Calathea ornata Plant Care
Goeppertia ornata (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Goeppertia ornata, is a species of perennial plant in the family known as the prayer plants. It is native to Colombia and Venezuela.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Calathea ornata?
Water Calathea ornata 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 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Calathea ornata?
Calathea ornata (Goeppertia ornata) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Goeppertia genus. Calathea ornata is native to Colombia and Venezuela. Calathea ornata is also known as Pinstripe Calathea, Pinstripe Plant.
Calathea ornata displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Calathea ornata produces showy bracts in various colors with small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 10 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Calathea ornata?
Goeppertia 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 Calathea ornata Need?
Calathea ornata thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Calathea ornata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Calathea ornata Prefer?
Goeppertia ornata grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Calathea ornata 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 Calathea ornata?
Rich, well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Calathea ornata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Calathea ornata?
Feed Calathea ornata every 6 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 6 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 Calathea ornata?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 Calathea ornata?
Calathea ornata can be propagated through division of rhizomes, root division, or stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to peacock plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Calathea ornata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Calathea ornata, 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 Calathea ornata?
Calathea ornata is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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 Calathea ornata Need?
Calathea ornata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Calathea ornata is native to Colombia and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Calathea ornata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Calathea ornata 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 Goeppertia genus — compare its care with other Goeppertia species on PlantoScan.
Goeppertia is part of the Marantaceae plant family — browse all Marantaceae genera and species.
Calathea ornata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Goeppertia Species
Other Goeppertia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Goeppertia ornata (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez, family Marantaceae (first published in Syst. Bot. 37: 633 (2012)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Calathea ornata, 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 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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