Pinstripe Calathea
Goeppertia ornata
Dark glossy leaves with fine pink or white stripes and burgundy undersides. Leaves fold up at night and open by day, so you get a bit of daily movement along with the pattern. Give it humidity and steady moisture and it thrives.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
High
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Friendly
This plant is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, making it an excellent choice for pet owners.
Care Notes
Light
Give your Pinstripe Calathea bright, indirect light so the stripes stay clear. Direct sun bleaches and burns the leaves. A few feet back from an east or south window usually works well.
Water
Keep the mix evenly moist. Water when the top inch feels dry. Many growers prefer distilled or filtered water because mineral-heavy tap water can brown the edges.
Soil
Use a peat-based or coco-coir mix with perlite so it holds moisture but still drains. Choose a planter with drainage holes and empty the saucer after watering so roots never sit in a puddle.
Humidity & Temperature
Humidity above 60% keeps edges soft instead of crispy. A humidifier or pebble tray helps in dry rooms. Aim for 65–85°F and keep the pot away from cold drafts and hot vents.
Common Issues
Crispy tips usually mean low humidity or hard tap water. Pale or faded stripes often point to too much direct sun. Yellow leaves and mushy soil often mean overwatering or poor drainage.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength
Soil
A well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite or coco coir for moisture retention.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
2 to 3 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Root ball division during the repotting process in spring.
Common Varieties
Sanderiana
Broad, glossy deep-green leaves with rose pinstripes and burgundy undersides.
Roseolineata
Large oval dark-green leaves with fine pink pinstripes and deep purple undersides.