Common Name: Beauty Star, Prayer plant, Peacock plant
Botanical Name: Calathea ornata ‘Beauty Star’
Are you in search for the most beautiful plant? Well, the Calathea Beauty Star is so beautiful that it could easily win a beauty pageant! It’s the perfect plant to add a subtle style to any end table or shelf in your home! The pointed, broad leaves are light and vivid, with dark green filling the center and edges. There are also yellow stripes artistically spaced along the surface of each leaf. The Beauty Star does beautifully in low, medium, or bright indirect light and does not need water until the top inch of the soil is dry. Because the Calathea Beauty Star loves humidity, it is the perfect addition to your bathroom or kitchen decor!
Light
Calathea Beauty Star thrives most when it receives medium to bright indirect light. Calathea can generally handle low light, but increased light can help maintain the vivid colors and patterns on the foliage. Keep your plant out of direct sunlight, as it can be damaging and could cause the colors to fade.
Water
The Calathea Beauty Star has high water requirements. Thoroughly water this indoor plant when the top inch of the soil is dry. Calathea Beauty Star houseplants do best in well-draining soil and in containers with drainage. While this type of plant is a thirsty houseplant, they still like to dry out between watering.
The type of water used can make a difference when watering this plant. Tap water may contain different minerals or compounds that can damage the leaves. Brown edges along the leaves can indicate that the water is high in salt or contains chlorine, chloramine, bromide, or fluoride. It may be best to water the plant using filtered or distilled water or water collected from a dehumidifier if you suspect tap water is unsuitable for your Beauty Star.
Soil
Potting soil rich in nutrients and organic matter but still can drain well is the perfect growing medium for your Calathea Beauty Star. Most coco coir or peat-based potting soil mixes will be adequate but make sure that it does not contain water-retentive crystals as it can cause the soil to stay moist, causing root rot continually. If you are feeling adventurous, try creating your potting soil!
Temperature
As tropical plants, Calathea Beauty Star plants like warmer temperatures. An average room temperature above 65°F is acceptable, but this indoor plant won't mind if it gets warmer and the temperature creeps closer to 85°F.
Avoid placing this plant near exterior doors, drafty windows, and vents, particularly during the colder months. Make sure to avoid placement near air conditioning vents during the warmer months.
Humidity
High humidity is a must-have for plants like Calathea Beauty Star. The leaves may begin to curl, or the edges will turn brown and dry out if they do not receive enough humidity. Calathea Beauty Star indoor plants do well in a kitchen, bathroom, or any area with extra moisture in the air. Using a humidifier or a pebble tray with water can help give calathea the extra dampness they crave. The ideal humidity range for this plant is between 50% to 60%.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing your Calathea Beauty Star can help promote new growth and even blooms depending on the variety. A complete liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength is a good option. When repotting, you can also amend the soil with seaweed or fish emulsion, or worm castings. Your Calathea Beauty Star will benefit from being fertilized during the growing season. This indoor plant does not need to be fertilized during the colder months when the plant is dormant.
Growth Rate
Calathea Beauty Star usually will grow at a moderate pace. Please note that the growth of this plant is gradual, with new leaves growing from the center of the plant at times. The mature height that this plant can reach is around 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm). The leaves on this plant can reach around 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).
Pet Friend or Foe
A Calathea Beauty Star plant is non-toxic! Friend!
Pro Tips
- To increase humidity levels around your Calathea Beauty Star, we suggest grouping plant together.
- When you are first bringing home your Calathea Beauty Star, give it some time to get used to its new environment, prior to adjusting its care routine.
- Pruning your plant can help promote new growth and maintain its appearance. You should get rid of any yellow, brown, or damaged leaves.
- Keep in mind that Calathea Beauty Star is sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering. Make sure that the pot has good drainage. This will help to prevent water from accumulating at the roots!