Pin Stripe Calathea is one of the most interesting members of the plant kingdom. Due to having a peculiar beauty, this plant decorates every corner of any place notably indoors. Thanks to hybrids and cultivated types, this plant is in high demand these days. Specifically, it bears a great potential to become a select decor in balcony decoration. Originally, Pin Stripe Calanthea is native to South America. Above all, this unique plant can grow with other plants, for example, Peacock Plant. With such aesthetic plants, it is possible to create a magnificent setting.
General Information
Pin Stripe Calathea generally has a striped pattern going along the middle vein on the broad foliage, and green slender stems. Also, it is a kind of evergreen plant just like Chinese Evergreen. Besides, there are some purple leaves on the plant’s certain parts. At the same time, it is a prayer plant. That is, it closes its foliage in the dark and opens them up in the light. As for its flowering, it rarely blooms indoors. To bloom it, this plant needs nature conditions. In terms of the life cycle, it is a perennial plant. When it comes to dimensions, it could reach up to 2 ft (61 cm) tall and wide. In the meantime, it isn’t a toxic plant for pets in case of ingestion.
How to Care for Calathea Ornata
Sunlight: Straight and intense sunlight scorches leaves. So this plant prefers semi-shade places getting diffused sunlight. To avoid getting sunlight in the same part of the plant, rotating it to 90 degrees weekly could be useful. Therefore, it does not grow in the same direction.
Watering: Calathea Ornata likes ample water. As usual, regular weekly watering will suffice in its growing seasons. But in winter, it becomes dormant. So sparingly watering is better when making slow progress. Specifically, the potting soil should remain moist.
Humidity: High humidity is crucial for Pin Stripe Calathea’s safe growing. To ensure it, there are a few means. They are automatic humidifiers, wet pebble trays, and water spray respectively. Particularly, Misting meets its daily humidity needs.
Temperature: Range 65°F – 75°F (18°C – 24°C) is optimal for such plants growing. Also, it can resist down to 60°F (15°C). According to the USDA plant hardiness map, it can grow better in 10-11 zones. However, it can’t tolerate cold drafts and sub-zero temperatures because of being a fussy plant.
Soil Type: Peat-based potting soil mixes are ideal. Also, plants in such pots should get well-draining and well-ventilated.
Fertilizer: Water-soluble ones are quite effective when given the plant’s growing season. Calathea Ornata is getting enough energy from the fertilizer to develop fast. In winter, it should barely be fed with such plant foods.
Propagation: There are a few methods for propagation. In particular this plant, the division seems reasonable. But you must be careful while doing it. Because the mother plant and the baby plant may take damage.
Repotting: Ordinarily, such works get done in the spring months. But it should take its necessary water the day before. Because the transplant shock affects heavily the roots. Also, the second pot should be larger than the existing one. For example, you can think of pallet planter ideas as a second pot.
Common Problems
Leaf scorch: It stems from direct sunlight all day long and dry settings. The intense heat makes the foliage brown. It begins from the leaf tips. Then, brown color spreads over leaves until the leaf dies.
Yellow leaves: This problem occurs in both overwatering and underwatering. In overwatering, the roots drown due to the excessive water. The drowned roots cannot convey the crucial water and minerals upper parts of the plant via veins. Then leaves go yellow. After that, the roots rot. Lastly, the plant dies.
Pest infestation: Such cases happen in the dry setting. Harmful creatures invade the plant. They are aphids, scales, mites, caterpillars, spiders, and so on.
Suggestions for problems: For leaf scorch, Pin Stripe Calathea should keep away from direct sunlight. The brown part could be cut with the help of scissors. Then, it may be positioned in sheltered spaces with overhead lighting. To prevent improperly growing, you should rotate it to 90 degrees. Also, the humidity level of the setting must go up. On the other hand, yellow leaves are a serious problem. To prevent it, you could remove the yellow ones. Afterward, you can go on its routine care. When it comes to pest infestation, you can clean your plant’s foliage with a damp cloth in the first place. For pest-infested plants, you can use neem oils and pesticides.
