Goeppertia ornata (akaCalathea ornata)
While some prayer flora are recognise for their almost outlandishly pattern leave , the pinstripe plant has a quieter peach that ’s subdued and elegant .
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This calathea makes an fantabulous foliage houseplant that will intermix with many dissimilar fashion of interior decoration .
‘Beauty Star.’ Photo by Kristina Hicks-Hamblin.
It ’s also easy to take care of once you have a upright understanding of its pauperization – and that ’s precisely what we ’re going to cover in this article !
Here ’s what we ’ll go over :
What You’ll Learn
For the use of this article we ’re going to be verbalize about the houseplant known in scientific circle asGoeppertia ornata , formerly known asCalathea ornata .
There are other prayer plants that are sometimes call “ pinstripe industrial plant ” as well , and we ’ll talk over those too . Shortly , I ’ll explain how to differentiate these different specie .
But before we get started , if you ’re look for generalcare guidance for all sorts of petition plants , be sure to show our complete scout .
What Is Pinstripe Plant?
G. ornatais an evergreen plant , herbaceous perennial that has smooth , oblong , and slightly asymmetrical leaves with unruffled gross profit margin . The leaves are dark green and patterned with delicate , wispy chevron ranging from cream to pink .
One of the cultivar of this species , ‘ Beauty Star , ’ has the extra feature of a pale green background between the midvein and the margins of the leaves , which makes its stripes stand out more prominently . The undersurface of each leaf is deep purple .
G. ornatagrows to be two to three feet magniloquent by two to three feet wide and has a natural spring - like increase riding habit , with stems supporting just one leaf each . It grows from rootstock , form raw clumps as it mature .
Spikes of small lily-white or pink flowers may appear in summer , though this is rarefied with houseplants .
The pinstripe plant is a type of prayer plant and it exhibits the same “ pray ” movements with its leaves as its relative , elevate them at night , and lour them again after sunrise .
The common names “ pinstripe works ” or “ pinstripe calathea ” are also sometimes used for otherGoeppertiaspecies , such asG. elliptica , which bears blank stripe on its leave . compare to this species , G. ornatahas much more delicately patterned leaf .
The subject of our clause is also sometimes confused withG. majestica‘White Star , ’ which has more obtusely undress leaves , making its leave mostly white and pink rather than being mostly green .
Finally , it ’s sometimes also confused withG. sanderiana , whose leaves are broader than those ofG. ornata .
You may be begin to get the approximation that our pinstripe calathea has endured a morsel of an identity crisis – and if that ’s what you were thinking , you ’re quite proper !
In fact , according to botanist Dr. Helen Kennedy , this identity crisis encompasses more than just a broadly applied common name .
According to Kennedy , this identity crisis is due to the fact that the juvenile human body of several calathea metal money look very much like each other , and when labeling plant , many horticulturalists based their supposition about these plants ’ identicalness on their juvenile manikin and not their ripe ones .
In fact , Kennedy says that because of this horticultural mixup , the specimens unremarkably sold asG. ornatathese days may not beG. ornataat all , but rather may be another species entirely , a certainG. regalis .
By the style , if you are a calathea buffer , you may recognize Kennedy ’s name – the ‘ Helen Kennedy ’ calathea was named in her honour .
Whatever the true identity of the houseplants sold asG. ornata , since these other species usually referred to as “ pinstripe calatheas ” have very similar motivation as the master discipline of our article , our approach to care remains the same .
You ’ll learn a little more about these other species and cultivar and get tips on where to find specimens of your own later in this clause .
Cultivation and History
A native of southeast Colombia and southwestern Venezuela , in the wildG. ornatagrows as an understory species in tropical forests .
This member of the Marantaceae family is closely related to other well - have a go at it supplication works such as internet calathea , peacock calathea , andred - vein maranta .
you may learn more about these mintage and others in our roundup of21 of the most stunning species of appeal plantsto get at home .
This species is denote to asCalathea ornatamore often than it is by its official botanic nameG. ornata .
The majority of thecalatheas were reclassified in 2012 , and popular acculturation has n’t quite caught up with science yet , so you ’ll most likely retrieve this houseplant referred to as a calathea – and that ’s how I will name to it in this clause as well !
This species is also sometimes calledMaranta ornata , Phyllodes ornata , Phrynium ornatum , andMaranta coriifolium , all of which are previous taxonomic classifications .
The genusGoeppertiawas named to honor Heinrich Goeppert , a German botanist , and the specific epithetornatameans “ adorned . ”
This calathea is quite tender and can only be grown outdoors year - round inUSDA Hardiness Zones12 and up .
Propagation
Calathea seeds are hard to come by and tricky to propagate , so your best option for propagate pinstripe calathea is via division .
It ’s best to bear out this job in the spring when your specimen is putting on newfangled growth .
To determine whether you’re able to divide your specimen , first scrutinise the stems where they go forth from the potting soil .
Do you see various different ball ? If so , that have in mind you have rhizomes that can be divided .
For best results with propagation , make indisputable each thud has at least three leaves .
To split your houseplant , get your potting supplies ready , then remove the plant from its pot and gently solve the different clumps apart from each other .
How to Grow Calathea Ornata Plants
It ’s not rottenly difficult to keep pinstripe calatheas happy , as long as you allow for them with what they ’ll ask to meet their basic prerequisite .
Here ’s what you involve to know :
Choosing a Plant
If you want to avoid the frustration of pests , disease , and fail flowered companions , be sure to start with a hefty specimen .
head off specimens that have brown or yellow leaves and wait for signs of pests . You ’ll learn more about scrutinize this calathea for pests and diseases later in this article , so keep reading !
Light
Pinstripe calathea will flourish ripe in medium , indirect light .
It can also adapt to broken , indirect light but be careful of verbatim sun which will do this plant a great stack of stress .
A little unmediated sun in the forenoon is well tolerated , but avert hot midday or afternoon sunshine picture .
Temperature
As a mintage originating in the tropics , pinstripe calathea will be happiest at temperature pasture between 65 and 85 ° F .
When positioning your houseplant in your place , essay to annul emplacement that are prone to temperature fluctuations , such as those near moth-eaten , drafty windows or central heating vents drift hot , ironic airwave .
Soil
Members of the Marantaceae kin require a productive , peaty originate sensitive to stay hydrous . However , they also require excellent drainage .
G. ornatatolerates soils that are slimly acidic to slightly alkaline , with a pH straddle from 6.1 to 7.8 .
And since prayer plants are prostrate to brown backsheesh , it ’s honest to avoid growing mediums that include perlite , since the fluoride content in this coarse ingredient can cause tip burning .
My preferredpeat - freepotting mix for these plants is really a combo – I like to mix one part coconut coir to help keep back moisture with one part De La Tank ’s Houseplant Soil Mix , which provides good drainage as well as ingredients that will promote healthy ontogeny , such as compost , biochar , and humic acid .
De La Tank ’s Soil Mix
You ’ll find De La Tank ’s Soil Mix in one- , eight- , or 16 - quart bagsfrom Tank ’s Green Stuff via Arbico Organics .
If you do n’t already have a supplying of coconut coir ( also known as cocopeat ) on deal for gardening use , you could purchase it in a compressed occlusion , which throw it more space effective .
10 - lb Prococo Compressed Coconut Coir Block
you may find a 10 - hammering pulley block of compress coconut coir for purchase from Prococo , alsoavailable via Arbico Organics .
Water
G. ornataprefers moist ground , so do n’t have it dry out out much between waterings . I wish to irrigate my prayer plants when the surface of the soil has just barely start out to dry out .
For me , this have in mind I water these plants once a calendar week , more or less , but slightlylessfrequently during the wintertime , and slightlymorefrequently during the summertime .
However , the conditions in your place may be different than mine , so adjust this schedule according to your own conditions .
transfer your calathea from its cosmetic pot or repeal it from the dish aerial and place it in a bowl , sump , or bathtub when lacrimation .
Use ahouseplant lacrimation canto evenly hydrate the surface of the soil , watering until melted footrace out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot .
waitress until the pee has fetch up draining before returning it to its decorative pot or placing it back on top of the drain saucer .
You might also want to essay thebottom watering method acting for this plant .
Humidity
Prayer plants require high than median humidity , and pinstripe calathea is no unlike .
Aim for humidness that is between 40 and 60 percent . If you live in a climate with humid summers , you should be all set and wo n’t need to supply any more moisture to your strain .
However , during wintertime , and for those of us in more arid mood , a few extra measures can help .
I grow humidity - loving houseplant such as pinstripe calathea in my arid climate by keeping them group with sidekick , and placed interrariums .
The houseplant crony help to kick upstairs the ambient humidness , and the terrarium helps to throw the wet in . ( It also helps to protect my plants from my curious cats . )
Another method acting of raising comparative humidity is to place your houseplants on humidity trays , such as this black plant stand and humidity tray from the Humidi - Grow Store , available for leverage via Amazon .
13.5 ” x 10.5 “ Plant Stand and Humidity Tray
Finally , another option that can help is using a humidifier near your pinstripe calathea .
Growing Tips
Pruning and Maintenance
As long as you conform to the care tip mentioned above , your houseplant wo n’t postulate much sustenance . However , here are a few other lead that might be helpful for keeping your calathea in great shape :
Pruning
You ’ll only need to prune your pinstripe calathea if you want to mold it up a bit or if it make the occasional brownish leaf tip .
Like other orison plants , G. ornatais quite sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations and it ’s not uncommon to detect browned leaf tips , even on well - deal for specimens .
If you notice brown tips , feel free to dress them off with a brace of sterilized scissors grip . you may pass over the scissors hold down with fray alcohol or hydrogen hydrogen peroxide to unsex them .
If you get quite neglectful and miss a lacrimation or two , you might notice more than just a dark-brown leafage – instead , you might find entire leaves that have move crispy .
To keep your specimen looking good , you may crop back the dead leafage as close as potential to the filth surface .
There are many campaign forbrown leaves on orison plant – learn how to troubleshoot this effect in our templet .
Fertilizing
entreaty flora prefer a gentle fertilizing regimen , so I wish to use insect compost Camellia sinensis to aliment them .
If you do n’t haveworm compostbins of your own ( yet ! ) , you could fertilize your houseplant using worm compost afternoon tea sachet .
To practice this method acting , you inebriate these “ tea ” bags in room temperature water and feed your plants while lacrimation .
Teadrops All Purpose Houseplant Fertilizer
you may purchase organic worm compost tea sachetsfrom Earthworm Technologies via Amazon .
Cleaning Leaves
When it ’s prison term to water your houseplant , this is a good opportunity to give its leave a quick cleanup .
Rather than using any chemically formulated products for this , I commend doing the job with a moist report towel .
pass over each leaf down , top and bottom , and verify the leaves remain comparatively dry .
Repotting
As a fairly dumb agriculturalist , pinstripe calathea will only need to be repot every two or three old age .
Your houseplant will send you sign that it ’s time to repot .
If it dries out so rapidly that you have to irrigate two or three times a week , you’re able to take that as a sign .
Additionally , if beginning are emerge from the surface of your industrial plant ’s soil or the drain holes in its jackpot , it ’ll need repotting .
Also keep in mind that the good clock time to repot is in the spring when the works is actively develop .
When you choose a new flowerpot , ensure it ’s just one size larger that your houseplant ’s current one – and make indisputable it has drainage holes in the bottom .
When you ’re quick , grab the novel container and your growing medium , and remove the calathea from its current pot .
Next , loosen its verboten roots by scratch your hand along the edge of the root globe . This will help to comfort the changeover to its new potting sensitive .
Put a little grunge in the bottom of the novel pot , center your plant , and adjust it so the top of the dirt is about half an inch from the rim of the peck .
Fill the heap in with potting medium , being careful not to pass over your calathea ’s crown with ground , and then water your newly pot works .
Species and Cultivars to Select
Here is some extra info on the calatheas commonly consult to as “ pinstripe plant ” as well as tips on where you’re able to purchase your own .
Beauty Star
‘ Beauty Star ’ is a cultivated variety ofG. ornata . Its dark green leaves have flushes of sick jet between the midrib and leaf allowance , take shape a light green background behind frail creamy pinkish grade insignia .
The stripes appear in a wispy , feathery form and the undersides of the leaves are deep purple .
This cultivar tends to develop only up to eighteen inches tall and spacious , and its flowers are pinkish .
hold out ‘ Beauty Star ’ Plant in 6 ” Pot
you’re able to purchase a springy ‘ Beauty Star ’ specimen in a six - column inch potfrom the American Plant Exchange via Amazon .
Elliptica
G. elliptica(also know asCalathea vittata)is a distinguishable species that has medium - green leaves with white stripes and pale fleeceable leaf undersides .
Its streak are less wispy than those ofG. ornata , cover more surface area of the leaf .
This calathea is sometimes called “ peacock industrial plant ” ( a common name usually reserved forG. makoyana ) but is just as often call “ pinstripe industrial plant . ” ( You ’re in all likelihood starting to empathise why scientific name are utilitarian ! )
Hardy in USDA zone 10b to 12 , this mintage grows to be eight to 12 inches marvelous with a six- to eight - inch spread .
LiveG. EllipticaPlant in 4 ” Pot
You ’ll find a live starter specimen ofG. ellipticain a four - inch potfrom the Hirt ’s Gardens Store via Amazon .
Ornata
G. ornatais the original pinstripe calathea and the main principal of this article .
… Or is it actuallyG. regalis , as researcher Dr. Helen Kennedy suggested ?
We may never know . Let ’s just call it pinstripe industrial plant and enjoy it !
Live Pinstripe Plant in 6 ” Pot
you could purchase a pinstripe plant in a six - inch potfrom Fast Growing Trees .
White Star
If you find a specimen ofG. majesticafor cut-rate sale , it will mostly likely be the ‘ White Star ’ cultivar .
This cultivated variety has dull isthmus of pink to white-hot stripes on its leaves .
LiveG. Majestica‘White Star ’ Plant in 4 ” Pot
UnlikeG. ornata , which is somewhat more insensate brave , this species can only be outdoors yr - round in USDA Hardiness Zone 13 .
you’re able to purchase a live ‘ White Star ’ in a six - inch potfrom Wekiva Foliage via Amazon .
Managing Pests and Disease
G. ornataand its appeal works relatives run to be spared problem with pests and disease , so it ’s not very likely you will have to administer with these issues .
However , it ’s always good to lie with what to see for , particularly when adding a new specimen to your household .
Insects
Insects and other pests might set up camp on your houseplant while summer outdoors , or they might hitchhike in on a new acquired specimen .
Here are some of the most vernacular pests to target these houseplants :
If I had to pick a favorite houseplant cuss , it would be the mealybug . It ’s unusual to pick front-runner , I know ( why ca n’t I love them all every bit ? ) , but these little white louse are rather fascinating .
From a length , they look like tiny bits of bloodless fluff – but up close they look like the case of ancient underwater creatures that you might detect explore deep ocean floors .
captivating or not , these little bugs are not friendly , at least not to our houseplant . They can be found hunkered down on stems and the undersides of leaves , fertilise aside on your plant , leaving it undernourished and sapless .
And if that was n’t trouble enough , as they feed , they leave behind muggy honeydew , which can allow fungal pathogens to boom .
Though mealybugsaremy deary , I do n’t let them hang around on my houseplants , and I recommend you take the same strategy . you could watch a mealybug infestation in our stark guide to dealing with this cuss .
While mealybugs disguise themselves as fluff , weighing machine worm seem to disguise themselves as bumps . They can be surd to discover on houseplants , intermix in easy with theme and feeding on leave of absence out of sight , on their undersides .
Like mealybugs , when scale of measurement insects infest our houseplant , they are using them as food , fellate nutrients and weakening the plant .
There are many different case of scale . To learn more about identifying them and controlling infestation , readour arrant guide to fighting scale worm pests .
Spider Mites
While spider touch are n’t insects , they are vulgar houseplant pests that every plant parent should be aware of .
Relatives of mites and ticks , these tiny arachnoid can cause stippled leaves on houseplants , and , if the plague is bad enough , they will also drape leaf in webbing .
To learn more about these pests , be sure to read our article ondetecting and controlling wanderer mite infestations .
Disease
Disease is not often an issue with calatheas , but it ’s salutary to have it off what to be on the picket for . Here are some of the disease you are most potential to encounter in these houseplant :
Do you see strange yellow traffic pattern on your calathea that look somewhat like a photomosaic ? If so , cucumber mosaic computer virus may be the movement .
This viral disease can infect your calathea , causing cosmetic legal injury that wo n’t really harm the specimen beyond blemish its good flavour .
Prevention is significant since there ’s no discourse for cucumber mosaic virus , so be certain to wash your helping hand and sanitize all cock before handling your calathea .
Although this disease wo n’t threaten the living of your houseplant , dispose of septic specimens is the only way to ensure the disease does n’t spread out to other houseplants .
Have you noticed chocolate-brown or tan lesions with xanthous halos on your calathea ? If so , Helminthosporium leaf smear may be to blame .
This disease is triggered by various fungal organisms and make lesions on foliage which maturate big over clip .
Prevention is the undecomposed approach , so avoid placing your houseplant in damp , coolheaded conditions , which will allow these kingdom Fungi to expand .
If it ’s too late and you discover an existing infection , you’re able to fight this disease with neem petroleum , a raw and nontoxic fungicide .
TheraNeem Neem Oil
I recommend TheraNeem brand neem crude , useable for purchase from Organix South via Amazon .
Neem oil is usually stretch before apply , so be certain to follow the manufacturer ’s program line when using this product .
Does your houseplant have white-livered leaves and look thirsty and sad despite having moist soil ? If so , root rot may be the problem .
This disease , often triggered by soilborne kingdom Fungi , can affect houseplants when their potting soil stay too wet for too long .
To foreclose root rotting , check that the flora ’s muckle is not overly large , has fair to middling drain holes , and that the soil is well - draining . And when watering , be sure to hydrate your plant so the soil is damp but not soggy , and never leave it to sit in suffer body of water .
If your pinstripe plant is suffering from root rot , check that to identify the cause of the trouble so you’re able to remedy it .
Next , take the plant life out of its pot and check its etymon – healthy root should be unfaltering and white or cream - colored . Rotten roots will be dark and mushy .
Using a sterilized pair of garden pruner , trim off any roots that look unhealthful , and if need , repot into fresh , well - draining filth and a smaller pot .
While root rot is one cause of yellow leave inG. ornata , there are other causes too . record our article ontroubleshooting yellow leave of absence on prayer plants to larn more .
Best Uses for Pinstripe Plants
Pinstripe calathea makes a beautifully chasten foliage plant that can complement otherhouseplants with brilliant foliagesuch asarrowhead vine , Chinese evergreen , or nerve plant life when used in a group .
It can also be used for interiorscaping , creating indoor landscapes in public space such as office buildings .
Calatheas are nontoxic , making them excellent plants for home plate with children and pet .
In addition to providing asafe houseplant option , G. ornatamay also help to meliorate air quality , such as through the reduction of formaldehyde , a common indoor air pollutant . Note that these discipline typically reference a small , control space , not an total elbow room or house .
While most often used as a houseplant , this member of the Marantaceae family can spring up outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 12 and higher .
Quick Reference Growing Guide
A Delicate and Ornate Beauty
Now that you roll in the hay all about the pinstripe flora ’s needs , you should be ready to keep your houseplant healthy and happy .
If you ’re ready to learn about some other fabulousprayer works , you may keep take right here :
pic by Kristina Hicks - Hamblin © Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Product photos via the American Plant Exchange , Earthworm Technologies , firm Growing Trees , Hirt ’s Gardens Store , Humidi - Grow , Organix South , Prococo , Tank ’s Green Stuff , and Wekiva Foliage . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock .
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Kristina Hicks - Hamblin
