Calathea Ornata Care (Pinstripe Calathea Plant)

Calathea Ornata, also known as the Pinstripe Plant, is a stunning tropical houseplant that adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.

It grows striking dark green leaves with hot pink stripes and purple undersides, this plant is a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

The Calathea ornata prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and has a moderate growth rate, making it a wonderful addition to any indoor plant collection.

Want to buy a pinstripe Calathea ornata? Find it for sale on Amazon! 

Calathea Ornata Care

Botanical name: Calthea ornata Common names: Pinstripe prayer plant, Pin-Stripe Calathea.

Calathea ornata plants are native to Brazil and belong to the Marantaceae family or the prayer plant family. These plants are known for their unique behavior of raising and lowering their leaves from day to night, as if in prayer.

Basic Plant Care Refresher: House Plant Care for Beginners. 

Light

Calathea Ornata thrives in bright, indirect light. Place your plant near a window where it receives filtered sunlight.

They can tolerate lower light conditions, but if the light is too dim, the leaves stay smaller and maybe lose variegation.

At the same time, avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. Dry, brown spots on the leaves can be a sign of sunburn. Move your plant away from the window, or filter the light with a sheer curtain.

Occasionally wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. It removes dust and helps the plant to photosynthesize and soak up as much light as possible. 

Watering

Indoors, water your plant regularly to keep the soil slightly moist. The soil should feel like a wrung-out sponge. 

If the soil feels moist, wait for one to two days and check again. If the soil is dry, go ahead and water generously, to saturate the soil. Allow any excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot. Then allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again. 

Overwatering can lead to yellow leaves and root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to droop, wilt, and dry out. Leaves should feel firm.  

When in doubt, hold off on watering. It’s easier to fix underwatering than overwatering. If you’re unsure, a moisture meter can be a valuable tool to determine when to water.

Related reading: Basics of watering house plants – Moisture meter use tips!

Calathea Ornata Leaves Curling

Curling leaves on prayer plants is a common problem and can have a few causes.

Low Humidity: One reason is insufficient humidity. Prayer plants come from tropical regions and thrive in high humidity. When the air is too dry, their leaves may curl as a defense mechanism to conserve moisture.

Underwatering: If the plant is not receiving enough water, it can respond by curling its leaves to reduce surface area and minimize water loss.

Overwatering: Ironically, overwatering can also lead to leaf curling. When the soil is consistently soggy, it can prevent the plant’s ability to take up water, causing leaf curl.

Related reading: Common Prayer plant care issues.

Fertilizing

Use a diluted liquid plant fertilizer to feed your Calathea ornata every two to three weeks during the growing season in spring and summer.

Over-fertilization can be more harmful than under-fertilization. If you notice signs of nutrient burn, such as yellowing or browning leaf tips, you might want to cut back on the fertilizer.

Be sure the soil is damp before fertilizing and don’t fertilize in winter when growth slows down.  

Also never fertilize if your plant is recently repotted or is having problems. Fertilizer gives your plant a boost of nutrients when it is actively growing. It is not plant medicine. 

Humidity

Pinstripe Calathea Ornata prefers warm and humid conditions.

Crispy or brown leaf tips are often the first sign that your plant is not getting enough humidity. You also might notice curling leaves.

You can raise the humidity by placing a small humidifier near your plant if the air in your home is very dry. 

A good place for your prayer plant is in a bathroom or kitchen with a bright window. The steam from the shower or cooking will provide your plant with the humidity it loves. 

Calathea Ornata Propagation

The easiest way to propagate a large Calathea Ornata is by division, meaning you’ll be separating a part of the plant, including its roots, from the main plant.

• Carefully remove the plant from its current pot. Loosen the soil around the edges and gently lift the plant out, trying not to damage the roots. 
• Look for natural divisions in the plant where it has formed separate clusters of stems and leaves. These are the sections you’ll want to separate. 
• Using your hands or a clean, sharp knife, gently separate the divisions. Each division should have its own set of roots. 
• Plant each division in its own pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be deep enough to accommodate the roots and allow for growth. 

Read more about plant propagation: 6 different ways to propagate your plants. 

Soil and Repotting

Repot every two to three years in spring when the plant is actively growing. The soil will have lost its nutrients and will need to be replaced with fresh well-draining potting soil.  

Repot in a pot one size up if your Calathea has outgrown its original pot. You will notice the roots have filled the pot or are growing from the bottom of the pot. 

Make sure the new pot has drainage holes on the bottom. If it doesn’t, use the pot as an outer cache pot and place a planter with drainage inside it. 

Is the Calathea Ornata Toxic to Cats?

Calathea ornata plants are considered non-toxic when ingested. It is safe to grow at home around your cats or dogs. 

However, it’s always a good idea to prevent pets from chewing on houseplants, as it can cause mild digestive upset.