry environment, humidify the room where your plant is located, or place it on a water-filled saucer.
Temperature: Calatheas like warm conditions and will do best between 65-85°F. They will start to drop in health when the temperature drops below 50°F.
Cleaning
Clean your Calathea by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth. Avoid using leaf shine products on Calatheas, as they can damage the plant.
Fertilizing & Soil
Calatheas are heavy feeders. An all-purpose houseplant fertilizer can be applied once every two weeks. More frequent fertilization may be required, especially during blooming.
Repotting
Repot your Calathea in spring or summer. You don’t need to repot them often. Use soil that drains well.
How and when to prune Calathea Magic Star (stromanthe magic star)
After the plant blooms, cut the central stalk just above a leaf joint and at least one node down from the leaves. If this is not done, the plant will grow a new stalk and flowers but not produce any more leaves.
The best time to prune is actually in the winter when the plant has stopped growing for the season. At this point, once all leaves have dropped, and you can see the bare stems with no leaves is the ideal time to prune.
Ideally, you would start with a clean slate at this point and shape the stems how you wish for future propagation.
Plant inspiration: need a plant to lighten the room, then get yourself the beautiful Lilium auratum from East Asia.
How to propagate Calathea Magic Star (stromanthe magic star)
Once you have pruned your stromanthe, the stems you have cut can be carefully removed from the plant. You could either propagate these stems with a rooting hormone and place them in a propagation mixture or let them air dry for a few days and allow the cut end to callous over.
Once this has happened, you can either plant directly into your soil if planting a new Calathea or simply place it in a vase of water to root. Once the roots have formed, you will then be able to plant them in your soil.
Common FAQs
How much light does Calathea Magic Star (stromanthe magic star)?
The Calathea Magic Star prefers bright, indirect sunlight, so it should be located in a well-lit home area.
What is so special about Calathea Magic Star (stromanthe magic star)?
Interestingly, the Calathea magic star (stromanthe magic star) is that it can be treated as both an annual and a perennial. It grows quickly from seed each year, producing beautiful leaves within 4 to 6 weeks after sowing.
Is Calathea Magic Star (stromanthe magic star) good indoor plants?
In general, yes. Calatheas have been popular indoor plants for a while, but some species are more likely to be a good fit than others.
Can Calathea Magic Star (stromanthe magic star) grow in low light?
Yes, the Calathea magic star can grow in low light conditions. The bright green leaves of Calathea Magic Star (stromanthe magic star) are usually more common to its natural habitat, but they can also survive in low light.
Plant recommendation: give your home an exotic look with the Amazonian Elephant’s ear.
Summary
The Calathea Magic Star is a plant that offers something for everyone. You can use it as an indoor or outdoor plant, in water or soil. It has few to no pests, and its leaves are so beautiful.
If you’re looking for a new way to spruce up your home with greenery but don’t have much space, the Calathea magic star may be just what you’re looking for.
