How to Grow and Care for the Bold and Beautiful Calathea Beauty Star

Calathea beauty star (a cultivar of Calathea ornata) is a tropical plant that is instantly recognizable thanks to its bold foliage. The dark green leaves appear to have brushstrokes of lime green, pink, and white splashes across their surface. Take a peek at the underside of the leaves, and you'll see a rich dark purple contrasting the bright green—this color gets to be the star of the show when the leaves curl in slightly each evening.

While calathea beauty star is a favorite of houseplant enthusiasts thanks to its striking looks, it can be a finicky plant to grow indoors. It wants bright light, but it has to be indirect, and, if anything is off regarding light, moist, but not too moist alkaline soil, or moderate temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, its leaves will be the first to let you know. But, if you can get the balance right, you'll have a gorgeous plant that is also non-toxic for both humans and pets.

Calathea Beauty Star Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing calathea beauty star:

• Plant in well-draining potting soil.

• Keep in bright but indirect light. Morning light is best.

• Water so that soil stays moist but make sure it does not get soggy, as overwatering can lead to fungus growth. The right time to water is when the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch.

• Maintain a humid environment and temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Light

To keep calathea beauty star's leaves vibrant, it requires bright, indirect sunlight. It does well with softer morning light and can become scorched if exposed to direct afternoon sunlight.

Soil

While they're picky about light, calathea beauty star is more easygoing when it comes to soil. A well-draining potting mix that can stay consistently moist is perfect.

Water

Like many other tropical plants, calathea beauty star prefers consistently moist soil. Water it whenever the top inch of the soil dries out, but make sure not to let it get soggy.

Temperature and Humidity

Calathea beauty star is a native of the rainforest, and it thrives in a warm, humid environment. Try to keep the temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizer

During its growing season throughout spring and summer, a general fertilizer can be used once a month. Calathea beauty star does not need fertilizer during the fall and winter.

Pruning

Calathea beauty star rarely needs pruning. This tropical houseplant generally stays under two feet, and it doesn't spread. However, pruning old leaves can help the plant stay healthy. If a leaf looks brown, yellow, or appears to have drooped, then you can pinch or cut it off.

Propagating Calathea Beauty Star

While calathea beauty star will not spread on its own accord, it can be easily propagated through root division to give you more stunning tropical plants to have around your home. Successful propagation is done with a healthy, mature plant, and a single plant should not be propagated more than once per year. Ideally, the plant should be divided in early spring just as it hits its most active growing season.

Propagation should be done at the same time as repotting so you only have to remove the plant from its pot once per year. Make sure you have potting soil, a sharp, clean knife, planters for each root division, and gardening gloves on hand before you get started.

1. Remove the plant from its pot carefully, being sure not to damage its root system in the process. Do not loosen the soil from the roots.

2. Determine where the plant has independent clumps of roots that have mature leaves attached. There may be more than one available to divide and propagate.

3. Plant each root division in its own planter, filled up halfway with potting soil, then filled all the way once the root division is in.

4. To avoid transplant shock, create a tent over the plant with a clear plastic bag. This will help maintain a humid environment to encourage growth.

5. Place the propagated division in bright, indirect light and keep it consistently moist.

6. Once you begin to see new leaves, the plant is ready to leave the tent and find its home in your home.
   

Potting and Repotting Calathea Beauty Star

Calathea beauty star is a slow-growing plant that will not regularly outgrow its planter, especially once it hits mature size. Unless the roots are coming out the bottom of the container, it likely doesn't need to be repotted.

However, if you do need to repot it due to growth, make sure to choose a container that is a size larger and allows plenty of room for the roots. Each time you repot, make sure to cut away any root rot, swap in fresh potting mix, and add fertilizer.

Common Pests

Calathea beauty star can fall victim to some pests like spider mites and mealybugs, though many pests will stay away because of its preference for a humid environment. Neem oil can be used to keep these pests away, or you can cut off leaves that show significant damage.

Common Problems With Calathea Beauty Star

Because calathea beauty star is a bit of a Goldilocks plant, there are several problems that can arise when its high maintenance standards are not met. Here are some common problems with calathea beauty star and their causes.

Fading Leaves

When calathea beauty star gets too much sun, its once vibrant leaves begin to fade and lose their color. Make sure it stays happy in bright, indirect light.

Burned Edges

If the tips of the leaves are turning yellow, then it could be chlorine and fluoride within your tap water burning the plant. Use distilled water or let tap water stand overnight to avoid damage caused by chemicals in the water.

Droopy Stems and Leaves

If calathea beauty star gets too much water, then its stems and leaves may begin to droop. Stop watering it immediately, or you could end up with a bigger problem, like root rot.

Brown, Curling Leaves

On the opposite side of the spectrum, a calathea beauty star that doesn't get enough moisture will begin to have brown, curling leaves. As soon as you notice the leaves drying out, make sure to give the plant enough water to keep the soil consistently moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is calathea beauty star a prayer plant?

Calathea beauty star is a type of prayer plant, which includes all of the calathea plants. These plants fold up their leaves at night in what resembles a praying position.

Is calathea beauty star pet friendly?

Calathea beauty star is non-toxic for both dogs and cats.

Does calathea like sun or shade?

This is where calathea beauty star gets persnickety. They like light, but it has to be just the right amount of light. Plenty of bright, indirect light is exactly what a calathea beauty star needs to thrive.

Read Next: 35 Calathea Varieties That Are Certain to Standout

Read the original article on The Spruce.