Family: Marantaceae
Common Name: Calathea White Star
Botanical Name: Calathea Geoppertia ‘White Star’
This spectacular Calathea White Star combines the graceful lines of the Pinstripe Calathea along with the pastel glow of the Rosy Calathea. This alluring prayer plant gives any dark corner a warm glow that is impossible to ignore! This uncommon indoor plant needs a little more care than others, but it is well worth it!
Light
The ideal spot for a prayer plant will receive medium to bright indirect light. Calathea White Star can handle low light, but increased filtered light can help maintain the vivid colors and patterns on the foliage. Try to provide at least 5 hours of indirect sunlight daily. Direct sunlight can be damaging and may cause colors to fade.
Water
Calathea White Star has high water requirements. Thoroughly water these indoor plants when the top inch of the soil is dry. Geoppertia species of houseplants do best in well-draining soil and in containers with drainage. The type of water used can make a difference when it comes to watering Calathea White Star. Tap water may contain different minerals or compounds that can be damaging to the leaves. Brown edges along the leaves can be an indication 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 not suitable for your calathea.
Soil
Potting soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter, but still has the ability to drain well is the perfect growing medium for all Calathea White Star. Most coco coir or peat-based potting soil mixes will be adequate but make sure that they do not contain water-retentive crystals as they can cause the soil to continually stay moist causing root rot. If you are feeling adventurous, try creating your own potting soil!
Temperature
As tropical plants, Calathea White Star enjoys warmer temperatures. Average room temperature above 65°F is fine, but these indoor plants won't mind if it gets warmer and the temperature creeps closer to 85°F. Air circulation is critical when the mercury rises as stagnant hot air can encourage pest and fungal problems! Avoid placing Calathea White Star plants 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 Calathea White Star. The leaves may begin to curl or the edges will turn brown and dry out if they do not receive enough humidity. Calathea White 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 White Star the extra dampness they crave. Learn how to increase the humidity in the air around your indoor plants!
Fertilizer
Fertilizing your Calathea White 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 re-potting, you can also amend the soil with seaweed or fish emulsion, or worm castings. Calathea White Star will benefit from being fertilized during the growing season. These indoor plants do not need to be fertilized during the colder months when the plant is dormant.
Growth Rate
Calathea White Star is a moderate to fast grower and can reach heights of up to 4-5’ when grown indoors when receiving proper care!
Pet Friend or Foe
Calathea White Star is non-toxic to pets. Friend!
Pro Tips
- Calathea White Stars are moisture-loving plants, but over-watering is still a concern and can introduce a whole host of problems. Making sure the plants receive lots of bright indirect light can help regulate the dampness while helping the plant thrive.
- Don't be too worried if you notice the leaves beginning to curl or the stems of your Calathea White Star drooping. These are signs of dehydration. It's important to pay attention to these indicators, but these hardy houseplants can bounce back within a day or so after receiving water.
- Calathea White Star can only be propagated through division. These plants naturally propagate themselves by expanding their root system and sending new shoots up through the soil. When a mature plant is re-potted, gently separate the roots to divide the main plant into several smaller plants. Each new plant can be potted in its own container. Given time and proper care, those new plants will fill in.
- Calathea White Star is prone to spider mites when the air is hot and still. make sure you provide air circulation and spray the leaves weekly with water to prevent possible infestations.
- Calatheas are sensitive to cold temperatures below 55°F and their leaves will start tio curl inward when exposed to cold air.