Pinstripe Plant Care: Calathea Ornata

Houseplants are one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve air quality in your home. Not only do they add some much-needed greenery, but they also act as natural filters, removing harmful toxins from the air. But like any living thing, houseplants need our care and attention to thrive.

Sometimes being aware of the most common problems that houseplants face can help us be better caregivers and keep our plants healthy and happy. It is not as difficult as it may seem, and a little knowledge goes a long way!

Thus, Plants need our attention to grow healthy and happy. Some tropical plants, such as Pinstripes, are common household plants.

It is easy to grow and easy to take care of. The plant does not need too much water or sunlight. Pinstripe grows in any soil but needs good drainage to prevent overwatering.

We will talk about Pinstripe Plant Care in this guide and discuss all important aspects related to Pinstripe Plant Care.

Plant Overview

G. ornata is a perennial herb with smooth, oblong leaves that are slightly asymmetrical. The leaves’ margins are also smooth, and the overall color is dark green. On the surface of the leave, delicate cream or pink stripes run through it in a wispy pattern.

The cultivar ‘Beauty Star,’ specifically, is characterized by a pale green background between the leaf margins and midrib. This makes the stripes is more evident against the deep purple of each leaf’s underside.

G. ornata grows up to 3 feet tall and wide, with a fountain-like growth habit stemming from its rhizomes. As it develops, it continues to grow in clumps.

During the summer, small pink or white flowers may bloom on your houseplant–though this is not common.

The pinstripe prayer plant, like other members of its family, lifts its leaves at night and lowers them again after sunrise.

The “pinstripe plant,” or “pinstripe calathea,” is also sometimes used for other Goeppertia species, such as the white-striped G. elliptica. when compared to this species. However, G. ornata has much more delicately patterned leaves.

Praying Movements

One of the most interesting things about the pinstripe plant is its “praying” movements. The leaves of the plant will rise at night and lower during the day.

Scientists believe this is the plant’s way of avoiding predators at night when it is more vulnerable.

This movement is known as nyctinasty, which is regulated by changes in the turgor pressure of the cells in the leaf. As the day progresses and the light fades, certain cells on the underside of the leaves begin to swell. 

This increased pressure causes the leaves to lift and fold along their midribs. In the morning, as light hits the leaves and warms them, the cells begin to shrink, and the leaves flatten out again.

This process happens throughout the day, with the leaves rising at night and lowering during the day.

However, it is more pronounced when there is a change in light intensity, such as when clouds move in front of the sun or when a person walks by and casts a shadow on the plant.

Growing Conditions for Pinstripe Plant

Give it bright, indirect light to get the best stripes on your pinstripe plant. It will do fine in lower light levels, but the leaves may lose some of their variegation.

If you notice the leaves start to turn all green, it is getting too much light. 

The best option is to keep it in medium light near an east- or west-facing window. You can also grow it under fluorescent lights, which is a great option for office spaces.

1. Watering Schedule for Pinstripe Plant

Water your pinstripe plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot. Let the water drain completely from the pot after watering, and never leave the plant sitting in water.

Establish a consistent watering schedule for your pinstripe plant to avoid dried-out or oversaturated soil. The calathea ornata is not drought-tolerant, so you should allow the top layer of soil to become slightly dry between waterings—this will prevent mold growth—but don’t let it go completely dry.

Brown leaves on your plant indicate not receiving enough water, while wilting leaves are a sign of overwatering. It’s important to find a watering schedule you and your plant are happy with to avoid any potential problems down the road.

If you see that your calathea ornata leaves have turned brown and crispy, it might be because the plant isn’t getting enough humidity. Although this could also be a sign that your tap water has too much fluoride or other chemicals, you’re more likely not watering the plant enough.

To rule out any chemicals in the water causing the browning, use distilled water for a few weeks. This will show whether or not this is the problem.

2. Fertilizer

Although Calathea ornata plants don’t require much fertilizer, they appreciate being fertilized every four weeks or so. This is especially important during the spring and summer months when Calatheas grow more rapidly. You can slow down on the fertilizer during winter because these plants usually have less growth then.

Only fertilize when your plant is actively growing; otherwise, too much fertilizer can harm it. A balanced fertilizer will support growth evenly.

Avoid thinking that giving your calathea ornata plant too much fertilizer will make it grow more. If you fertilize it too often, the plant will become tall and thin instead of full and green. Only give the plant food when it’s actively growing, as we said before, and use diluted liquid fertilizer (or an organic option, like compost tea) for best results.

3. Temperature And Humidity

Pinstripe plants prefer average room temperatures of 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Houseplants will do best in locations with stable temperatures, away from cold windows or central heating vents.

Prayer plants, including pinstripe calathea ornata, need more humid air than most other houseplants. The ideal level of humidity is between 40 and 60 percent. If you’re lucky enough to live in a climate with naturally humid summers, your plant will do just fine without your help.

However, a few extra measures during wintertime can help in arid climates. You can grow houseplants such as the calathea ornata by grouping and placing them in terrariums.

4. Soil

Use a well-draining potting mix for your pinstripe plant. A good mix will contain peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. You can also make your potting mix by mixing equal parts of these ingredients. It grows best in soil with a pH of 6.1-7.8.

Potting too dense soil can cause the plant to suffer from root rot. If you’re unsure if your potting mix is well-draining, check by sticking your finger into the soil.

If it feels wet more than 2 inches down, it’s time to replant in a lighter mix.

5. Pot Requirements

Pinstripe calathea ornata is a tropical plant that will never need a pot larger than 12 inches in diameter.

A smaller pot is often better, as it will help to keep the roots cramped and promote more compact growth. When repotting, only move up to the next size pot.

Maintenance of Pinstripe

Pruning

Brown leaves on your calathea ornata plant are not a cause for alarm! This is quite normal and only means the plant needs to be pruned. You can do this by either removing the brown leaves with your fingers or using light pruning shears. 

Removing the dead growth will help to keep the plant’s growth pattern uniform, as well as promote overall height. In addition to watering and misting your calathea ornata plant, you should dust its leaves from time to time. 

Use a damp cloth to wipe off any dust before giving the plant a light misting. After you’re done dusting and wiping down your plant, cut away any remaining yellow leaves. This will provide extra strength and rejuvenation.

Repotting

Pinstripe calathea ornata plants need to be repotted every two to three years or when they become rootbound. The best time to do this is in the spring before the plant’s growing season begins. When repotting, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that’s only slightly larger than the plant’s current one.

To repot your plant, begin by gently removing it from its current pot. Next, loosen the roots and trim away any that are dead or damaged. Once the roots have been trimmed, place the plant in its new pot and fill in around it with potting mix. Water the plant well and place it in a location with bright, indirect light.

Propagation

Pinstripe calathea ornata plants can be propagated by division or by rooting stem cuttings.

To propagate by division, carefully remove the plant from its pot and divide the rootball into two or three sections. Each section should have several healthy roots attached. Plant the divisions in individual pots filled with well-draining potting mix. 

Water the plants well and place them in a location with bright, indirect light. Take a 4-inch cutting from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves if you want to propagate by stem cuttings. Put the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. 

Water the cutting well and place it in a location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and mist the leaves regularly. In 4-6 weeks, the cutting should have rooted and be ready to be transplanted into a pot of its own.

Pests And Diseases

A prayer plant, in general, is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests are usually found on the undersides of the leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. If you notice any of these pests on your plant, treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Pinstripe calathea ornata plants can also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and powdery mildew. These diseases are often caused by overwatering or planting in a pot that doesn’t have drainage holes.

If you notice any signs of these diseases, stop watering your plant and move it to a brighter location. Once the plant has dried out, you can report it in a fresh potting mix.

Common Problems With Pinstripe Plants

Pinstripe calathea ornata plants are relatively easy to care for, but they can sometimes experience problems with brown leaves, yellow leaves, and leaf drops. These problems are usually caused by incorrect watering or lighting.

Brown Leaves And Spots

One of the most common problems with prayer plants is brown leaves and spots. This problem is usually caused by too much direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to scorch. If your plant is experiencing this problem, move it to a location with brighter, indirect light. You may also need to increase the frequency of watering and misting.

Yellow Leaves And Leaf Drops

Pinstripe calathea ornata plants can also experience yellow leaves and leaf drops. This problem is usually caused by too much water, which can lead to root rot.

If your plant is experiencing this problem, reduce the amount of water you’re giving it and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. You may also need to repot the plant in a fresh, well-draining potting mix.

Toxicity Of Pinstripe Plants

Pinstripe calathea plants are not toxic to humans or animals, but they can cause stomach upset if ingested. If you suspect your plant has been eaten, call your veterinarian or poison control center immediately.

Wrapping Up

Pinstripe calathea plants are beautiful, easy-to-care-for houseplants that make a great addition to any home. With their striking striped leaves and attractive flowers, they’re sure to add a touch of elegance to any space. 

With proper care, these plants can thrive for many years. So if you’re looking for a plant that’s both beautiful and low-maintenance, the pinstripe calathea is a great option.