The Story
Common name: Calathea ‘White Star’
Latin name: Calathea majestica ‘White Star’ (often classified as Goeppertia)
Best position in the home: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade its delicate pink and white striping. Perfect for a well-lit living room, bedroom, or a humid bathroom where it can enjoy gentle, filtered light.
Water requirements: Keep the soil consistently lightly moist, but not soggy. Water when the top layer begins to dry out. Calatheas prefer rainwater or filtered water where possible, as they can be sensitive to tap water. Enjoys higher humidity, so misting or a pebble tray can help.
Home impact: With its striking white, green, and soft pink striped leaves, this plant adds a bright, elegant touch to interiors. It’s ideal for creating a calming, tropical feel. Generally considered non-toxic, making it suitable for homes with pets.
Potential height at full growth: Typically grows to around 60–90cm in height, with a similar spread.
How to look after it: Place in bright, indirect light and keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting it dry out completely or sit in water. Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertiliser. Maintain warmth and humidity, and keep away from draughts. Repot every couple of years and wipe leaves to keep them dust-free.
Beginner friendliness 2/5
Needs a Bit of Know-How! This is a slightly more demanding Calathea, needing consistent watering, higher humidity, and careful positioning to keep its leaves looking their best.
Calathea ‘White Star’ is known for its daily leaf movement, gently raising and lowering throughout the day. Brown edges can indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering, so it appreciates a bit of extra attention.
Description
Common name: Calathea ‘White Star’
Latin name: Calathea majestica ‘White Star’ (often classified as Goeppertia)
Best position in the home: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade its delicate pink and white striping. Perfect for a well-lit living room, bedroom, or a humid bathroom where it can enjoy gentle, filtered light.
Water requirements: Keep the soil consistently lightly moist, but not soggy. Water when the top layer begins to dry out. Calatheas prefer rainwater or filtered water where possible, as they can be sensitive to tap water. Enjoys higher humidity, so misting or a pebble tray can help.
Home impact: With its striking white, green, and soft pink striped leaves, this plant adds a bright, elegant touch to interiors. It’s ideal for creating a calming, tropical feel. Generally considered non-toxic, making it suitable for homes with pets.
Potential height at full growth: Typically grows to around 60–90cm in height, with a similar spread.
How to look after it: Place in bright, indirect light and keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting it dry out completely or sit in water. Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertiliser. Maintain warmth and humidity, and keep away from draughts. Repot every couple of years and wipe leaves to keep them dust-free.
Beginner friendliness 2/5
Needs a Bit of Know-How! This is a slightly more demanding Calathea, needing consistent watering, higher humidity, and careful positioning to keep its leaves looking their best.
Calathea ‘White Star’ is known for its daily leaf movement, gently raising and lowering throughout the day. Brown edges can indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering, so it appreciates a bit of extra attention.
