Calathea ornata ‘Sanderiana’ (Pin-Stripe Calathea)

Calathea ornata ‘Sanderiana’, commonly referred to as the Pinstripe Calathea, is a stunning example of nature’s artistry in the plant world. This variety, beloved by indoor gardeners, is distinguished by its ornamental foliage that effortlessly enhances the aesthetic of any space it occupies. This ornata species, formerly assigned to Calathea, is now in the genus Goeppertia.

Calathea ornata ‘Sanderiana’ – Pin-Stripe Calathea: An In-depth Look

Calathea ornata ‘Sanderiana’ features strikingly beautiful leaves that make it a standout among houseplants. Each leaf is adorned with precise, thin pink stripes against a dark green background, resembling the strokes of an artist’s brush. The contrast of the pink against the green is both vibrant and elegant, with the undersides of the leaves showcasing a delicate purple hue, adding depth and complexity to its appearance.

Native: This species originates from the tropical forests of South America, particularly in Colombia and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is the understory of the rainforest, where it enjoys dappled sunlight and high humidity. It belongs to the arrowroot family (Marantaceae), along with the Prayer Plant.

Plant Type and Habit: Calathea ornata ‘Sanderiana’ is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial with leaves emerging from a central rosette. This plant is primarily grown for its foliage rather than its flowers.

Size: Typically, Calathea ornata ‘Sanderiana’ reaches a height and spread of about 1-3 feet (30-90 cm), making it an ideal size for indoor display. Its compact growth habit allows it to fit well in a variety of spaces without requiring extensive room to expand.

Flowers: While this Calathea can bloom, producing small white flowers, it rarely does so when kept indoors. The blooms are not as showy or significant as the foliage, which remains the plant’s main attraction.

Foliage: The foliage of ‘Sanderiana’ is undoubtedly its most notable feature. The leaves are lanceolate, smooth, and glossy, with each showcasing the plant’s characteristic pinstripe pattern. This variegation is not only visually striking but also serves as a testament to the diversity and beauty of Calathea varieties. The leaves also participate in nyctinasty, a phenomenon where they move in response to the light, opening by day and closing at night.

Hardiness: This Calathea plant is hardy in USDA zones 11-12. It is not frost-tolerant and must be kept in environments above 60°F (15°C) to thrive.

Uses: It is a popular choice for homes and offices, adding a touch of nature’s beauty to interior spaces while contributing to a healthier living environment.

Toxicity: Calathea plants are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, making them a safe choice for pet owners and families. Their sap may irritate sensitive skin.

Benefits: Beyond its decorative appeal, Calathea ornata serves as an excellent air purifier, removing toxins from indoor air.

Calathea ornata Care

Caring for Calathea ornata, known for its striking pinstriped leaves, involves creating a balanced environment that mimics its native tropical habitat.

Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can fade the stripes on the leaves and cause burn marks. Ideal near a window with sheer curtains or in a room that receives plenty of natural light without direct exposure.

Soil: A well-draining, peat-based mix is suitable. Mix in perlite or vermiculite to enhance drainage.

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Use distilled, rainwater, or filtered tap water to avoid leaf browning from fluoride and other chemicals in tap water.

Temperature and Humidity: Thrives in temperatures between 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (24°C). Avoid sudden temperature drops and cold drafts. Requires high humidity levels, ideally above 60%. Low humidity can lead to brown leaf tips and edges. Use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or group it with other plants to increase surrounding humidity.

Fertilization: Feed with a diluted, balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize in winter.

Pruning: Trim away yellow or brown leaves at the base to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage new growth.

Cleaning: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and help the plant breathe.

Repotting: Every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a slightly larger pot and fresh potting mix to encourage growth.

How to Propagate Calathea ornata – A Step-By-Step Guide

Propagating a Calathea plant, like many other members of the Calathea genus, is best done through division. This method ensures the new plants have a good start with established roots and foliage.

Choose the Right Time: The best time for propagation is in late spring when the plant is in its active growth phase.

Prepare Your Tools and Workspace: Ensure you have clean, sharp scissors or a knife, pots for the new plants, and appropriate potting mix (peat-based or similar to what the parent plant is in). Sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution to prevent the spread of disease.

Remove the Plant from Its Pot: Carefully take your Calathea plant out of its pot. You may need to tap the pot’s sides or gently pull the plant by the base to ease it out.

Inspect and Separate the Rhizomes: Look for natural divisions in the root ball where the plant has formed distinct clumps or sections. These are your propagation points. Gently tease the roots apart with your fingers or cut through them with your clean, sharp tool if necessary. Ensure each division has a good amount of roots and at least one or two shoots (leaves).

Pot Up the Divisions: Fill your new pots with a suitable potting mix, making a hole in the center for the division. Place each division in its pot, ensuring it sits at the same depth as in the original pot. Fill around the roots with more potting mix, gently firming to support the plant.

Water and Care for Your New Plants: Water each new Calathea plant thoroughly after potting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the new plants in a warm, humid spot with indirect light, similar to the parent plant’s preferred conditions.

Monitor and Maintain Humidity: To ensure high humidity, you can cover the pots with plastic bags to create a greenhouse effect. Ensure to open the bag daily for fresh air and check the soil moisture.

Be Patient: Growth may be slow initially as your Calathea plant adjusts and develops new roots and foliage. It can take several weeks to see significant growth.

Calathea ornata: Pests, Diseases, Common Problems

Calathea ornata is relatively resistant to major problems, but like all indoor plants, it can encounter some pests, diseases, and common issues.

Pests

Spider Mites: These tiny pests can be identified by the fine webs they weave on the plant. They cause yellowing or speckled leaves. Increase humidity around the plant and wash it with a strong stream of water. For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Mealybugs: These white, cottony pests tend to cluster in leaf axils and under leaves, sucking sap and weakening the plant. Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs or apply neem oil.

Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that can be green, black, brown, or pink, aphids typically feed in groups on the undersides of leaves. Combat them with a gentle spray of water, neem oil, or insecticidal soap to protect the plant’s health and appearance.

Scale insects: Hard or soft-bodied insects that attach themselves to the stems or leaves, causing yellowing and growth stunting. Scrape off with a fingernail or use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be used.

Diseases

Root rot: Often a result of overwatering, leading to brown, mushy roots and wilted leaves. Prevent by ensuring good drainage and letting the soil partially dry between waterings. Affected plants may need repotting with fresh soil after cutting away any rotten roots.

Leaf spot: Fungal or bacterial infections causing spots on leaves. Avoid wetting foliage when watering and improve air circulation. Remove affected leaves and treat with fungicides if necessary.

Common Problems

Brown Leaf Edges/Tips: Often a result of low humidity or fluoride in tap water. Use distilled water or rainwater and increase humidity around the plant.

Curling Leaves: Can indicate under-watering or too low humidity. Ensure consistent soil moisture and raise humidity levels.

Fading Leaf Color: Insufficient light can cause the vibrant patterns of your Calathea to fade. Provide bright, indirect light, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions