Calathea Ornata (Pinstripe): Plant Care and Growing Guide
The Calathea Ornata (also known as Pinstripe Calathea) is stunning due to its beautiful pink-streaked leaves. It is a beautiful South American native plant, which can be sometimes tough for novices to grow. However, we will cover all you need to know about growing this plant successfully, and it will become a wonderful addition to your home.
To grow a healthy Calathea Ornata, give it bright indirect light and water it once a week without allowing the dirt to get soggy. Keep the area around it humid and at temperatures ranging from 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (23°C). Fertilize it once per month during the growing season.
We’ve gathered all of the essential information to maintain your plant healthy and happy, in addition to the basic pointers mentioned above.
| Name | Calathea Ornata (Pinstripe Calathea) |
| Family | Goeppertia (Prayer Plants) |
| Watering | Once per week if the soil is dry |
| Light | Indirect bright light |
| Temperature | 65°F-75°F (18°C-23°C) |
| Humidity | Medium-high |
| Propagation | Via division |
| Fertilization | Once per month during the growing season |
The Calathea Ornata Basic Caring Guidelines
Calathea Ornata or Pinstripe plant is a graceful plant displayed throughout the year. Since its beauty is in the large leaves, their appearance will tell anyone how well you are taking care of the plant. Even small-time attention details like pruning and propagation will determine the beauty of this plant.
How often should you water a Calathea Ornata?
Your Pinstripe Calathea needs at least weekly watering to ensure that the soil remains moist. However, you should always check the surface so that the soil is not soggy or oversaturated. Water-logged soil will encourage the growth of fungus and mold, damaging your roots and leaves due to the infestation.
Pinstripe Calatheas will alert you if it is not getting enough water. The leaves begin to fold and burn at the edges as a result of insufficient water. Such foliage will never recover, and it must be trimmed to stimulate new growth.
On the other side, too much water could be also a problem for the Calathea Ornata. The leaves will turn brown and begin to wilt. The plant is also sensitive to fluoride in water, causing the leaves to dry and the entire plant to wilt.
The weather affects the amount of water that your plants require. Temperatures over 70 degrees Fahrenheit increase the demand for water, so the soil is kept wet. If temperatures drop, your plant will probably require less watering.
What humidity is best for a Calathea Ornata?
The Pinstripe Calathea will require a relatively high humid environment, as it is a tropical plant. This means they can thrive in the kitchen or bathroom where humidity is higher versus other rooms in your home.
Maintaining the high humidity levels found around the equatorial regions is challenging due to typical indoor conditions. You can compensate for the dry indoor conditions by misting at least twice a week or placing a tray with a layer of pebbles that stimulate evaporation near the plant.
Watch humidity levels during the cold season because most indoor rooms are heated, leaving the air too dry. This means you should place your plant away from heaters and other venting sources around the room. Some gardeners also use humidifiers to increase humidity levels during winter.
What soil is best for Calathea Ornata?
As mentioned before, the pinstripe plant loves moist soil. It means that you should look for soil that retains a moderate amount of water without getting soggy. Such soil will guarantee proper aeration and retention of natural nutrients for slow absorption.
The type of soil will also affect the availability of nutrients for your plant and water retention. If the soil retains too much water, a lot of fluorides could be caught in the soil, leading to contamination. On the other hand, if the soil drains too fast, nutrients will be lost, and the soil will be too dry for the needy pinstripe plant.
Use soil with peat moss so that it can balance moisture with aeration. The addition of perlite or pumice will give you the best soil characteristics to hold water and ensure air circulation. Such add-ons like orchid bark or coco coir will boost the quality of your soil.
What temperature does Calathea Ornata like?
Calathea Ornata is a hardy plant that can survive in areas with diverse temperature conditions. In most cases, room temperature will be sufficient for the pinstripe plant as long as it does not go below 60º F (15.5º C).
However, the ideal temperature for the vibrant growth of Calathea Ornata is between 65º F (18 ºC) and 75º F (23º C). The heat can go as high as 85º F (29º C) without adversely affecting the growth of your plant.
You should, however, watch several factors regarding temperature. The tropical Calathea Ornata does not take too well to freezing temperatures. The leaves will dry, and the plant will eventually wilt. A sudden swing in temperature will also kill your plant.
Drafts also affect the relationship between this species and temperature. Keep the plant away from air conditioning vents or ventilation areas that experience a lot of wind. In case you move to a new location, monitor the response, and take remedial measures to prevent wilting.
Calathea Ornata Advanced Caring Guidelines
Prayer plants come with a variety of sensitive preferences. One type may prefer bright light while another one is shy of staying in an exposed place. Here are other crucial care guidelines that will ensure that your pinstripe plant thrives and transforms your indoor space.
Fertilization
The Pinstripe Calathea does not require soil that is often fertilized, but it does detest malnourished soil. Ideally, you should apply fertilizer once every month. However, dilute the strength of the solution to avoid contaminating the soil. It is recommended that you use ¼ strength fertilizer to protect your soil without compromising on nutritional needs.
The best time to apply fertilizer is during the growing seasons between spring and summer. In case the plant needs more fertilizer, it will send such signals as stunted growth and discoloration of the leaves.
Remember, fertilizer application during fall and winter will damage your soil because of poor absorption by the roots and inadequate drainage of the soil.
Pruning
Do some pruning to remove old and damaged leaves that could be slowing the growth or lowering the brilliance of Calathea Ornata. This caring task should be carried out using a sterilized sharp knife. The tool will help you to achieve a clean cut that does not damage the stalk of your leaves.
Cut the old or diseased leaves at the bottom to foster regeneration. Target the brown leaves on the outside to give way for young leaves and vibrant foliage. Pruning is also used to maintain a healthy growth pattern and improve the height of your plant.
Pruning is also a way to shape your plant. If it has outgrown the current pot or space, you may prune by slashing the entire plant to the root instead of just reducing the leaves. Use pruning to air the leaves and reduce the possibility of pests hiding inside the bushy foliage.
Repotting
When potting Calathea Ornata for the first time or repotting, we recommend a peat-based mixture at the base of your container. The best mix is one made of one part perlite for two parts of the peat. It is one way to invest in a well-draining mixture that promotes robust foliage growth and healthy roots.
Waterlogged soil damages the roots, causing the entire plant to wilt. If you take care of the soil, you eliminate the need to repot until the roots have outgrown the current pot. It will take two to three years before you need to repot.
Repotting may be done to deal with root rot or because the roots have outgrown the current pot. If the roots are too big, you will need a larger container. You may also split the shoots of the flower and plant them in another container. Where the roots are diseased or contaminated with chemicals, you will need to disinfect the soil or change it completely.
Propagation
Propagation of Calathea Ornata is done by separating its leaves clumps and stalks through the division method. It is best done during repotting because the roots are overgrown and are exerting pressure on the current pot. If the soil is warm and moist, the roots will grow quickly and naturally.
The rate of regrowth after propagation will depend on the quality of soil you have provided and its moisture content. A natural way to encourage root growth is to cover the plant with polythene paper until new growth appears. The limited air and excess humidity will promote regeneration, helping the propagated shoots to regrow faster.
Use fresh and young shoots during propagation. Old and dying stalks are likely to wilt because of the shock of transplanting. The best time to propagate is between spring and summer when the weather is favorable.
Pest Prevention
Pests arise from poor quality of soil, excess humidity, dirt or dust on the leaves, and failure to observe hygiene around the plant. The common pests you will encounter are spider mites on the surface or the lower side of the leaf.
Such pests make your pinstripe plant an eyesore and could cause eventual wilting. The leaves may also turn yellowish-brown before wilting. Misting the leaves with soapy water will help to treat the pests. The soapy water suffocates the parasites, causing them to fall off and die.
Plant hygiene is also recommended when growing your plant. Regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, especially if you live in a dusty area. It will prevent dust from settling on the surface and attracting insects like the mites that could eventually damage the entire plant.
FAQs on Calathea Ornata (Pinstripe)
How to save dying Calathea Ornata
Calathea Ornata is a sensitive plant that could die for several reasons. The most common reason for leaves curling is overwatering or underwatering. Too much light or too little light could also kill the plant. Check the fluoride levels of the water you are using. Once you have identified the problem, you can rectify it using the procedures discussed above.
How fast does the Calathea Ornata plant grow?
Calathea Ornata is regarded as a moderately-fast growing plant. It grows to a height of 2 feet (0.6 m) over two years.
Why are my Calathea Ornata leaves curling?
Pinstripe plant leaves curl for several reasons. The most common issue is too much or too little water. Ensure that the soil is always moist and not too dry or soggy.
The presence of chlorine, salt, or fluoride in the water could also be causing the leaves to curl. You will notice the leaves appearing like they are burned.
Use distilled water during weekly watering and misting. A problem with humidity and temperature could also be causing the leaves to curl. Remove the plant near cooling or heating vents so that moisture and temperature are easier to control. In case the temperatures are too high, we recommend misting.
Why is my Calathea Ornata turning yellow?
The plant could be exposed to excessive direct sunlight. Place it in a shaded place but still with sufficient lighting. You should also monitor the quality and amount of water you are feeding the plant because these could be early signs of a dying plant.
What is the difference between a Calathea Ornata and a Calathea Vittata?
Calathea Ornata has a predominantly pink color on the surface of the leaves and at the back. The leaves are also broader and bolder. Calathea Vittata is lighter in color with white stripes that point towards the tip of the leaf.
Are Calathea Ornata plants toxic to pets?
No. The Calathea Ornata is among the safest house plants when you have pets like cats and dogs.
What are other Calathea varieties?
- Calathea Lancifolia– it has pointed leaves and dark spots that give it a bold personality, making it impossible to miss in the house.
- Calathea Orbifolia– It comes with outstanding striped leaves with excellent curves that create a presence indoors.
- Calathea Warscewiczii– the leaves are cone-shaped with a velvet feel.
- Calathea Zebrina– it has a light green leaf color tone with large leaves and dark green stripes.
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- Calathea Makoyana Care Guide
- How to grow a Stromanthe Triostar
- The guide to growing a Calathea Medallion
- The Maranta Leuconeura Care Guide
We hope the information shared in this article will give you confidence that you can bring out the best in your Calathea Ornata, whether you are an experienced indoor plant owner or are growing your first one.
