Calathea Ornata, one of the names you might have never heard of but have definitely seen in homes, offices or commercial properties, is one of the most popular and beautiful indoor plants. Also known as Calathea Pinstripe and Pinstripe plant, this plant is part of the Maranta family’s prayer-plants and has gorgeous silver pinstriped foliage. During the day, the plant raises its upper leaves up, showcasing its beautiful pink stripes and lowers them down at night as if hands in prayer.
Calathea Ornata is commonly used as a piece of decor because of its aesthetics. And although it is generally believed to be a low-maintenance plant, it can still be quite fussy at times. In the following paragraphs, we’ll cover all the main aspects of care, common issues and a FAQ designed specially to give you all the information you need on how to grow beautiful and healthy Calathea Ornata plants.
There are other Calthea plants including Calathea medallion or Calthea Zebrina which are equally impressive and beautiful.
Quick Summary
Botanical Plant name – Calathea Ornata (Calathea Pinstripe or Pinstripe plant)
Native to: South Americas
Size: Estimated plant height is 60 to 70 cm
Common problems: pink stripes fading to white, yellowing leaves, burned and crispy leaves, curling leaves, pest infestation
Toxicity: non-toxic, pet-friendly
How to care for Calathea Ornata plants?
Calathea Ornata plants have the following specific requirements in order to thrive.
Sunlight
Calathea Ornata feels best in medium levels of light. Exposing it to direct sunlight for prolonged hours will lead to fading colours or burned leaves. Avoid direct light and keep the plant in low-light areas. You can also place it behind a thin curtain to shade it from the direct rays of the sun. Too little light can also be damaging as it will limit growth.
Watering
Calathea Ornata plants thrive in moist soil but not soggy. They don’t like to sit in a puddle of water. It could cause root rot. Stick one finger into the top layer of the soil to check if the soil is dry and water it accordingly. Remember to keep the soil moist at all times. Water it more often in the summer and less in winter.
Humidity & Temperature
Calathea Ornata is a tropical plant used to medium-high temperatures and high humidity. In order to thrive, they require temperatures and humidity that would resemble their natural habitat. The ideal temperature is room temperature or a minimum of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Anything below that will damage the plant. Humidity levels should be kept at a minimum level of 50% in order to ensure optimum growth and health.
Cleaning
Get rid of any burned, yellow and damaged leaves. Clean the leaves with soapy water and a clean, damp cloth to take away the dust and get rid of the pests. Mist the leaves with water to ensure the required levels of humidity and moisture.
Fertilizing & Soil
Calathea Ornata plants thrive in moist soil, meaning that they require the type of soil that can breathe when it’s wet. It shouldn’t be too heavy or compact to allow the air to go to the roots and avoid suffocating the plant. The perfect option is a type of soil that retains water and lets air through. You can use a soil mix comprised of 50 % potting soil, 50% orchid bark, 20% percent charcoal and 10% perlite.
Fertilize the plant with an all-purpose fertilizer during the flowering season to support optimum health and growth. Do not fertilize the plant in winter and resume in spring or summer.
Repotting
Repotting once a year or every other year will give the plant fresh soil and nutrients to support growth. Choose the pot size based on the desired outcome. If you want it to grow wider, choose a wider nursery pot. If you want it to grow more compact and promote height, find a smaller pot.
Propagation
Spring is the best time to propagate the plant. It is generally recommended to do it by division. When you repot the plant, divide the separations in the root. You can then pot each separation separately.
Toxicity
Calathea Ornata plants are non-toxic to humans or pets. They also have air-purifying qualities.
Pruning
It is a good practice to prune the older leaves that have turned brown or yellow. The best way to prune is to cut them at the base where the leaf connects to the main stalk. It is recommended to use a pair of sharp scissors to make a precise cut and avoid damaging the other leaves or the main stalk.
Related reads: Learn about Calathea Crocata
Pests and other common problems
Calathea Ornata plants can get infected with such pests as spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, fungus gnat, and others. Spider mites are the most common type of pests that affect these plants. Since spotting the mites is quite impossible because of how tiny they are, you should look for the eggs, the wispy webbing and white dots across the leaves. Wipe the leaves with a moist, damp cloth and soapy water to treat the plant. You can also rub alcohol or neem oil while quarantining the plant.
Common FAQs
Where should I put my Calathea Ornata plant?
Put your Calathea Ornata plant in a low-light area under indirect light to avoid damage. In summer, if the indoor climate is dry, move the plant next to a humidifier to ensure optimum humidity levels.
Are Calathea Ornata plants difficult?
Calathea Ornata plants are generally considered low-maintenance plants; however, they can be pretty fussy if they don’t get the treatment they need. Make sure you follow the guidelines above, and your Calathea plant will not cause any problems.
Should I mist my Calathea?
You should mist Calathea in case the indoor temperatures are too high or the air is too dry. Mist it every few days or place it next to a humidifier for better results. Wipe the dust off the leaves to ensure maximum absorption.
Should I cut brown leaves off Calthea Ornata?
Cutting any yellow or brown leaves off is a good practice not just to improve aesthetics but also to encourage growth and health.
How do you grow Calathea Ornata indoors?
Calathea Ornata is a domesticated plant that does well indoors. Make sure you keep the right temperature, light humidity and soil moisture levels to resemble its natural habitat.
