Calathea White Star Care and Tips: It is also a classic office item and a modern decorative piece for your home. The extravagant Calathea White Star will be a part of every collector’s heart.
The contrast of the green and white foliage, with violet undersides and subtle blush pink, creates an impact, but it requires a lot of effort to look as good as this.
How do you take care of White Star Calathea?
Table of Contents
Calathea White Stars require conditions like their tropical home. They require moist, nutrient-rich soil that can drain well. Indirect sunlight, weekly irrigation of 60-70% humidity, temperatures ranging from 65 to 77 degrees, and a monthly fertilization program for growth.
Caring for Calathea White Star: Basic Guidelines
| Conditions | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Ideal soil | Moist, not wet, nutrient-rich soil |
| Water requirements | Every one to two weeks |
| Lighting needs | Bright, indirect |
| Ideal temperature | 65-77°F |
| Ideal humidity | 50-60% |
| Best location | Bathroom, kitchen |
| Growth habit | Upright shrub |
| Fertilization type/schedule | Water-soluble, once monthly |
| Signs of deficiency | Discolored, twisted foliage |
| Pruning | Occasional, light |
| Flowering | No |
| Toxicity | Nontoxic |
Calathea White Stars aren’t the most suited for beginners. Don’t get discouraged by the special care requirements to be met, as the benefits of maintaining them are easy to see with just a little effort.
From the best soil to the Repotting procedure to expert advice and FAQs, we’ve left not a leaf unturned in our guide on caring for the Calathea “White Star.”
Complete Care Guide for Calathea White Star
It was first discovered around 1822 by German botanist Georg Meyer; the Calathea “White Star” has been a favorite of the public over the last few years due to its low maintenance requirements and attractive appearance of the patterns on the foliage.
The durable, waxy leaves were traditionally used to make baskets and transport rice and fish; the same method is used in some areas of South America today.
Calathea White Star at a Glance
- The Plant Type is Tropical evergreen.
- Scientific Name: Goeppertia majestic
- The average height is 4-5 feet.
- The average width is 1-2 feet.
- The ratio of Growth: Moderately fast
- Produces Flowers: No
- Most Common Pests Food bugs, Spider Mites, and leaf scales
- The Lifespan: 8-12 months (many years if properly cared for)
- The difficulty of Care: Medium
What To Do When You First Get Your Calathea White Star
- Examine the soil and the leaf’s edges for signs of pests. It is recommended to store the White Star in a separate place during the first week of spring to ensure that any plants in the vicinity are protected.
- Look at the top two inches of soil to determine if it is moist, and apply water if it appears dry.
- Make sure to keep the White Star in the pot it was delivered to for the first week, as the speed of rehoming can create stress and slow growth.
Ideal Soil for Calathea White Star
The ideal soil medium must hold in moisture while draining out excess.
Biologist and the author and editor of Indoor Garden Nook blog Sara E. Taylor recommend the following mixture:
- 50 50% potting soil Basic garden store variety is ideal, or opt for “peat-free soil made with coconut husk fibers for improved drainage.”
- Twenty percent orchid bark “helps absorb excess water and releases moisture back into the soil as the mix becomes dry.”
- Twenty percent activated Fine charcoal powder is a great way to prevent root rot, ward off pests, and eliminate impurities that cause mold.
- Perlite 10% these are pH-neutral granules with a lightweight that help drainage and enhance soil air aeration.
Calathea White Star Water Requirements
White Stars need to be kept moist but not dry or wet. The watering should occur every two weeks with distilled or filtered tap water at room temperature.
Keep your finger firmly in the top inch or two of soil between waterings. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. If it’s moist, check back later.
Taylor recommends repeating this process until you “determine your watering timetable” because watering depends on many factors, including the plant’s size, season, and household circumstances.
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Calathea White Star Lighting Needs
To recreate the filtered light of the canopy of the rain forest White Stars require bright yet diffused light to avoid faded leaves and burning.
A small amount can cause wilting and discoloration, keeping them out of windows and direct sunlight.
Ideal Temperature Range for Calathea White Star
Temperatures of 65-77 degrees (18-25degC ) are advised.
Although they are resilient, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 65 degrees can cause slow growth and even total dormancy (when the growth stops and they save energy, much like hibernation) So, be sure to keep them from drafty rooms.
Best Humidity Level for Calathea White Star
White stars flourish when humidity levels are between 50 and 60 percent. Leaves with brown edges indicate that the humidity is not high enough.
Misting the leaves one or two times weekly will recreate the tropical rain.
You can also control levels using the use of a hygrometer to measure humidity (I’ve discovered that one is reliable and accurate) precise and reliable) as well as an air humidifier.
Best Location for Calathea White Star
The plant thrives in dim and humid conditions, so the place they are in, or close to the Bathroom, is a great place.
Many Calathea owners recommend having them in the bedroom or the kitchen if the proper conditions are met.
Calathea White Star Growth Habits
Growth habit is the plant’s height, shape, and life form.
The Calathea “White Star is a shrub-like shape, meaning that its stems are high and upright in the pot, instead of draping like ferns or climbing like vines.
Fertilization Type & Schedule for Calathea White Star
Feeding the White Star with a water-soluble fertilizer every month can help to increase the growth. However, a more-or-less strategy is the best option since overuse could cause salt deposits to form in the soil, which can cause the leaves to turn brown.
Be sure to reduce the strength of the fertilizer solution by half.
Signs of Nutrient Deficiency
Discoloration of the leaves (yellowing) and distortion (curling and falling) are typical indicators that the White Star lacks nutrients.
If the plant is not water or the substrate isn’t suitable (i.e., excessively acidic or alkaline/low porosity), The nutrients are unable to effectively transport to the roots, which causes leaves to change form and shade.
Pruning Calathea White Star
White Stars aren’t very large and seldom grow more than 5 feet. Therefore they do not require frequent pruning.
However, take away dead or diseased leaves (tips for recognizing and preventing it further) with a soft “pinching” the leaf or carefully cutting off the affected area on the stem with sharp, clean scissors.
Does Calathea White Star Produce Flowers?
White Stars don’t flower when planted in a greenhouse and are often used for their patterns foliage.
If you’re looking for a flowering Calathea or a garden expert of more than 25 decades, Karen Travis recommends the Calathea Crocacta, which has bright orange flowers. However, the plant is more labor-intensive and “produces very plain foliage.”
Is Calathea White Star Toxic?
White Stars are safe for pets and humans, and the ASPCA (American Society to Prevent Cruelty and Abuse of animals) declares them safe for dogs, cats, and horses.
Calathea White Star Propagation
To limit growth or increase the size of your plant collection, you could opt to multiply (growing new plants by cuttings and roots that have been divided) the White Star.
The tissues of the stem in Calatheas cannot accommodate the new growth Biologist Sara E. Taylor recommends “propagation by root division, not cutting” as the most effective method.
- Prepare New Separate Pots for Quick Planting
The speed of your work is essential to save the most moisture possible in dividing and planting every root structure. So ensure you have your brand new pots made of plastic (with drainage holes) nearby and filled with the potting medium you used for the parent plant to facilitate rapid, effective planters.
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Remove the Parent Plant From Pot To Expose the Roots
Place the soil on its side on a newspaper or a bag of a large size, slowly remove the soil’s structure using a hand, and then remove the pieces to reveal the root structure.
It could be more difficult based on the soil mixture and the plant size. So, you could employ a knife to cut the soil to break up the stem clusters.
- Carefully Unwind Tangled Stems & Separate Root Bulbs
Unwind the tangled stems by hand, and then divide stem clusters or pairs of stems ready to plant again.
Stem clusters will be linked to root bulbs, which form only a tiny crown portion. Therefore, be cautious when cutting or detangling the soil to avoid damaging the bulbs.
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Plant the Separated Stem Pairs/Clusters Into Pots
Begin to plant your stems in the new pots. Water each to allow the roots to absorb the nutrients as soon as they are available.
Set them in a space that is sheltered from direct sunlight. Bring the parent plant back to its pot, stuffed with the same amount of soil before being removed.
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Only Propagate Your Calathea Plant in Spring
Propagation should be carried out when your plant is growing, which is why springtime is ideal if you wish to see successful growth.
Intentionally propagating during cooler seasons could cause problems or “shock” your Calathea plant as it does not react well to moving it at this point.
Repotting Calathea White Star
Calathea White Stars are growing quickly and will need to be moved in time to accommodate their expanding dimensions and height.
When To Report Calathea White Star
The white star in your yard will require to be repotted every year or so when it shows signs of excessive growth, most typically in its long roots.
It could also require repotting due to the need for new soil in case the existing mix has been causing a slowing of the growth.
If roots begin to poke out from the drainage holes within the pot’s interior, the plants could be at risk of becoming root-bound if roots begin to take over the entire area within the pot.
Signs That It’s Time To Repot
- The roots are overgrown and visible at the base and also within the soil
- Stunted growth of foliage
- Yellowing, drooping foliage that is yellow even when the soil is wet
How To Report Calathea White Star
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Choose the Right Container for the Repotting Purpose
Based on the information above, you’ll have to select a bigger pot to allow for expansion (at minimum 2 cm bigger than the one currently) or report the current pot if you feel you think the soil needs a change or if the soil needs to be changed, in which case the pot that you currently have should be cleaned and cleaned.
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Water the Day Before Repotting For Easy Removal
The soil will become more pliable and make it easier to remove from the container. When right, pull the plant out of the container and scrub off any excess soil.
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Inspect the Roots for Signs of Disease
Check the overgrown roots to look for signs of illness, such as root decay (black and soft).
Healthy roots could appear pale or black; however, they should be soft to the touch. Get rid of any damaged sections and think about using a fungicide to stop the spread of disease in the pot that is being replaced.
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Fill the New Pot 1/3 Full Before Re-planting
The new pot should be filled to a third way with the potting soil mix. Then, gently pat it down before placing the plant in.
The rest of the pot is then put firmly in the soil to ensure it is stabilized.
Put Your recently relocated White Star in the same place and expect growth to resume within a week or two because of shock.
Calathea White Star Common Problems & Solutions That Work
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Pests | Washing, misting, or removing top soil layer |
| Disease | Pruning, repotting, applying fertilizer |
| Foliage changes | Trimming, revising water schedule, relocating plant |
Calathea White Star Common Pests
Even the most cautious plant owner will occasionally spot insects. Still, if you recognize the signs, swift actions can stop the White Star from suffering significant harm.
A veteran plant-owner and chief contributor to OurHousePlants.com, Tom Knight, provides solutions and symptoms for dealing with common pests:
Red Spider Mite
- A sign of troubleWebbing that is sticky and brown, with mottled spots on the foliage.
- SolutionsGive the plant every week to clean away webbing and reduce the number.
- Preventive– Get rid of dust from leaves every week with the help of a damp cloth. Mist often to ensure humidity and think about buying a predatory mite ( Phytosieulus persimilis).
Scale Insect
- Signs of trouble Brown discs shaped like rice on leaves’ stems or the underside. The honeydew is sticky around and near the plant.
- Solutions– Take off or dab each scale using a cotton swab of alcohol to dissolve the scales.
- PreventionSpraying the leaves with organic Neem oil (I’ve enjoyed great results using this particular neem oil from Amazon) is a pesticide because the oils clog the breathing passages.
Fungus Gnat
- Signs of trouble include small fruit fly-type insects that live in soil, rapid wilting, and slow growth.
- Solutions – Remove the top layer of soil outdoors and replace it with dry top layers as they thrive in humid conditions.
- Prevention Introduce nematodes to the soil. These tiny worms search for their gnats’ larvae stages, which could help break the cycle.
Calathea White Star Common Diseases
The White Star’s fundamental requirements could give it an advantage when it fights off illness. However, you’re still a human. If you do experience any of the following, you should know what to look out for and the best way to deal with it:
- Basal Stem Rot
- Signs of trouble include low growth, discolored foliage, and swelling mushy stems.
- Solutions-shape sickly stems and healthy plant stems in fresh soil, and the pot is sterile.
- Prevention– Let the top soil dry between watering, and choose a mix with excellent drainage by adding perlite and bark chips to help open the soil.
Rust fungus
- Signs of trouble Small rings or brown spots on the leaf’s undersides.
- Solutions– Trim badly affected leaves and spray a fungicide spray that contains Flutriafol on the nearby leaves.
- Prevention Plants should be placed equally to allow air circulation. Do not wet the foliage during irrigation.
Nutrient Deficiency
- Signs of trouble Growth is poor curly, yellowing, and dulled or wilted leaves.
- SolutionRepot with fresh soil or add liquid fertilizer to the leaves.
- Prevention – Ensure the plant is in good condition, water it well, report as required, and use an appropriate soil mixture. The Horticulture educator Marie Iannotti also recommends “performing a pH soil test periodically to correct nutrient imbalances before they worsen.”
Other Common Problems
If a pest issue or disease isn’t to blame, the lack of care or environmental conditions can cause problems to the health of your White Star.
This is often evident in the foliage’s shape, color, and shape.
Yellowing Leaves
- The Signs Of Trouble Light-brown, yellow leaf tips.
- Solutions– For minimal discoloration, trim affected leaves and cut off the stems to avoid excessive yellowing.
- Prevention– At best, this can be attributed to excessive watering and soil that is too moist, therefore, use a draining soil medium and let the top layer of soil dry out between each watering. If you don’t act fast enough, it could lead to root decay.
Wilting or Drooping Leaves
- The Signs Of TroubleLimp, dull foliage
- Solution – Touch the top 2 inches of dirt to determine whether it requires watering or if it’s been overwatered and requires a longer drying time.
- Prevention Check the temperature and humidity levels frequently. Consider the location of the plant when it is too cold or drafty.
Faded Leaves
- Signs of trouble Bleached, sun-scorched leaves or faded patterns.
- Solutions– Transfer your plant to a shaded area and gradually adjust it to a location that receives more sun. If it’s been on the same soil for over an entire year, you should consider moving it.
- Prevention– Make sure to keep Your White Star away from bright direct light and use fertilizer at least once a month to promote growth during the spring and the summer.
Calathea White Star Common Questions
Are Calathea White Stars Rare?
Calathea “White Star is one of the rarer species in the Calathea plant genus because of its attractive ornamental foliage adorned with bright white and green stripes and subtle pink blush between the veins of the leaves.
Do Calathea White Stars Like Bottom Watering?
It is not advised to water the bottom frequently as excess moisture could result in root rot.
This watering technique is needed to remove large-scale pests from the soil as long as the soil’s top inch remains dry.
How Do You Revive a Calathea White Star?
Restore a Damaged or discolored plant by removing the damaged foliage and placing the healthful stems inside a fresh container, disinfected and refilled with a fresh mix of soil.
You could also apply some infrequently applied fertilizer to your houseplants every month for a fresh lease on life.
Why Is My Calathea White Star Curling?
It could be caused by watering too much or being underwater in the water, so make adjustments to your schedule for signs that the leaves begin to curl.
If the curling continues, it could be due to stress response to recent movement or a decrease in temperature.
How Do You Stop Calathea White Star Drooping?
White Stars naturally droop ever so little throughout the day.
Drooping that is consistent is a sign of drinking, so ensure you stay at the top of your routine for watering by poking the soil using a chopstick or dowel to ensure that water is reaching the roots.
What Is the Price of a Calathea White Star?
For a Calathea “White Star,” prices vary among retail stores and be contingent on the size of the White Star and age. Prices generally range from $20 to about $70.
Why Is My Calathea White Star Turning Yellow?
The foliage that turns yellow can be due to various reasons, including excessive exposure to sunlight, excessive watering, or stress due to recent repotted.
If you’re White Star is new, mild yellowing on leaf surfaces is typical since nutrients are absorbed when the plant expands.
Why Do My Calathea White Star Have Brown Spots?
Brown spots could be a sign of corrosion from excessive light, but they can also indicate over or underwatering, so make certain to aerate your soil frequently using chopsticks.
Brown dots can indicate spider mites in red because they enter the leaf cells, leaving streaks of brown that look like dots.
Why Is My Calathea White Star Dying?
Calathea fight when conditions in the indoor environment don’t correspond to their natural environment’s temperature, humidity, and moisture.
If you’re doing everything you can to observe the levels discussed earlier, the pest’s absence or root disease may be causing degradation.
Is Calathea White Star a Prayer Plant?
White Stars are part of the “prayer-plant” family due to their leaves folding backward at night.
The bedroom will allow plant owners to take pleasure in the unfolding and closing of the leaves as the sun rises or sets every day.
Calathea White Star vs. Pinstripe (Ornata)
Calathea “Pinstripe” plants have thinner stripes that are more spaced out than White Stars, and Pinstripe plants have noticeable pink shades on the leaves.
They have many commonalities. They require soils that retain moisture, have excellent drainage, and have no toxic and susceptible species of pests.
Calathea White Star vs. Vittata
Calathea “Vitatta” plants have the large colorful, bold stripes from White Stars, though these are less a Calathea (reaching maximum heights of 1.9 feet) and must therefore be planted in a higher place to receive indirect sunlight.
They also have the green undersides of their leaves in contrast to the purple hue of White Stars.
Calathea White Star vs. Calathea Fusion
Its Calathea “Fusion” is a stunningly beautiful variegated leaf and marbled white-green leaves that create a subtle watercolor effect.
Although they have the same humidity, moisture, and watering requirements, Fusions can also do well in pH-neutral or acidic soils.
3 Key Tips for Success With Calathea White Star
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Use Organic Care Methods (Where Possible)
Organic alternatives to the store-bought fertilizer such as pesticide, mister, and potting soil could produce better, longer-lasting plants. They shouldn’t cost you a fortune since various homemade recipes are easily found on the internet.
Organic soil, particularly, is high in minerals and nutrients that help your plant’s resistance to diseases by strengthening the cell wall.
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Invest in a Humidifier & Hygrometer (Humidity Monitor)
Care for White Stars is an art of balance, but getting the guesswork out of the way with a humidifier and a monitor will help your plant thrive in the best conditions. This leaves you to figure out your schedule for watering and remain at the forefront of other areas like controlling pests and disease.
Pro Tips! If you build an assortment from the Calathea (any kind), put them in groups to keep the proper humidity levels.
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Get “In Tune” With its Watering Needs
From the root up to the tip, most of the White Star’s health problems are based on whether the White Star has been either over or underwatered. So, as absurd as it may sound, you should spend the initial 6-8 weeks understanding its water preferences.
Scientist Sara E. Taylor calls it “asking” her plant with fingers in the soil once a day for a wet or dry “response.”
Conclusion On Calathea White Star
To sum up, Calathea White Stars are beautiful, low-maintenance plants that thrive in houses that replicate the humidity and diffused light of South America.
When you’ve established a solid regimen of care for Your White Star, these plants could become a lifelong commitment and a source of joy as long as you maintain their soil, plant them in new pots as they develop, and keep diseases and pests under control.
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