Also known as Pin-stripe Calathea, Calathea Ornata is a tropical plant that has a captivating leaf pattern. In low light, the foliage showcases shades of pink, making it an elegant addition to your home or office. It’s also safe for pets, unlike many tropical foliage plants.
At an average height of 2-3 feet, you might not feel encouraged to divide your plant into smaller pots. So, in this article, we’ll detail how to propagate Calathea Ornata properly.
Read on to learn how to divide this plant safely.
What Are the Different Ways to Propagate Calathea Ornata?
Out of the common plant propagation ways, the division method is what works best for Calathea Ornata. You can also grow new plants from Calathea seeds, but it’ll probably take much longer. As for leaf cuttings, they won’t grow into a new plant, whether they’re rooted in water or not.
That’s because Calathea Ornata doesn’t have a single stalk from which the leaves branch. Instead, each leaf grows its own stem starting from the roots. That’s why each propagated division of leaves should have its established roots.
What Do You Need for Calathea Ornata Propagation?
It’s fairly easy to propagate Calathea Ornata with minimal tools. Here’s what you need to start the process:
- A healthy mother plant: the mother plant needs to have enough stalks and each division should have some grown roots.
- Containers for new plants: you can use plastic bags, bottles, or even empty food packages. However, it’s best to use terracotta pots to rid the soil of excess water.
- Soil and water: choose a soil mix that’s similar to the original mix.
- Plastic bags: you’ll need a clear plastic material. Our aim is to let bright light reach the plant while trapping humidity inside.
- Cutting tools: you can use knives, scissors, or shears. Just ensure that you sterilize those tools to avoid contaminating the plant.
- Shovel: you might find it easier to remove the soil around the roots using a shovel or a fork. Otherwise, if you’ll use your hands, we’d recommend you wear gloves as you might discover some pests around the roots.
- Pest treatments: Calathea Ornata is prone to spider mites. So, if you discover any pests while propagating the plant, it’s best to treat it instantly with neem oil.
How Do I Propagate Calathea Ornata?
Now that you’ve got the tools, let’s get into the steps of dividing Calathea Ornata.
- Release the Plant
Before starting, we’d recommend that you place a plastic sheet or newspaper on a workstation if you’re dividing your Calathea Ornata indoors. Next, tap your plant’s pot from the side to release the plant base.
If the plant is small, you can place your fingers between the stalks and turn the pot upside down. Use a shovel to help release a stuck plant base.
- Remove the Soil
When the plant is finally out, carefully work your way through the hardened soil. Your aim is to set the plant’s roots free so that you’re able to clearly see where you’re making the cut.
- Cut Your Divisions
The first thing you need to consider is the size of the new plants. You might prefer to keep a larger one for display purposes while the smaller ones grow.
Look for leaf clumps attached to roots and cut accordingly. Sometimes, you’ll come across plant suckers connected to rhizomes. You can put them in separate pots, as they can grow into mature plants one day.
- Root Trim
You can trim off the old ends of the roots to easily repot the plant. Another option is to cut the length of the root, keeping only a tiny portion.
This trim will give your Calathea Ornata a fresh start. It’s the go-to solution for plants struggling with root rot.
- Transfer to Containers
Unlike many other plants, Calathea Ornata won’t grow its roots in water. With that in mind, you should immediately transfer them to other containers. Add some layers of soil, then place the plant division and top with more soil to keep it in place.
- Maintain Growth Conditions
After the plants are potted, you’ll need to add water. The leaves of Calathea Ornata are relatively thin, so they’re less efficient in retaining moisture.
We suggest you cover the pots with plastic bags to recreate the humid environment of the tropics. Alternatively, you can keep the pots in a humid space, like the bathroom.
Lastly, keep the pots away from direct sunlight to help the plants grow rich-colored leaves. You can place them between larger plants to benefit from the shade of foliage, just like the forest shade.
How Do I Propagate Calathea Ornata From Seed?
Growing Calathea Ornata from seeds isn’t the most effective method, especially for beginners. Still, you can opt for the seeds if you’re trying to save some money.
We recommend you start the seeding process during springtime. Typically, your seeds should germinate within 2-4 weeks.
Fall is also another viable option for indoor plants, but the cold weather will slow your plant’s growth rate.
Here’s how to grow those seeds:
- Use a seed-starting soil mix to fill small pots or an empty egg carton.
- Add enough water to make the soil mix moist, but avoid overwatering.
- Gently press the seeds in the soil.
- Wrap a clear plastic bag around the seed containers to trap the moisture inside.
- Place the seed containers in a well-lit room, but avoid direct sunlight.
- Check the soil mix every other day to ensure it stays moderately moist.
Wrapping Up
Getting free plants from a mother Calathea Ornata isn’t that challenging if you know what to do. We’ve covered how to propagate Calathea Ornata to ensure the new divisions mature properly.
Plant propagation is a skill that’ll allow you to expand your indoor garden at a minimal cost. More importantly, propagation allows you to save withering plants.
From our viewpoint, this skill is both exciting and empowering to house plant growers. Think about it; if you restart the cycle after the first generation matures, you’ll be giving away many Calathea Ornata gifts in no time!
