Pinstripe Calathea
Dark green leaves drawn with fine pink pinstripes, purple underneath, on an upright plant to two feet. Mid-range calathea difficulty: it needs humidity and soft water, but forgives more than orbifolia.
The pinstripe calathea looks hand-drawn. Each glossy dark green leaf carries pairs of thin pink lines running from the midrib to the edge, fading to white on older leaves, and the undersides are a deep plum. It grows upright in a clump to about two feet.
It sits in the middle of the calathea difficulty scale. It wants the usual: humidity, soft water, no drafts, no direct sun. But it does not collapse at the first missed watering the way orbifolia can, and it recovers from a bad week.
Light
Medium, indirect light. A north or east window, or a few feet back from a west one. Bright light fades the pink stripes to white faster; direct sun scorches. It holds its pattern well in fairly low light.
Water
Keep it evenly moist. Water when the top inch is dry, every five days or so in summer and every eight in winter, with filtered or rain water. Let it drain and never leave it standing in water. Tap water minerals brown the leaf edges.
Soil and potting
An airy, moisture-holding mix of coco coir, potting soil and perlite, in a pot with drainage. Repot every eighteen months in spring, one size up. Divide the clump when it fills the pot.
Feeding
Quarter-strength balanced feed every four weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation
Division in spring. Separate the rhizome into sections with roots and a few leaves each and pot up. Keep warm and humid until new growth shows.
In a hot, dry home
Manageable with help. Fifty-five percent humidity means a pebble tray and a group of plants at minimum, or a humidifier in summer. Keep it out of the AC's path, use filtered water, and check the soil every couple of days in the hot months. It is a fair bit easier than orbifolia in a dry house.
Pinstripe Calathea varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Beauty Star
Narrower leaves with silver-green feathering between the pink stripes. A little tougher than plain ornata.
- Sanderiana
Broader, rounder leaves with wider pink stripes that fade to white as they age.
Problems and fixes
Brown leaf edges
Likely cause: Dry air or hard water
Fix: Raise humidity; switch to filtered water.
Stripes fading to white
Likely cause: Normal ageing, or too much light
Fix: Older leaves fade naturally; if young ones fade, move it to less light.
Leaves curling
Likely cause: Thirsty or too warm
Fix: Water; move away from heat and drafts.
Yellow leaves
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let the top inch dry between waterings.
Pinstripe Calathea questions
Is pinstripe calathea pet safe?
Yes. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Why did the pink stripes turn white?
They fade as each leaf ages. New leaves come in pink. If new leaves are white too, the light is too bright.
How hard is it compared to other calatheas?
Middle of the pack. Easier than orbifolia and white fusion, harder than rattlesnake.
