Calathea 'Ornata'

Description: Calathea 'Ornata', also known as Pinstripe Calathea, is a stunning tropical plant prized for its striking foliage and elegant patterns. This cultivar, belonging to the Marantaceae family, is known for its elongated, lance-shaped leaves with pink stripes and contrasting dark green margins. Calathea 'Ornata' is cherished for its decorative appeal and is often sought after by plant enthusiasts looking to add a touch of sophistication to their indoor spaces.

🌿 Botanical Name: Calathea 'Ornata'

🐾 Pet Warning: Calathea 'Ornata' is non-toxic to pets. However, ingestion may still cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in pets.

💧 Care Level: Moderate. Calathea 'Ornata' requires specific care to maintain its vibrant foliage and overall health.

📏 Approximate Size: Calathea 'Ornata' typically grows to a height of around 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) with a similar spread.

☀️ Light: Calathea 'Ornata' thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and cause leaf fading. Place it near an east- or west-facing window where it can receive filtered sunlight. In low-light conditions, consider supplementing with artificial grow lights.

💧 Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water Calathea 'Ornata' when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once or twice a week. Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.

💦 Humidity: Calathea 'Ornata' thrives in high humidity environments. Increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Grouping plants together can also help create a microclimate with higher humidity.

🌡️ Temperature: Calathea 'Ornata' prefers temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Protect it from drafts, temperature extremes, and sudden fluctuations, as they can stress the plant.

❄️ Hardiness: Calathea 'Ornata' is not cold-hardy and should be kept away from cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F (15°C).

🌱 Soil: Plant Calathea 'Ornata' in well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand to improve drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7) is ideal.

🌱 Fertilizing: Feed Calathea 'Ornata' with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter when growth slows down.

🔄 Pruning: Remove yellow or damaged leaves promptly to maintain the plant's appearance and overall health. Regularly remove dust from the leaves with a soft, damp cloth to keep them clean and allow for better light absorption.

🌱 Propagation: Calathea 'Ornata' can be propagated through division. During repotting in spring, carefully separate the rhizomes and plant them in separate pots with fresh potting mix.