Calathea White Star Care: A Guide to Keeping Your Plant Healthy and Happy

Oleh Keith Langworth II June 02, 2023 Post a Comment

Calathea White Star is a beautiful houseplant that has become increasingly popular among plant enthusiasts. However, this plant can be quite challenging to care for, especially if you are new to gardening or indoor plants. In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about Calathea White Star care so that you can keep your plant healthy and thriving.

Calathea White Star is a type of prayer plant that is native to Brazil. It is known for its stunning foliage that features dark green leaves with white stripes and pinkish-purple undersides. This plant is a great addition to any home because it not only looks beautiful but also helps purify the air by removing toxins.

However, caring for Calathea White Star requires some effort and attention to detail. This plant can be quite sensitive to changes in its environment, and it requires the right amount of light, water, and humidity to thrive. Let's take a closer look at how to care for Calathea White Star.

1. Light Requirements

Calathea White Star prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so it's best to place your plant near a window that receives filtered light. If you notice that your plant's leaves are turning yellow or brown, it may be getting too much direct sunlight.

If you don't have a spot in your home that receives bright, indirect light, you can use a grow light to supplement your plant's light requirements. Place the grow light about 12 inches above the plant and keep it on for 12-16 hours per day.

2. Watering

Calathea White Star likes to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use room temperature water and make sure to water the soil, not the leaves.

If you let your plant's soil dry out completely, the leaves may to curl up or turn brown. On the other hand, if you overwater your plant, the leaves may become yellow and mushy. It's important to find a balance and water your Calathea White Star as needed.

3. Humidity

Calathea White Star thrives in high humidity environments. If the air in your home is dry, you can use a humidifier or place a tray of water near your plant to increase humidity levels.

You can also mist your plant's leaves with room temperature water once or twice a week to help maintain humidity levels. However, be careful not to get water on the leaves at night, as this can lead to fungal growth.

4. Temperature

Calathea White Star prefers temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Keep your plant away from drafts and avoid placing it near heating or cooling vents.

5. Soil

Calathea White Star likes well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to ensure good drainage.

6. Fertilizer

Calathea White Star doesn't need to be fertilized often. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer), and reduce fertilization during the fall and winter months.

7. Pruning

Calathea White Star doesn't require much pruning, but you should remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep your plant looking healthy and tidy. You can also trim back any leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.

8. Propagation

Calathea White Star can be propagated through division. Wait until your plant has produced several stems, and then carefully remove it from its pot. Gently separate the roots and stems into two or more sections, making sure each section has several leaves and roots. Plant the new sections in fresh potting soil and water thoroughly.

9. Pests

Calathea White Star is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Inspect your plant regularly for signs of infestation, such as webbing, white cotton-like substance, or small bumps on the leaves.

If you notice any pests, isolate your plant and treat it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove any pests.

10. Common Issues

Calathea White Star is a sensitive plant that can be prone to issues if not cared for properly. Here are some common issues you may encounter:

Curling leaves: This can be a sign of low humidity or underwatering.
Yellow leaves: This can be a sign of overwatering or too much direct sunlight.
Brown leaf tips: This can be a sign of low humidity, overfertilization, or overwatering.

Calathea White Star is a stunning houseplant that requires a bit of attention to thrive. By following these care tips, you can keep your plant healthy and happy. Remember to pay attention to your plant's light, water, humidity, temperature, soil, and fertilization needs, and your Calathea White Star will reward you with beautiful foliage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often should I water my Calathea White Star?

A: Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Q2: What kind of soil does Calathea White Star need?

A: Calathea White Star likes well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to ensure good drainage.

Q3: How much light does Calathea White Star need?

A: Calathea White Star prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so it's best to place your plant near a window that receives filtered light.

Q4: How do I increase humidity for my Calathea White Star?

A: You can use a humidifier or place a tray of water near your plant to increase humidity levels. You can also mist your plant's leaves with room temperature water once or twice a week to help maintain humidity levels.

Q5: What should I do if my Calathea White Star's leaves are turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering or too much direct sunlight. Make sure you're not overwatering your plant, and move it to a spot that receives less direct sunlight.

Q6: Can Calathea White Star be propagated?

A: Yes, Calathea White Star can be propagated through division. Wait until your plant has produced several stems, and then carefully remove it from its pot. Gently separate the roots and stems into two or more sections, making sure each section has several leaves and roots. Plant the new sections in fresh potting soil and water thoroughly.

Q7: How often should I fertilize my Calathea White Star?

A: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer), and reduce fertilization during the fall and winter months.