Family: Marantaceae
Common Name: Calathea Fusion White, Calathea Stella
Botanical name: Calathea 'Fusion White' 'Stella'
It's perfectly okay to drool a little when you first lay eyes on this ridiculously breath-taking calathea. Not the easiest indoor plant to get an "A" in, but you might find yourself revisiting its beauty if you fail the first time. Been there, done that! Fusion White (Stella) Calathea needs extra humidity to rock its arena. Keep an eye on its foliage and watch for leaf browning. If this happens then it is time to increase the humidity.
Just like all of the other members of the prayer plant family, Silver Star reacts to the light by slowly repositioning its leaves y throughout the day to capture as much as it can!
Calathea, ctenanthe, stromanthe, and marantas do produce flowers, but they are insignificant and can be removed to help inspire more foliar growth. If you love the way they look, then let them have their moment in the sun!
As with all Calathea, Fusion White needs above-average humidity in order to prevent leaf edge burn.
Learn how to care for and grow this elegant calathea!
Light
Calatheas are very adaptable in terms of light. These plants can handle low, medium, or bright indirect light. This makes sense given the plant’s tropical origins where it can be found growing underneath the dense jungle canopy. That said, Fusion White needs slightly brighter lighting because of the large areas of white patches that are devoid of chlorophyll! Direct sunlight can burn the delicate leaves, so it should be avoided. Increased light levels will bring out the colors and patterns of the leaves.
Water
The Calathea Fusion White prefers more damp conditions. Let the soil slightly dry out between watering. When it is time to water, saturate the soil until the water drains through the grow pot. Drooping or curling leaves are an indication the plant is too dry and needs more water.
Soil
Calathea Stella needs a soil medium that can retain moisture but drain excess water to avoid root-rot. Most pre-mixed soils will suffice. Make sure that there is plenty of organic matter, like coco-coir, peat moss, or shredded leaves, and avoid soils that contain moisture retaining crystals. If your soil drains too quickly, we recommend re-potting your calathea into a compost-rich soil mixture. Learn how to create your own universal soil mixture for all of your indoor plants!
Temperature
Average room temperature is good for the Calathea Fusion White. As a tropical plant, anything between 65 - 85°F is ideal. Calatheas are not cold hardy, so avoid drafty locations and if you bring the plant outside for the summer, make sure to bring it back inside well before the temperatures turn cold.
Humidity
Humid environments are ideal for all prayer plants, including the Calathea Fusion White. These plants thrive in humid conditions, but with the use of a humidifier or evaporation tray, these houseplants can live in drier areas or climates. Learn how to increase the humidity for your houseplants!
Fertilizer
Fertilize your calathea during the growing season to promote new growth and possibly even blooms. Use a diluted complete liquid fertilizer or seaweed or fish emulsion. When re-potting, the soil can be amended with worm castings to provide increased nutrition. Give the Calathea Fusion White time to rest during the colder months and do not fertilize when the plant is dormant.
Growth Rate
Calathea Stella is a slow to moderate grower and with the right care and conditions can reach 2”’+ in height and width!
Pet Friend or Foe
These indoor plants are Non-Toxic to pets! Friend
Pro Tips
- Finding the right balance of soil dampness can sometimes be hard for first-time calathea owners. These plants certainly like consistently damp soil, but over-watering should still be avoided. Placing the plant in an area with increased indirect light can help the soil dry out and regulate the soil dampness.
- Calatheas can be propagated through division. When it’s time to re-pot, separate the plants and re-pot into separate containers.(Please note that some plants are patented and propagation is prohibited! Check the patent status of all houseplants before you propagate.)
- Routinely wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Cleaning the leaves helps the plant more efficiently conduct photosynthesis and keeps it looking amazing. Be careful not to rip the leaves while you are cleaning them!