The Pinstripe Calathea originates in South American tropical woods in Venezuela and Colombia. It belongs to the family of indoor plants known as prayer plants. The popular name “calathea” refers to how the leaves of this plant rise and fall with the sun like hands rising in prayer. The foliage expands and flattens throughout the day, then closes at night.
Calatheas are fascinating plants to observe both now and as they grow older. The pinstriped tips of the leaves are equally as appealing as the rich magenta hue beneath, which is seen when the leaves fold up at night. No, a ghost is not making that fluttering, light sounds when the leaves open and close.
Although Maranta leuconeura, a similar houseplant, is commonly sold under the name “Prayer Plant,” Calathea ornata occasionally goes by that name. Zebra Plant, Peacock Plant, Cathedral Plant, and Calathea Pinstripe are other names for this Calathea. Numerous additional indoor plants also go by many of these common names.
Caring For Your Calathea Ornata Plant
Calatheas prefer consistently wet soil, but they do not like soggy, overly soaked roots. This implies that it’s crucial to ensure good drainage after watering to prevent puddles from forming. If your pinstripe plant has saucers or drip trays below it, dump them 5–10 minutes after watering. By giving yourself more time, you can be confident that the extra water has had a chance to drain.
When the soil begins to feel a little dry, water. Calatheas dislike dry soil, thus it must be irrigated before it becomes too dry. They cannot withstand drought and will have severe water shortages. Season and interior environment will affect the exact watering regimen. Once a week or two, watering should be anticipated, but always check the soil before doing so.
Lighting
Calathea ornata prefers filtered or indirect light since that is how it thrives in its natural habitat where it grows beneath the forest canopy. It is better to have a lot of bright, indirect light. This may be a bit of a balancing act with Calathea ornata. It enjoys the ideal degree of medium.
As long as a thin curtain or shade blocks the direct rays, a window facing south will supply the appropriate quantity of light. Again, as long as there is anything to screen the direct sun’s rays, windows that face west or east are also beneficial.
The leaves will turn brown and perish if it receives too much direct sunlight. On the other side, growth that is stunted results from inadequate light. The pinstripes fading is another indication that the plant could be receiving too much light. The leaf features fade when exposed to too much sunshine.
Humidity and Temperature
The range of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is appropriate for pinstripe plants. High humidity is also necessary. How well your plant flourishes will be greatly influenced by its location. Avoid being close to heat registers, cold breezes, or areas where the plant can undergo abrupt temperature fluctuations.
The main issue plaguing the tropical Calathea is low humidity. This houseplant requires high humidity; else, it will suffer. You need to supply a source of humidity in addition to maintaining a constant level of mild moisture in the soil. You can get away with not doing this with other plants, but not the Calathea.
The best option is a humidifier, which will provide your pinstripe plant good long-term humidity. You can put up a DIY humidity tray instead if that choice is out of your price range. Although it works well for most plants, the Calathea could not get nearly enough humidity from it. Check the moisture level frequently to make sure it is adequate.
Fill a baking sheet with water after lining it with stones to create a homemade humidity tray. Stack the stones on top of the plant. Place the tray and plant in their usual location; as the water evaporates, the area will get humid.
You’ll also need to spritz the plant every other day or so in addition to using a humidity tray. The water will have time to evaporate and dry off the leaves if you do this in the morning. Long-lasting water on plants can promote fungus growth and illnesses.
The Pinstripe Plant needs continuous care when using the humidity tray and mister techniques. It is necessary to often check the pebble tray to see whether extra water is required. Additionally, you must establish a regular misting routine. One reason why so many people decide to get a humidifier for their Calatheas is because it requires less effort overall and is more reliable.
Fertilizing
Feed your pinstripe plant once a month using an all-purpose indoor plant fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength. While the plant is actively developing in the spring and summer, add fertilizer. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, avoid fertilizing.
Don’t use too much fertilizer. Both too much and too little will be harmful. Instead of the intended lush, thick growth, a pinstripe plant that has received too much fertilizer grows tall and lanky. Soil
You must select a potting soil combination that will hold water since Calathea ornata needs wet soil. Use a premium potting soil blend for houseplants and include more perlite and coco coir. These modifications enhance the roots’ ability to store moisture while simultaneously increasing airflow around them.
Repotting
Repot your pinstripe plant in the spring each year to replenish the soil and give it space to develop and flourish. Repot it into a larger planter if the roots have outgrown the container. Don’t relocate it to a much larger planter; instead, use a pot that is only one size larger. Otherwise, it will experience water problems. Use the same container if you want your Calathea to stay in that size, but be sure to repot the plant every year.
Pruning
Not a lot of pruning is required for the Calathea ornata. As they become older, leaves will naturally turn yellow and brown; they should be removed as soon as they do.
Diseases and Pests
Although Calathea ornata is a resilient indoor plant in terms of pests and ailments, it might experience some of the more typical ailments during the course of its existence.
Scale, Mealy Bugs, Spider Mites, and Aphids
Before they have really harmed your plant, these extremely little pests are frequently difficult to spot. To increase your chances of discovering an infestation before it’s too late, check often. Every time you water, carefully examine the Calathea. This also entails carefully looking behind the leaves, as that is frequently where insect infestations begin.
A neem oil spray treatment is the simplest and fastest way to get rid of insect pests. In a quart spray container, combine two teaspoons of neem oil and one teaspoon of dish soap. Add water to the remaining space in the bottle. Spray the leaves of your Pinstripe Plant every 5-7 days until the pests are eliminated. Remember to spray underneath the leaves as well.
The majority of pest infestations happen when a plant is under stress and less able to defend itself. Make sure your Calathea is getting enough water while you are addressing the bug problem.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calarthea Ornata Plant
Why are the leaves on my Calathea ornata brown?
Typically, brown leaves indicate a dry climate or low humidity. Your Calathea requests water. And it desires higher humidity. To enhance humidity, think about using a humidifier or putting up a pebble tray.
Are my Calathea’s leaves wilting normally?
Indeed and no. They shouldn’t wilt since it indicates overwatering. Do not mistake their normal up and down motions with wilting, either. Throughout the day, the leaves reposition themselves organically.
Why are my Calathea ornata’s pinstripes faded?
Too much direct sunlight causes pinstriping to fade. The pink striping is washed out by so much exposure to light.
My Pinstripe Plant isn’t growing; why?
Lack of light will cause a Calathea’s development to be hindered. Move your Pinstripe Plant to a position with more indirect light to promote development. Be cautious though, since the leaves may burn if there is too much direct sunlight.
Should I dust the leaves of my Calathea?
Yes! The capacity of the plant to absorb moisture is decreased when dust builds up on the tops of the leaves. This indicates that it might not be soaking it all up when you water it to raise the humidity. Use a clean, moist towel to clean the Calathea leaf about once a month.
