Family: Marantaceae
Common Name: Calathea Silver Star. Prayer Plant
Botanical name: Calathea (Ctenanthe) Setosa ‘Silver Star’
Are you a lover of muted colors and elegant form? This prayer plant will not disappoint you then! This graceful and somewhat over-confident Silver Star waves its delicate leaves throughout the day, like a slow ceremonial dance. Do not overlook the undersides of the leaves where this calathea keeps all the deep ruby color! Just like all of the other members of the Prayer Plant family, Silver Star Calathea reacts to the light by slowly repositioning its leaves 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, Silver Star needs above-average humidity in order to prevent leaf edge burn. Learn how to care for and grow this subtly beautiful Calathea Silver Star!
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. Direct sunlight can burn the delicate leaves of the Calathea Silver Star, so it should be avoided. Increased light levels will bring out the colors and patterns of the leaves.
Water
The Calathea Silver Star 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 Silver Star 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 Silver Star. 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 calathea houseplants, including the Compact Star. 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.
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 repotting, the soil can be amended with worm castings to provide increased nutrition. Give the Calathea Silver Star time to rest during the colder months and do not fertilize when the plant is dormant.
Growth Rate
Calathea Silver Star is a moderate to fast grower and with the right care and conditions can reach 2.3-3’+ 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.
- Calathea can be propagated through division. When it’s time to repot, separate the plants and repot 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.