Family: Marantaceae
Common Name: Shine Star
Botanical Name: Calathea ornata ‘Shine Star’
Beauty has reached a new level. The bold, vibrant, and daring, Calathea Shine Star is the envy of the prayer plant family. This jaw-dropping indoor plant totally “shines”. With its glossy textured leaves and green base coloring, along with its bright pink or burgundy stripes (that run along the veins and leaf margins), the contrasting colors are one stunning sight to see.
If you flip the leaves on a Calathea Shine Star, you will see that the undersides have dark purple coloring – which completely adds to the plants fabulousness.
Sizing of Calathea Shine Star plant varies, but typically they range from 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) in length. The plant itself can get up to the height of around 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).
We completely recommend the Calathea Shine Star. Their highly attractiveness that this plant carries, NEVER disappoints.
Light
Calathea Shine Star plants do best in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause damage to the leaves, so we suggest you prevent placing the plant in direct sunlight or in an area with intense, harsh lighting. In place of this, you can provide filtered or diffused light for the entirety of the day.
When it comes to the indoors, put your plant near a window where it can get the bright, indirect light that it needs to thrive. East or west-facing gates are usually recommended because they provide moderate to bright light and eliminate the intensity of direct sunlight. Be sure to monitor your Calathea Shine Star plant's response to light conditions and, as usual, make any adjustments that are needed to maintain its health and look.
Water
When it comes to watering Calathea Shine Star, it needs specific water requirements to thrive. Water your plant by using room-temperature water. Continue to water it until the water drains out from the bottom of the pot, ensuring that the extra water does not accumulate in the drainage tray.As Calathea Shine Star is sensitive to chemicals usually found in tap water, like chlorine and fluoride, you can avoid the potential issues using filtered or distilled water. Keep an eye on your plant; if needed, you can adjust your watering routine.
Soil
Your Calathea Shine Star prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is crucial that you give a soil mix that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged and can drain. We suggest a combination of coco coir, perlite, and/or vermiculite. These all can help achieve the right soil texture. Additionally, you can incorporate organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil mix, giving essential nutrients and improving soil fertility.
Temperature
Calathea Shine Star plants do the best in temperatures that mimic their native tropical environment. As they thrive in average to warm temperatures, ideally, the temperature range is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C) for the plant. Prevent exposing the plant to temperatures under 60°F (15°C) because it can negatively impact its overall growth and health. Since Calathea Shine Star are sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, we recommend you keep the plant away from doors, windows, and any area with direct exposure to air conditioning or heating vents. Any cold drafts can lead the leaves to damage and stress the plant. Monitor the temperature conditions if you notice brown edges on the leaves.
Humidity
Also very much appreciated by Calathea Shine Star plants are higher humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. If your air at home is dry, we suggest you increase humidity around the plant. You can do this by using methods such as placing a tray filled with water near the plant, humidifier usage, or grouping plants together to create a micro-climate. The proper humidity levels help prevent the leaves from browning and promote healthy growth. If you notice these symptoms, it could mean that the humidity level is too low for your plant. If this is the case, adjusting the humidity levels and adding humidity-boosting methods can help avoid leaf issues.
Fertilizer
Avoid chemical fertilizers when it comes to Calathea Shine Star plants. They are sensitive to chemicals, such as synthetic fertilizers. Instead, you should opt for organic or slow-release fertilizers made for houseplants.
We recommend you dilute the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s directions. Still, it is usually a good idea to use a weaker concentration than what is specified on the package to help prevent over-fertilization. Over-fertilization can cause fertilizer burn or even damage to the plant’s roots. You can use diluted compost tea or liquid organic fertilizers specific to houseplants if you want organic fertilizer.
Growth Rate
With moderate growth rate, there are still factors that can influence the rate that the plant actually grows. You should give your plant optimal growing conditions to help promote healthy growth. When a Calathea Shine Star plant is grown indoors, it usually will reach a mature height of around 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm).Trimming your plant can actually control the overall height and shape of the plant and allow it to keep its aesthetic look.
Pet Friend or Foe
Good news! The beautiful Calathea Shine Star is known to be pet friendly! Friend!
Pro Tips
- Similarly to other Calathea types, Calathea Shine Star exhibits nyctinasty, meaning that its leaves move in response to light changes.
- Avoiding direct sunlight is crucial for Calathea Shine Star, as direct sunlight can lead its leaves to scorch.
- Calathea Shine Star has air-purifying properties, which can help make indoor air quality better by filtering and removing specifics toxins from the surrounding environment.
- Prune dead foliage back to the base of the stem to encourage new growth to form and to prevent bacteria and pests!