Pinstripe Calathea Plant Care

Calathea ornata (Linden) Körn.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its striking, pink-striped leaves, this beautiful plant originates from the tropical forests of South America. Plant collectors are drawn to Calathea ornata for its unique foliage that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any indoor space.

🪴Houseplants🌴Tropical Plants
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Pinstripe Calathea?

Water Pinstripe Calathea every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Pinstripe Calathea Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Pinstripe Calathea?

Pinstripe Calathea (Calathea ornata) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Calathea genus. Pinstripe Calathea is native to Colombia and Venezuela. Pinstripe Calathea is also known as Pinstripe Plant.

Pinstripe Calathea displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Pinstripe Calathea produces none.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Pinstripe Calathea?

Calathea ornata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Pinstripe Calathea Need?

Pinstripe Calathea thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Pinstripe Calathea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pinstripe Calathea Prefer?

Calathea ornata grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Pinstripe Calathea prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pinstripe Calathea?

Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Pinstripe Calathea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Pinstripe Calathea?

Feed Pinstripe Calathea every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 4 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Pinstripe Calathea?

"Calathea ornata" should be repotted every 1-2 years in the spring.. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Pinstripe Calathea?

Pinstripe Calathea can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to peacock plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Pinstripe Calathea Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Pinstripe Calathea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Pinstripe Calathea?

Pinstripe Calathea is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pinstripe Calathea Need?

Pinstripe Calathea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Pinstripe Calathea is native to Colombia and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Pinstripe Calathea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 13b

Keep exploring plants

Pinstripe Calathea is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Calathea genus — compare its care with other Calathea species on PlantoScan.

Calathea is part of the Marantaceae plant family — browse all Marantaceae genera and species.

Pinstripe Calathea thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Calathea Species

Other Calathea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Calathea ornata (Linden) Körn., family Marantaceae (first published in Gartenflora 7: 87 1858) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pinstripe Calathea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 13b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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