Hey there, plant lovers! If you’re looking for a low-maintenance houseplant that’s easy to care for and grows quickly, then you’ll love Calathea White Star!
Calathea Majestica often referred to as the ‘White Star’, is one of the most distinctive and beautiful plants available to cultivate. With its unique foliage, Calathea Majestica stands out from its many other stunning Calathea counterparts. Though it may look lovely and delicate, Calathea Majestica is actually a hardy species that is easy to care for. With the proper knowledge, you can learn how to ensure your Calathea Majestica flourishes and its gorgeous foliage is put to its full potential.
Hailing from the lush rainforests of the Amazon, these houseplants require a bit more care than many of their kin. However, given the right environment, Majestic ‘White Star’ will blossom with stunning white stripes on its leaves, enhancing the beauty of the surrounding space. In some cases, the white stripes may transition to pink near the plant’s midrib, depending on the light conditions and maturity of the plant.
How To Care For Calathea White Star
Caring for a Calathea Majestica White Star plant is not as daunting as one may think. This highly coveted species of perennial tropical houseplant has gained much popularity in recent years due to its striking variegated foliage and easy care requirements. Read on to learn more about how to care for this beautiful houseplant.
Bringing the Plant Home
When it is time to select a new houseplant to bring home, you may want to consider a White star (Calathea). These plants have an understated beauty that can give your home a delightful splash of finesse. However, be aware that Calatheas are known for being quite picky about their care.
Inspect your plant thoroughly
When bringing the plant home, take some time to inspect it carefully. Check for any pests or diseases that may have been overlooked as these could spread to other plants in your house. Furthermore, if the top inch of soil appears to be dry, make sure to water it.
Similarly, it is not recommended that you repot your White Star immediately. Doing so would place an unreasonable amount of stress on it and prevent it from adapting to its new environment. Allow your plant some time to settle in before making any radical changes.
Light Conditions for Calathea White Star
Summary of Calathea Majestica White Star
| Botanical Name | Calathea majestica ‘White star’ |
| Light needs: | Bright indirect sunlight |
| Common names | White star Calathea, majestic prayer plant |
| Watering needs: | Twice a week in summer and once a week in winter |
| Fertilizer: | feed once a month in the growing season |
| Soil: | Quickly drained soil |
| Humidity: | 50-60% |
| Temperature: | 60 to 80ºF (18 to 30ºC) |
| Where to buy: | Etsy, Walmart, Amazon |
| Toxicity | Nontoxic |
Watering requirement of Calathea White Star
When it comes to keeping your Calathea White star healthy and happy, watering is an important part of the equation. Calatheas don’t like dry air and will start to shrivel instantly when the soil is too dry for too long. Knowing how and when to water your Calathea is crucial to the success of the plant, and requires some observation and learning on the part of the plant owner.
Amount of water
When it comes to watering, you should first ensure that the top layer of soil is damp but not wet. Once that top layer starts to dry, it’s time to water. However, it’s important to note that the amount of water and how often you need to water your plants will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size of the plant, the soil mix, the air humidity in your home, and the time of year. The labels that might suggest one weekly water might work well for your plant, but it is essential to pay attention to the environment and observe your plant closely to understand its needs.
Ovoid overwatering
It is also key to note that, despite the overall love for moisture in the plant, the roots of the Calathea White star can quickly succumb to root rot if the soil is not well-draining and you are overwatering the plant. It is best to water the plant thoroughly, ensuring any excess water is well drained, or else it may sit at the bottom of the pot and cause the roots to rot. Reducing the amount of water given during the winter season can also be beneficial.
Humidity requirement for Calathea White Star
Calathea white star care requires high levels of humidity, and can thus be a great addition to bathrooms and other humid spaces. If placed in a dry environment, aim for a minimum humidity level of 40%. You can also provide additional humidity by misting or grouping it with other plants.
The simple rule of thumb is that the humidity should be at least 50%, but ideally over 60% for a Calathea White Star. This is because the White Star originates from rainforests, where humidity levels are much higher than in most households.
Sign of less humidity
When the humidity is below the recommended level, the White Star will start to show signs of distress such as dropping leaves or dry, crisp tips. This is particularly common during the winter months when indoor air is much drier. To avoid any issues, you should aim to maintain the temperature of your plant between 65°F and 80°F, and keep the humidity above the necessary 50% (60% or above is ideal).
Fortunately, there are several ways to increase the humidity around a Calathea White Star. You can use a humidifier, move the pot near to a humid environment – such as the kitchen or bathroom – or make use of pebble trays for extra moisture.
Cleaning & regular maintenance of Calathea whitestar
Maintaining the beautiful Calathea Majestica is a rewarding task for any plant-lover. While the care for this species does not need to be tedious, it does require some diligent vigilance in order to keep this majestic plant lush and vibrant for many years to come.
The first step to keeping your Calathea whitestar looking its best is to regularly prune away dead or yellowing leaves. Pruning helps to control the size of the plant while increasing its beauty as foliage continues to grow. Additionally, regular pruning can also encourage growth if you would like your plant to reach a certain height.
Dusting and Cleaning Calathea Majestica
It is important to clean your Calathea Majestica to make sure its leaves are always clean and dust-free. A damp cloth and a solution of mild soap and water should be enough. However, do not use any chemical solutions, as the leaves of this species of Calathea are very sensitive. Chemicals may react negatively to any harsh treatments, leaving the leaves burned and damaged.
Inspecting your Calathea Majestica Regularly
Finally, inspecting your Calathea Majestica for any pests or diseases should also be a part of your regular maintenance routine. If any pests or diseases appear, it is best to take care of them as soon as possible. Otherwise, the infestation will spread to the other indoor plants too.
When to Fertilize the Calathea Majestica White Star
It is recommended to only begin fertilizing your Calathea Majestica White Star after one year of maturity. A general-purpose liquid fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer can be best option. Apply it every two to four weeks during the active growing season. During the winter months, fertilizing can be stopped or kept to a minimum.
Dont overfertilize the Calathea plant
When it comes to fertilizing your White Star, it pays off to be on the side of caution. As with all plants, over-fertilizing can have adverse effects and can leave salty deposits in the soil. To avoid this, you should use slow-release fertilizers, as they release their minerals slowly into the surrounding soil. Additionally, water-soluble fertilizers should always be used at a diluted concentration of half the recommended strength. You should also strive to apply the fertilizer only once every few weeks.
Avoid fertilizing in winter
In the winter months, your White Star should not be fertilized, as this can do more harm than good. There are other ways to keep your plant healthy during this season. If your White Star has become leggy, for example, you can trim away the pale stems. This will encourage new growth and help keep it looking its best.
Repotting of Calathea Majestica White Star
Repotting your Calathea Majestica White Star should take place every two to three years. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes at the bottom to ensure the soil and roots do not become waterlogged.
Repotting your White star is a delicate process but one that can have a serious impact on the health of your plant. Ensuring that the roots are not too crowded or stuffed into a pot that is too small is an essential part of houseplant care.
Pot size
The roots of your White star are unlike those of other houseplant species. Due to their nature, they don’t grow extensively and are incredibly fragile and fibrous. When choosing a pot in which to move your White star, ensure that it is not excessively large so that enough room is provided for the plant to grow. Allowing the roots to become slightly rootbound is key to the right balance of growth and health.
As your White star grows and matures, it may become necessary to repot it, gradually increasing pot size as the plant ages in order to accommodate the increased size of the root network. If roots are seen poking out of the current pot, it is most likely time to repot. When doing so, select a pot that is at least a size or two larger than the current one, and replace the old soil with a new type that is similar to what was used in the original potting mix.
Perfect Soil for Majestica White Star
For your Calathea Majestica White Star, the ideal potting soil should be light, semi-aerated, highly organic, and well-draining. Adding a thin layer of pebbles on the surface of the soil can also help it to remain moist.
Soil composition
It’s best to use a soil blend that is slightly acidic, nutrient-rich, and airy. A combination of perlite, orchid bark, and garden-grade soil provides aeration, enough nutrients for the roots, and notably better drainage than plain garden soil alone. Additionally, adding a small amount of coco peat or sphagnum moss to the mix will enable the soil to remain moist and help retain much-needed moisture. You can find a ready-made mix of this type in most gardening stores.
Unsure of where to source the right soil? Don’t hesitate to ask the professionals in your gardening stores. With the right mix and good care, your Calathea White Star will be sure to thrive.
Propagation of Calathea Majestica White Star
The Calathea Majestica White Star can be propagated from stem cuttings or rhizomes. To increase the chances of success, take stem cuttings in the early spring. Place the stem cutting in moist, well-draining soil and ensure adequate humidity and indirect light.
Propagate during repotting
Propagating your Calathea White Star is a great way to grow multiple plants with minimal effort. During repotting, you can choose to use root division to help your plant form multiple specimens. This is an especially useful technique for Calathea Majestica as its root system is easily propagated into several new specimens.
Select healthy roots and stems
When propagating your White Star, it’s important to look for healthy roots and stems from the main plant. If the roots are too entangled, a clean pair of shears can be used to divide the root system evenly. Once the separation is made, ensure the new plants have proper hydration and soil to help them establish themselves.
Propagate in the growing season
Propagate your plant in the growing season. This will help ensure the Calathea white star can produce its full and vibrant foliage with minimal stress. With the right conditions, you can expect your plant to produce multiple specimens in one season, with the right care.
Provide them with the right environment
If you’re looking to expand your Calathea collection, propagating your White Star is a great way to do so. Just make sure you take care not to induce any stress on the newly propagated plants and give them the right hydration and soil to help them in the establishing process.
Is Calathea Majestica White Star plant toxic?
The great news is that plants from the Marantaceae family are generally considered non-toxic to both humans and pets. This includes the White star. In fact, there have been no reported negative health issues associated with Calathea plants of any kind. That said, as with any pet-related advice, it’s wise to check in with your veterinarian if you’re curious about the toxicity of a particular plant.
Additionally, with non-toxic plants, it’s still best to avoid nibbling on them and to keep them away from pets, especially if they seem particularly interested in them as a snack. You should also check any new plants you bring into the home for any foreign or toxic materials, especially when first introducing them to your pet’s space.
Pests and Other Common Issues of White Star Calathea
The Calathea Majestica White Star is relatively hardy and relatively pest-resistant. Common issues that may arise include under-watering, overwatering, inadequate humidity, or direct sunlight. Monitoring the plant and troubleshooting issues, when they arise, can help keep the plant healthy.
Pests
Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids are the most common pests to plague Calatheas, though they are generally not attracted to these plants due to their high humidity requirements. Leaf scales, on the other hand, can be found on Calatheas and will feed on the plant’s nutrients, eventually leading to a limp, lifeless plant if left unchecked.
Fortunately, there are several prevention methods to help combat these pests. Flushing the plant gently with warm water can keep these bugs away, and at the first sign of attack, spraying the affected area with diluted alcohol solution can help to eliminate them.
When it comes to pests, vigilance is key. By being on the lookout and taking preventive measures, you can keep your Calatheas healthy and vibrant for months to come.
Diseases
Having a healthy houseplant is something we all strive to achieve; however, sometimes it can be a challenge. White star, or Calathea, is one of the more difficult houseplants to keep healthy due to its susceptibility to fungal diseases and root rot. Fortunately, there are preventative measures we can take to ensure our Calathea stays healthy for longer.
Apply regular insecticide or neem oil
A regular application of insecticide or neem oil can help protect Calatheas from fungal diseases such as Alternaria leaf spot and root rot. Alternaria leaf spot is bacteria that is transmitted from an infected plant, so prior to purchasing Calathea, it is important to inspect for signs of infection. The best way to prevent Alternaria leaf spot from infecting healthy foliage is to avoid stagnant drops of water due to over misting and to plants at regular intervals; an insecticide or neem oil can assist with this.
Fungal disease
Root rot is another fungal disease that can be easily prevented with an insecticide or neem oil. Root rot is frequently caused by overwatering and wet or soggy soil, so be sure you are being diligent with the amount of water and soil you are using when caring for your Calathea. The insecticide or neem oil helps create a barrier against the fungi that can cause root rot.
Best Plant humidifier for you
Calathea White Star plant love to thrive in high humidity. If the atmosphere around this plant is dry, Invest in a plant humidifier to make it happy!
| Brand | LEVOIT |
| Special Feature | Smart Control, Top Fill, Easy to Clean |
| Color | Gray |
| Capacity | 6 Liters |
| Floor Area | 505 SF |
| Brand | Pure Enrichment |
| Color | Blue and White |
| Capacity | 1.5 Liters |
| Floor Area | 250 Square Feet |
| Mode | Ultrasonic Cool Mist |
Pruning Calathea White Star
Caring for your Calathea White Star by pruning is an essential part of keeping a tidy and attractive indoor or outdoor plant. By doing so, you will create a piece of art; a well-formed, lush vine with lush foliage that can adorn a window or garden. Pruning your Calathea White Star ensures healthy growth for the plant and is necessary to get the best shape and look for it.
Use Sterilized tools
When pruning your Calathea White Star, it is important to use sharp, clean scissors and to always make cuts just above a leaf node. This will help to create nice, clean edges and ensure that you get the desired shape of your vine. During the spring and summer months, when your Calathea grows vigorously, pruning tips to create a short, bushy plant and to train it up a sphagnum moss pole, creating an ever-upward movement, is a great idea. To keep it longer, prune all of the stems that reach for the ground, creating a trailing vine that unfurls as it goes.
Cut away dead or damaged foliage
It is also a good idea to inspect your plant to check for any dead or damaged foliage and to prune these back. This ensures that no pest or fungus remains on the plant, while also helping to give it a more aesthetically pleasing shape and look. Pruning is essential to keep your Calathea in the best possible condition, however, it is important to remember that too much pruning can disrupt the growth of the plant and stunt its development.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Calathea White Star (goeppertia majestica) a prayer plant?
Calathea White Star, or Goeppertia majestic, is a popular and attractive plant that is both easy to care for and visually striking. It is often referred to as a prayer plant. However, it is a misconception.t Though its foliage closes up in the evenings. Apart from its unique visual quality, Calathea White Star Care is highly adaptable and is a perfect choice for those who are just starting to become more familiar with houseplants.
How fast does Calathea White Star grow?
When it comes to the growth rate of Calathea White Star, this plant grows moderately fast in ideal conditions.
How large will my Calathea White Star plant become?
Depending on the size of the pot, the leaves can reach a maximum width of up to 10 inches and a height of up to 4-6 feet. As the plant matures, you can expect the foliage to hold an upright, bushy appearance.
Are there any environmental or soil requirements for my Calathea White Star plant?
In terms of environment and soil requirements, Calathea White Star prefers an environment with moderate to high humidity and indirect, bright, but not direct, sun exposure. Choose a fast-draining soil that is either cultivated or mixed with well-rotted manure or compost. During the colder months, you may need to adjust your watering schedule, providing more water when the plant is actively growing, and less when it is dormant.
How often should I water my Calathea White Star plant?
In terms of the watering schedule, try to keep the soil damp by watering your Calathea White Star every 2-3 weeks. During the summer months, you may need to water more frequently, while during the winter months, you may need to dial back the frequency. Use your fingers to test the soil’s moisture level and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Are there any special care instructions related to Calathea White Star Care?
Although the Calathea White Star plant is very low-maintenance and does not require any special care instructions, it does not tolerate extreme temperatures, so make sure your plant’s location does not get too hot or too cold. Additionally, you will want to ensure that the plant’s soil stays moist, especially during the summer, by misting the leaves to maintain humidity.
What is Calathea White Star (Goeppertia Majestica)?
Calathea White Star (Goeppertia Majestica) is a variety of one of the most popular houseplants known today. It is known for its green foliage with white star-like markings and is suitable for both indoor and tropical gardens.
How big can a Calathea White Star plant grow?
As with most plants, the size of a Calathea White Star plant is dependent on the conditions it is kept in. However, in ideal conditions, this plant can reach a maximum height of up to 24 inches and a width of up to 18 inches.
What are the ideal growing conditions for Calathea White Star plant?
Calathea White Star plants prefer bright indirect sunlight and consistently warm temperatures in excess of 65°F. The soil should remain consistently moist without becoming soaked.
What is the best way to care for a Calathea White Star plant?
The best way to care for a Calathea White Star plant is by providing the ideal growing conditions stated in the previous question. Proper fertilization will also help this plant remain healthy. Fertilizing with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks is recommended.
What should I look out for with this Calathea White Star plant?
It is important to watch out for any signs of under-watering or poor drainage. When Calathea White Star roots stay in water for a long time it causes root rot. Keeping the soil evenly moist and avoiding sudden fluctuations in temperature can also help prevent leaf damage.
How Calathea white star different from Calathea Ornata and Vittata?
Indistinguishable from the Calathea Ornata (commonly referred to as ‘Pinstripe Calathea’), the White Star plant features thicker variegations and a more eye-catching appeal. It is sometimes mixed with the Calathea Vittata variety as well. Homeowners and plant enthusiasts can enjoy the full vibrancy of this species by providing it with ample sunlight and moist soil—ideal for its growth and development.
Is Calathea white star toxic?
Calathea Majestica White Star is non-toxic, making it safe for both humans and animals.
