Growing Healthy Calathea Loeseneri: 24 Houseplant Care Tips
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Start here to learn tricks to growing Calathea Loeseneri. Also called Brazilian Star Calathea, this tropical plant is known for its showy flowers. This perennial appreciates humidity and is easy to care for.
Calathea Loeseneri is quite popular among plant collectors because of its distinctive appearance and feel. It’s a tropical houseplant and is easy to care for.
This post will share tips and tricks for keeping your Calathea Loeseneri healthy and happy. Are you looking to bring one home? Read on to learn where you can purchase this plant!
What Is Calathea Loeseneri?
The Calathea Loeseneri (Goeppertia Loeseneri) is widely known for its showy flowers and makes an excellent container plant. It has oval-shaped green leaves with white and light green midribs.
It is also called Brazilian Star Calathea, Star Calathea, and Capathea, from the Marantaceae family.
This Goeppertia would survive outdoors in hardiness zones 10-12.
Calathea Loeseneri Origin And Family
The Brazilian Star Calathea is part of the genus Goeppertia in the family Marantaceae. It is native to Peru, Northern Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador’s forests. It has become popular with many indoor growers as a tropical houseplant that requires low maintenance.
Finn Borchsenius and Stella Suárez first described this plant in 2012. Occasionally throughout the year, it produces large, pinkish-to-white blooms.
Where To Buy
If you want to buy a Calathea Loeseneri, you can check with your local florist or nursery. However, there are usually better deals and broader selections at online sites like Etsy.
This is a rarely offered plant, so grab one as soon as it becomes available. Pricing starts at $15.
Calathea Loeseneri Plant Size
On average, the Calathea Loeseneri grows up to 3-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet in indoor spaces. It usually grows at a moderate pace, especially near an east or west-facing window.
Calathea Loeseneri Care Needs
If you give your Calathea Loeseneri the right care, it will flourish nicely. It prefers relatively dry soil and bright indirect light for growth.
Generally, Goeppertia should be watered when the upper two inches of soil are dry. Drench the soil thoroughly until you see water dripping from the pot’s base. It will thrive when given plenty of this requirement because it is a plant that loves humidity.
We’re helping you take better care of your Calathea Loeseneri Calathea Loeseneri with the extensive list of tips below.
Calathea Loeseneri Care Difficulty
The Star Calathea is relatively simple to maintain in terms of care requirements. The amount of light this plant receives and the well-draining soil are the main factors to consider when growing it.
Calathea Loeseneri Growth Rate
The Capathea plant measures 3-4 feet in height when grown indoors. The warmth of spring and summer jumpstarts this plant’s growth spurt.
Goeppertia species grow at a moderate speed, including the Loeseneri.
Calathea Loeseneri Potting
For this plant, it is generally advised to use a large-sized pot made of plastic, terracotta, or clay. The most crucial factor is making sure your pot has at least one drainage hole. Brazilian Star Calathea dislikes sitting in water; otherwise, it may fall victim to root rot.
Calathea Loeseneri Repotting
Calathea Loeseneri typically needs to be repotted once every two years or once you start seeing its roots pushing out of the drainage hole. When this happens, carefully take the plant out from its pot and do not disrupt the main root ball. You can then transfer the plant into a bigger pot. The roots will adapt quicker when planted on the same substrate it is used to.
Calathea Loeseneri Soil
Regular commercial potting soil is the best option for the Star Calathea. To make your soil mix, use peat moss, perlite, orchid bark, and charcoal. Adjust the ratio accordingly so that the final mixture is well-aerated. Remember that this plant prefers a growing medium that stays relatively dry; having well-drained soils can help it thrive.
The soil type should always support good drainage to avoid rot and other diseases. We suggest choosing potting mixes such as the following:
Calathea Loeseneri pH
A soil pH of roughly 6.5-7.5, which is neutral to acidic, is ideal for Brazilian Calathea. For newbies concerned about the soil’s acidity, you can obtain a simple pH meter device to evaluate it.
To lower pH levels, use sulfur or aluminum sulfate. On the other hand, use baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime, or wood ash to increase pH levels.
The Brazilian Star Calathea (#Calathea loeseneri) has large, green leaves & showy pink flowers. It covers the ground of South American rainforests. At night, its leaves fold up to retain heat & avoid predation; this is considered a #nyctinastic movement. #lincolnparkconservatory pic.twitter.com/ZiEbgkB07e
— Lincoln Park (@LPConservancy) September 26, 2022
Calathea Loeseneri Water
When watering Brazilian Star Calathea, you’ll want to keep your soil relatively dry. To gauge moisture, stick a finger into the pot, or invest in a soil moisture meter device. You’ll know it’s time to water your Goeppertia when the soil’s upper two inches are dry.
Overwatering is one of the most common killers of indoor plants. When in doubt, remember that it’s safer to underwater than overwater the Brazilian Star Calathea. Also, ensure you have a pot with drainage holes and fast-draining soil.
Additionally, this particular plant is quite sensitive to the type of water used to drench it. Hard and fluoridated water may cause the plant’s leaves to turn brown from leaf burn. The best means to water is by using distilled water or rainwater or allowing tap water to sit out overnight before using it.
Calathea Loeseneri Light
Calathea Loeseneri prefers bright indirect light daily. Remember, you’re attempting to replicate how it grows in Peru, Northern Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador forests. Occasionally, keeping this plant near a window facing east or west works fine.
When its leaves may get burned, you’ll know your Calathea Loeseneri is getting too much light. Conversely, if its stems get leggy, the plant needs more light. Avoid putting your Calathea Loeseneri in direct sunlight since doing so could seriously harm or possibly kill it.
Calathea Loeseneri Fertilizer
Like people, plants require more food when actively growing as they expend a lot of energy. For the Star Calathea, this growth spurt usually happens in spring and summer. During this time, you can apply a water-soluble fertilizer once a month.
In the winter days, fertilizing is not as necessary because plants’ roots usually go dormant when it’s cold. This means they won’t require additional food for growth.
Propagating Calathea Loeseneri
If the stem of your Calathea Loeseneri has gotten too tall, you can cut it back and save the cuttings for more plants! We’ve provided step-by-step instructions for a variety of propagation techniques below.
Division
A Capathea can also be propagated by cutting apart the stem clusters with the intertwined root systems.
1. Dig up. Using your small shovel, tap on the sides of the pot to loosen the soil. Gently tug at the plant until it comes out.
2. Separate. You should be able to see the natural boundary of each stem. Separate them using your hands. You may need to cut the roots but be careful not to disrupt the main root balls.
3. Repot. Each piece should be repotted in smaller pots with the same soil they are used to.
Calathea loeseneri looks like a bright white star in the #PoWCKew. #lovekew pic.twitter.com/Fi43ohLFQM
— Kew Gardens (@kewgardens) February 6, 2017
Humidity And Aeration for Calathea Loeseneri
Calathea Loeseneri is an alluring plant that loves high humidity. Keep the humidity level between 60%-70% at all times.
Use a simple hygrometer to check the air moisture level in your Calathea Loeseneri’s area. If the reading is too low, you can improve the humidity through the following methods:
• Plants release moisture from their leaves through the process of transpiration, so they’ll benefit from each other if you keep houseplants closely together.
• Place a pebble tray with water underneath your plant’s pot. The evaporating water provides some nourishment to the plant.
• Purchase a humidifier for your plants. This will constantly release steam and raise the humidity in a room.
Calathea Loeseneri Temperature
Your Capathea will flourish in a warm area, so maintain a temperature between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Like most Goeppertia plants, this tropical houseplant will appreciate consistent temperatures throughout the year. Avoid using hot or cold water when watering your plant. Keep it away from heat or cold sources such as furnaces, vents, and open windows during the winter.
Flowers
Albeit rarely, the Brazilian Star Calathea can produce showy pinkish-white flowers. The star-shaped flower sits on top of a long stalk that towers over the foliage.
Non-Toxic
Star Calathea is not considered toxic to humans, dogs, or cats! This means it’s a great option to place in your home whether you have fur babies or not!
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Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems for Calathea Loeseneri
Is your Calathea Loeseneri looking ill? Most would say this is a plant with strong resistance to pests, diseases, and widespread problems.
In the following sections, I’ve provided the common issues that affect this alluring plant. Use these tips to help diagnose and treat your Goeppertia.
Spider Mites
Unfortunately, spider mites are a widespread problem, particularly for plant collectors with a Capathea. If you find silky webbing in between branches, brown or yellow patches on its leaves, and leaves that are taking a while to unfurl, this means that you have spider mites.
To control a spider mite infestation, move your infected plant to the sink, bathtub, or outside. Use a powerful spray to thoroughly clean all the leaves. Insecticidal soap, neem oil, and horticultural oil can all be applied repeatedly to help get rid of spider mites.
A non-chemical approach to control your spider mite population is to release ladybugs, lacewings, and minute pirate bugs.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid climates. It initially grows on the top surface of the leaves, but it will quickly spread on the undersides of your Capathea. The leaves will turn yellow and dry out.
Dilute 1 teaspoon of neem oil and dish soap in 4 cups of water. Add ¾ teaspoon of baking soda for good measure. Spray this solution on your plant’s leaves to eliminate powdery mildew.
Scale Insects
On your Calathea Loeseneri’s stems or leaves, scale insects may appear as lumps. Once they’ve attached themselves to a plant, these tiny, green, gray, brown, or black bugs normally don’t move around much.
Use a teaspoon of neem oil mixed in four cups of water to deter scale insects from attacking your plant if the infestation isn’t too severe. Spray the plant vigorously with a spray bottle.
Even though neem oil and horticultural oils may not completely eradicate pests, they will surely suffer some damage. Numerous insecticide sprays against scales are considered safe to use indoors.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs may infest your Capathea. These little parasites damage your Goeppertia by inserting a feeding tube into the plant tissues and sucking on the sap. They can eventually weaken or even kill your plant.
Soak a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol to remove them, then use its tip to remove each mealybug manually. You can also spray neem oil on the leaves to suffocate these bugs.
Brown Leaf Tips
Browning edges on the leaves of your Brazilian Star Calathea can be stimulated by many factors. Lack of humidity, excessive exposure to harsh light, salt and mineral buildup from chemically treated tap water, and fertilizer burn are some potential reasons.
I love her: Calathea loeseneri pic.twitter.com/AfRZgDK5QZ
— Christian Olaciregui “Nukwi” (@colaciregui) July 9, 2016
Drooping Leaves
Drooping leaves on the Calathea Loeseneri can be caused by inconsistent watering, incorrect lighting, and lack of humidity. It might also help to clean your plant’s leaves with plain water and a microfiber cloth to remove the layer of dust that can interfere with photosynthesis.
Yellow Leaves
A multitude of factors can cause yellowing leaves on Star Calathea. For one, a lack of light can deprive your plant of nutrients and turn its leaves yellow. Otherwise, there can be a problem with underwatering, overwatering, or an irregular watering routine.
Yellowing leaves should be removed so that the plant can concentrate its energy on developing new, green leaves.
Root Rot
Root rot is a prevalent cause of death for Capathea. Indoor gardeners can be a little excessive with their watering or need to provide proper drainage for their plants. Prevention is the best course of action, given the difficulty of treating root rot.
Give your roots some breathing room by providing a well-aerated soil mix. Chunky and gritty materials such as river sand, horticultural coal, orchid bark, perlite, pumice, lava rocks, coco cubes, aqua soil, and many others will significantly improve the drainage of your plant.
Climate is also an essential consideration before deciding to water your plant. If your plant is in a location without abundant access to sunlight and good airflow, moisture will take longer to evaporate. Always check if the soil is dry about halfway down the pot before giving your plant a thorough drink.
Similar Plants to Calathea Loeseneri
Love Brazilian Star Calathea? Here are some other similar plants with showy flowers you should try:
Calathea Triostar – This Calathea is a must-have if you want a wonderful tropical indoor garden. It has pink pastel stripes in between its thick, deep green foliage. Although taking care of it might be difficult, it is rewarding to watch the plant grow.
Calathea Dottie – Another stunning and distinctively colored plant, Dottie’s hot pink variegation and deep green-burgundy foliage contrast an all-green landscape. It’s a beautiful accent plant that will be noticeable anywhere you put it.
Want more Calathea plants? Read on.
Need more reasons why you should grow a Calathea? Find out here.
Conclusion
With its attractive characteristics, Calathea Loeseneri is a terrific choice if you’re looking for a new houseplant. Beautiful exotic flora will develop from your efforts to care for this plant, which you will appreciate having in your house.
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