Care of the indoor plant Calathea ornata or Pin-stripe calathea |
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The genus Calathea, family Marantaceae, comprises 100 species of herbaceous plants native to the tropical forests of America, Africa and Australia. Some species are: Calathea ornata, Calathea makoyana, Calathea lutea, Calathea crocata, Calathea zebrina, Calathea insignis, Calathea roseopicta. Common name: Pin-stripe calathea. This species is native to South America. They are tropical plants with very ornamental leaves that reach 60 cm (1.96 feet) in height. The large leaves are dark green with parallel lateral veins, pinkish-white on the upper surface and purple on the underside. It does not usually flower indoors; the flowers have no ornamental interest. They are used as indoor plants and in groups under shade trees (tropical and subtropical climates). Calathea ornata needs a shade exposure and annual average temperatures of 15-23 ºC (59-73 ºF). It does not resist the cold below 12 ºC (53.6 ºF). The ideal soil is a mixture of 3 parts of peat, 1 of coarse sand and 1 of leaf mulch. Transplant in late spring to a slightly larger pot. Water abundantly with lime-free water in spring and summer; reduce watering in autumn and in winter water when the substrate surface dries up. If the temperature is higher than 23 ºC (73 ºF), spray the leaves every day with lime-free water. Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer in spring and summer. They do not need pruning. They can be attacked by mealybugs and mites if the humidity is low. They propagate by division of rhizome in late spring. |
Images of the indoor plant Calathea ornata or Pin-stripe calathea |
 Calathea ornata  Calathea ornata  Calathea ornata |