The Calathea Shinestar is a captivating houseplant, known for its vibrant foliage and unique patterns, making it a popular indoor choice.
Meet Your Calathea Shinestar
The Calathea Shinestar (Goeppertia ‘HGV09’) has remarkable, artfully painted oval leaves. Its glossy leaves feature variegated patterns of dark green, olive green, and creamy white splotches, often with rosy pink tones. The undersides are a contrasting pinkish-purple or burgundy. This plant grows 1 to 2 feet tall and wide. Originating from South American rainforests, it belongs to the Marantaceae family, known as “prayer plants.” This name comes from its nyctinasty, where leaves fold upwards at night, resembling hands in prayer, and unfurl in the morning. The Calathea Shinestar is also pet-friendly.
Essential Care for Calathea Shinestar
Light
Proper light conditions are necessary for a thriving Calathea Shinestar. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight, mimicking its natural habitat beneath a dense tree canopy. Direct sun exposure, particularly harsh afternoon rays, can scorch its delicate leaves. An eastern or northern-facing window, or a spot a few feet from a brighter window, provides ideal filtered light. While it can tolerate lower light levels, growth may be slower.
Watering
Consistent watering is important. The soil should remain consistently moist but never waterlogged, as soggy conditions can lead to root rot. Water when the top inch or two of the potting mix feels dry to the touch. Calatheas are sensitive to chemicals and mineral salts in tap water, which can cause leaf tips to burn and turn brown. Using filtered, distilled, or collected rainwater at room temperature can help prevent these issues.
Humidity
High humidity is important, reflecting its tropical origins. It thrives in environments with humidity ideally above 60%. Low humidity leads to crispy, brown leaf edges and tips. To increase ambient moisture, placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, using a room humidifier, or grouping it with other plants can be beneficial. While misting offers a temporary boost, it is generally not sufficient as a sole long-term solution for humidity needs.
Soil
A well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix provides the foundation for a healthy Calathea Shinestar. A mixture rich in organic matter, such as a peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or fir bark, promotes good aeration and drainage while retaining adequate moisture. Some growers find that African Violet soil mixes also work effectively due to their similar properties. Ensuring proper drainage through the pot is essential to prevent water accumulation.
Temperature
A stable temperature range is important for the Calathea Shinestar’s well-being. It prefers temperatures between 18°C and 26°C (65°F and 85°F). It is sensitive to cold, and temperatures falling below 15°C (60°F) can cause stress and damage. Protecting the plant from sudden temperature fluctuations, such as those caused by cold drafts from windows or heating and cooling vents, is also important.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring and summer), the Calathea Shinestar benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer is recommended for optimal growth. Fertilizing every two to four weeks during this period provides the necessary nutrients for vibrant foliage development. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent potential leaf burn or root damage. During the fall and winter months, when the plant’s growth naturally slows, reduce or cease fertilization entirely.
Troubleshooting Common Calathea Shinestar Issues
Brown Leaf Edges and Tips
Brown edges and tips on Calathea Shinestar leaves indicate environmental stress. This often results from insufficient humidity, as the plant needs consistently moist air. Unfiltered tap water, with its minerals and chlorine, can also burn leaf margins. Inconsistent watering, either too little or too much, and excessive fertilization are other contributing factors. To address this, increase humidity, switch to filtered water, regulate watering, and dilute fertilizer appropriately.
Curling Leaves
Curling leaves signal the plant is attempting to conserve moisture or protect itself from unfavorable conditions. This reaction frequently occurs due to underwatering, where the plant lacks sufficient moisture. Low humidity also causes leaves to curl inwards as a defense mechanism against dry air. Exposure to cold temperatures, sudden temperature shifts, or excessive direct sunlight can similarly induce leaf curling. Adjusting watering frequency, boosting humidity, and ensuring stable temperatures can help resolve this issue.
Pests
While generally resilient, Calathea Shinestar can occasionally encounter common houseplant pests. Spider mites are a prevalent concern, often thriving in dry, low-humidity environments. Mealybugs can also infest the plant, appearing as cotton-like masses on leaves and stems. Maintaining adequate humidity can act as a preventative measure against spider mites. Should an infestation occur, treatment with horticultural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage these pests.
Drooping Leaves
Drooping leaves on a Calathea Shinestar indicate the plant is under stress. Both underwatering and overwatering can lead to drooping; insufficient water causes wilting, while too much water can lead to root rot, hindering water uptake. Temperature shock, such as sudden drops or exposure to cold drafts, can also cause the leaves to lose their rigidity. Inadequate light exposure or the presence of pests can contribute to a droopy appearance. Diagnosing the cause by checking soil moisture, temperature, and for pests allows for targeted corrective action.
Repotting and Propagation
Repotting the Calathea Shinestar supports its continued growth. It prefers to be somewhat root-bound, so frequent repotting is not always necessary. Signs to repot include roots emerging from drainage holes, soil drying faster, or the plant becoming top-heavy. When repotting, select a pot that is only 1 to 1.5 inches wider in diameter than the current one, and use fresh, well-draining potting mix. Repotting can typically be done every one to two years.
Propagation of the Calathea Shinestar is most effectively achieved through division during repotting. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring each new section has a portion of the root system and some foliage. This division technique allows for the creation of new plants. Once separated, each division can be planted into its own pot with fresh soil, providing an opportunity for new growth.