23 Remarkable Calathea White Star Care Tips Every Gardener Needs

Let's grow together!

Calathea White Star is a tropical plant with unique features that make an excellent addition to any plant lover’s collection. Its contrasting white and green foliage with violet undersides and subtle pink blush is definitely a style statement.

This guide will go through the dos and don’ts and everything else you need to know about keeping your Calathea White Star happy.

What Is Calathea White Star?

The Calathea White Star is also known as Calathea Majestic, White Star Calathea, and Majestic Prayer Plant.

This perennial member of the Marantaceae family is well-known for its elegant foliage, and it has oval-shaped and white and green-colored leaves.

Like most plants from this family, White Star Calathea is also referred to as a prayer plant. Calathea plants, like its Maranta cousins, which is another genus in the Marantaceae family, have a habit of folding up and down in response to temperature and light as if they are praying. Hence, the “Prayer Plants” moniker. They are also known to be a bit more sensitive and dramatic than other tropical plants.

White Star Calathea is a cultivar of the Ornata species and is often mistaken for its relatives Pinstripe Calathea and even the Vittata variety. It does have more stripes that almost fill the whole leaf, making it easier to differentiate.

There’s more to this plant than its elegance and beauty, however. Historically, its durable, waxy leaves were used to create baskets that transport fish and rice – a method still used in parts of South America today.

Origin And Family

The Calathea Majestic comes from the Calathea genus, which belongs to the Marantaceae family. This plant is native to the Brazilian jungles. It has become a popular houseplant that is typically moderate to difficult to care for in recent years.

Discovered in 1822 by Georg Meyer, this tropical plant makes a great addition to any indoor grower’s collection.

Where To Buy

For gardeners who want a Calathea White Star packed securely and delivered straight to their home, Etsy offers various options and deals on houseplants.

Calathea White Star was recently renamed Goeppertia Majestica for taxonomy reasons. However, you may still see most online stores and local gardens call it by its Calathea name.

Purchasing a Calathea White Star is usually very affordable, with prices that range between $20 for small plants and $40 for larger or more mature plants.

Calathea White Star Plant Size

The Calathea White Star, as a houseplant, reaches a height of 4-5 feet and a width of 1-2 feet. It typically grows moderate. For best plant development, place it near an east or west-facing window.

Calathea White Star Care Needs

Your Calathea White Star, with its elegant foliage, will flourish if you take good care of it. This plant loves humidity and evenly moist soil throughout the year.

When the top inch of your Calathea is dry to the touch, water it. Make sure to thoroughly saturate it, allowing water to drip down the sides of the pot. Bright indirect light is optimal for this plant in terms of illumination.

Check out the more detailed growing advice we’ve included below to keep your Calathea White Star healthy and happy.

Care Difficulty

With its light, water, and humidity needs, the White Star Calathea is typically considered moderate to difficult to care for. To properly cultivate this plant, you must utilize well-draining soil and allow enough light.

Loving my new Calathea White Star! #HouseplantHour #Calathea 🪴 pic.twitter.com/KZgVGM7pWm

— Tyler (@XtinaAguilera89) February 1, 2022

Growth Rate

The Majestic Prayer Plant plant grows 4-5 feet in height when grown to its maturity indoors. Its growing season is in the spring and summer.

Most Calathea species, including the White Star, have a moderate growth rate.

Potting

You can go for a medium-sized pot made of plastic, terracotta, or clay for potting requirements. An essential requirement is that the vessel contains at least one drainage hole. Leaving your Calathea Majestic in wet soil for extended periods could kill your plant.

Repotting

Moving your Calathea White Star to a larger container gives its roots more room to grow. When you observe roots pushing through the drainage holes, it’s usually time to repot. Calatheas are incredibly fragile plants that dislike being touched or disturbed; therefore, remove the plant with caution.

This tropical plant should be repotted every year. When filling the new container, it is recommended to replace old nutrient-deficient soil with a fresh batch of regular commercial potting soil.

Soil

White Star Calathea prefers ordinary commercial potting soil. The optimum soil components include perlite, peat moss, and orchid bark. Aeration and drainage are essential for this plant, which requires moderate to demanding maintenance.

Here are some excellent growing medium options to choose from:

pH

Your soil should have an acidic pH, ideally between 6.0 and 6.5, for the Majestic Prayer Plant. A regular commercial potting soil has a pH level close to that range, so you shouldn’t be too concerned.

If you need to elevate the pH of your soil, you can use calcitic lime or dolomitic lime, wood ash, or baking soda. If you are concerned that the pH is too high, you can reduce it using sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

To determine the pH of the soil, use a standard soil moisture meter that also functions as a pH tester.

Water

This rare plant is a humidity-loving plant that needs evenly moist soil throughout the year.

Soak the soil in water until it pours out the bottom hole of the plastic, terracotta, or clay container. If you use a collection tray, remove any excess water to avoid root rot and other infections.

In the winter, you won’t have to water as much. Continue to deeply moisturize your plants, but do it less regularly.

While most house plants can be watered using tap water, Calatheas prefer distilled or filtered water. They react differently to chemicals like fluoride and calcium – compounds found in tap water. If you choose to use tap water, let it sit overnight for up to 24 hours to allow the chemicals to evaporate. However, while fluoride is typically not found in significant amounts in tap water, it does not evaporate so easily. If you are concerned about fluoride levels in your tap water, distilled might be your best bet. Rainwater is another good option.

Light

Calathea White Star prefers bright indirect light for approximately 6-8 hours daily. Keep in mind that you’re attempting to replicate how it grows in the rainforests of Brazil. Most of the time, placing this plant near an east or west-facing window is sufficient.

When its leaves show signs of scorching, you’ll know your Calathea White Star is getting too much sunlight. Conversely, if its leaves start to turn yellow and wilt, the plant needs more light.

Avoid putting your Calathea White Star in direct sunlight, which could severely damage or even kill it. The Majestic Calathea can also tolerate medium light conditions or partial shade, so any low light location can be a good spot in your home.

Fertilizer

The growing season for White Star Calathea is throughout the spring and summer. Fertilize your plant once a month throughout this period using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

In the colder seasons, when this plant’s development naturally slows, you don’t need to fertilize.

Propagating Calathea White Star

With the appropriate propagation strategy, you can replicate your Calathea White Star. Below are several options to consider and thorough instructions to assist you.

Division

The division method is a method of propagation commonly employed for plants with pups sprouting from the roots.

Follow these instructions to separate the stem clusters of your Majestic Prayer Plant:

1. Dig. Remove the plant from its container. You should be able to see the natural divisions of the plant.

2. Separate. Gently separate the parts using your fingertips. To cut any entangled roots, you may need to use shears.

3. Repot. Plant each part in fresh pots with the same soil they’ve been using.

Humidity And Aeration

High humidity levels ( 60% or higher) are best for your Calathea White Star.

Lack of humidity in houseplants is often characterized by crispy leaves and browning edges. Consider purchasing a humidifier or locating your plant in well-lit areas that are naturally humid (such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms). A pebble tray filled with water can also be used to enhance humidity.

Temperature

Temperature ranges between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit is best for your Majestic Prayer Plant.

Sudden temperature swings can be fatal for your Majestic Prayer Plant. During the winter, close windows and seal any openings where cold drafts may enter. Keep it away from freezing temperatures to avoid freezing damage. Don’t place your plant near appliances that emit heat.

Non-Toxic

The White Star Calathea is not poisonous to humans or animals. According to the ASPCA, it will not harm dogs or cats if swallowed, and there are no toxic ingredients in the plant. Even though this Calathea variety is a pet-friendly plant, it is a good idea to keep it out of their reach, so they are not disturbed.

How pretty is these leaves 😍calathea majestica white star #catsandplants #Jungle pic.twitter.com/5sZJfAOdKb

— Anita Bjørneseth (@Aniseth1111) February 17, 2022

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Overall, I would say that the Calathea White Star is not a disease and pest-resistant plant. Here are some quick fixes for joint pain and some essential tips for keeping this plant healthy.

Spider Mites

Unfortunately, spider mites are widespread, and Majestic Prayer Plant is particularly vulnerable. Spider mite damage appears on the plant’s leaves as tiny brown or yellow patches. You might also see fine silk webbing when the infestation is severe.

Start by spraying down your Majestic Prayer Plant with water from a sink nozzle or a pressure sprayer. This essentially removes the spider mites from the plant. If the first method does not work, an organic pyrethrin spray will come in handy.

If you prefer a more natural option, releasing ladybugs in your indoor growing space will help reduce spider mite populations. The “Spider Mite Destroyer” beetle may be challenging to obtain, but the name speaks for itself!

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnat larvae consume plants’ roots, not the fungus gnats. These pests love moisture, and your Calathea Majestic is particularly vulnerable because it favors evenly moist soil.

Fungus gnats are well named for their proclivity to invite fungal infections in your plant and drain nutrients from the roots. Yellow sticky traps can be set up to detect the emergence of these bugs and catch them as they fly.

A cider-vinegar trap can also be used to attract gnats. Fill a cup halfway with water and apple cider vinegar. To function as an emulsifier, add a few drops of liquid soap. Place the trap near the afflicted plant and watch the nasties drown!

White Flies

Whiteflies are gnat-like pests that feed on the sap of your houseplants. Having them on your Calathea Majestic can be a significant inconvenience. They deposit eggs which will hatch into larvae that eat the undersides of your plant’s leaves.

You can get rid of Whiteflies using a general pesticide. You may either buy it online or make one using the recipe below:

• To create your base, mix these ingredients together: 5 drops of dish soap (Check that it does not contain any bleach!) + 1 cup of vegetable or olive oil

• For every cup of water, add 1.5 teaspoons of the prepared mixture

• Shake the solution well and then transfer it to a spray bottle.

• Spray all surfaces of the infected plant, especially on the underside of leaves.

Scale Insects

Scale insects may appear as lumps on your Calathea White Star’s stems or foliage. Once they’ve latched onto a plant, these tiny beetles, which might be green, gray, brown, or black in color, typically remain sedentary.

If the infestation isn’t too severe, diluting a teaspoon of neem oil in four glasses of water will deter scale insects from attacking your plant. Using a spray bottle, liberally mist the plant.

Although neem oil and horticulture oils will not kill the bugs, they will harm them. There are numerous insecticide sprays against scales regarded as safe to use indoors.

Aphids

Aphids typically appear as a swarm of bugs on your White Star Calathea, and they could be green, black, red, brown, yellow, orange, or white in color. They reproduce exceedingly quickly and can devastate your plant in days!

Aphids are especially drawn to new shoots, flower buds, and new growth areas. They will leave behind ugly black and white splotches as they feed on the sap.

If you see these disgusting crawlers, segregate your poisonous plant from the others right away. Spray your plant with water to expel the aphids, but remember to cover the soil with plastic to collect any falling bugs and eggs. Dispose of the plastic at a location that is not in your garden.

A spray of insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil can take care of the problem, but you may need to repeat this several times until you’re sure that the aphid population has been completely eradicated.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Majestic Prayer Plant. Act quickly if you see these tiny parasites with their white fluff. On contact, a cotton swab coated in rubbing alcohol will kill mealies, rendering them brown or orange in color. As a prophylactic step, a spray of diluted Neem oil works nicely.

Brown Leaf Tips

Browning margins on your Calathea Majestic’s leaves are commonly caused by salt and mineral deposits in the soil. This usually occurs when you apply too much fertilizer or utilize chemically treated tap water.

Lack of moisture is another cause of browning leaf tips. Water your plant as needed, and increase the humidity in your home.

Drooping Leaves

Your Calathea White Star’s leaves may drop if it does not receive the right amount of hydration and light. Check out our Water and Light pages above to learn about the best ways to care for your plant.

Low humidity can also cause drooping leaves, so make sure to check the humidity levels in your location and make sure they meet your plant’s demands.

Yellow Leaves

If you notice yellowing leaves on your White Star Calathea, you may need to explore various variables to determine what’s causing it. Is it possible you’re watering your plant too little or too much? Is enough light reaching it? What about fertilizer? Is the weather changing suddenly?

In fact, yellow bottom leaves can simply indicate that your plant is growing and the leaf’s energy has been spent. Simply pull off the fading leaves in this scenario so that the plant may focus on generating new green leaves.

Root Rot

Majestic Prayer Plant death is frequently caused by root rot, and indoor gardeners may overwater their plants or fail to provide sufficient drainage for their plants. Given the complexity of treating root rot, prevention is the best course of action.

Allow your roots to breathe by using a well-aerated soil mix. Sand, coal, bark, perlite, pumice, stones, soil, and other coarse and gritty materials will significantly improve your plant’s drainage.

Before selecting whether or not to water your plant, consider the weather. Moisture will evaporate more slowly if your plant is in a region with insufficient sunlight and airflow. Before giving your plant a thorough drink, always check if the soil is dry approximately halfway down the pot.

Calathea White Star 🤩#calatheawhitestar #calathea #plantedinterieur #planteverte #plantehttps://t.co/8yj0P3H8D3 pic.twitter.com/po32XcNFaA

— mijakely (@mijakely) February 25, 2022

Similar Plants

Love Calathea Majestic? Here are some other similar indoor plant options you should try:

Calathea Ornata: This plant is often called the “Pinstripe Plant” and “Peacock Plant” due to its shiny and colorful stripes across its leaves. The Ornata is an evergreen perennial that brings a tropical vibe to your home.

Calathea Makoyana: As one of the most stunning indoor plants from the Calathea genus, this plant is a show-stopper. With its tall, slender stem with intricately designed leaves, it will capture everyone’s attention, including non-plant lovers.

Calathea Beauty Star – This exotic plant sports stunning dark green leaves, silvery stripes, and even a deep purple underside. Need we say more?

Calathea Orbifolia: Its massive leaves with stunning white/silver-green bands make this evergreen perennial a must-have. It’s great for filling up spaces and enlivening any rooms. Calatheas are not beginner-friendly plants, but all your TLC will be worth it.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a staple plant with some wow factor, the Calathea White Star is excellent. Simply follow the advice we’ve provided above, and you’ll be well on your way to realizing your plant’s full growing potential.

Can’t get enough of Calathea plant guides? Check out these great Two Peas In A Condo possibilities!

Assist us in growing! This page contains advertising links, which means that if you click on one of the links and buy something we recommend, we will be reimbursed. Our opinions, however, are our own, and we do not accept payment for positive reviews.

Let's grow together!