Pinstripe Plant

Plant Identification

Common Names: Pinstripe Plant, Peacock Plant

Scientific Name: Calathea ornata

Calathea ornata is known for its stunning dark green leaves with beautiful pink or white pinstripes, giving it a painterly appearance. It's a popular choice for indoor gardening due to its decorative foliage.

Quick Care Guide

Light: This plant enjoys bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions for short periods. Avoid direct sunlight as it may scorch the leaves.

Water: Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It prefers evenly moist soil, but make sure to avoid waterlogged conditions, as the roots can be sensitive to overwatering.

Difficulty: moderate

Growth & Appearance

Size: Expect the plant to reach around 2 feet in height with proper care. It can spread to about 2 feet wide.

Leaves: The leaves are large, glossy, dark green with striking pink or white pinstripes, which fade to white as they age.

Common Issues & Solutions

Overwatering: Yellowing leaves or soft, mushy stems may indicate overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out and reduce watering frequency.

Underwatering: Crispy, brown leaf edges may suggest underwatering. Increase your watering schedule, but avoid soaking the soil.

Pests: Common pests include spider mites and mealybugs. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and use insecticidal soap as needed.

Toxicity & Safety

Pets: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Humans: Non-toxic to humans but can cause minor skin irritation if handled improperly.

Propagation

Propagation is best done through division. Carefully divide the rhizomes at the roots, ensuring each division has at least one healthy shoot and root system.

Companion Plants

Pothos: A hardy plant that thrives in similar humid conditions and adds contrast with its trailing vines., Fiddle Leaf Fig: Offers textural contrast with its large, violin-shaped leaves and similar light requirements.