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Pin-Stripe Calathea
Calathea ornata
Medium · Some experienceAbout Pin-Stripe Calathea
Pinstripe Plant is a Colombian rainforest perennial with elegant elongated dark-green leaves crisply striped with thin pink or white pinstripes and deep purple undersides. Reaching 18-24 inches, its delicate ornate patterning resembles fine pinstriped fabric, making it one of the most refined Calatheas. Like its cousins, it demands humidity and consistent care—rewarding diligent growers with one of the most sophisticated foliage displays in modern houseplant culture.
- Evergreen
How to care for Pin-Stripe Calathea
Watering
- Springevery 5 days
- Summerevery 5 days
- Fallevery 7 days
- Winterevery 10 days
Soil · Moisture-retentive
- Top dressingSphagnum moss10%
- Main mixPeat + coco coir 1:180%
- DrainagePerlite / gravel10%
Keep it evenly moist — but the drainage layer still matters.
FERTILIZER
Balanced Feed 14-14-14
An even feed covers all three needs at once, keeping leaves, roots and blooms moving together with nothing pushed out of balance.
- Nitrogen · Leaves
- Phosphorus · Roots + Blooms
- Potassium · Strength
- Springevery 30 days
- Summerevery 30 days
- Fallevery 60 days
At a Glance
- NativeSouth America
- Height1–3 ft (0.3–0.9 m)
- Spread1–2 ft (0.3–0.6 m)
- Flower colorWhite, Purple
- Foliage colorGreen, Variegated, Red
- SoilLoamy, Moisture-retentive, Rich
- LocationsIndoor
Bloom time
BLOOM CYCLE
Small white-purple flowers (rare indoors)
Toxicity
Pets Safe
None reported
Not reported
EXPOSURE No exposure route is reported.
EFFECT No toxic effect is reported.
NOTE No human toxicity is reported in this catalog; avoid eating ornamental plants unless confirmed edible.
Safe
EXPOSURE No exposure route is reported.
EFFECT No toxic effect is reported.
NOTE Listed as non-toxic for dogs; avoid eating ornamental plants unless confirmed edible.
Safe
EXPOSURE No exposure route is reported.
EFFECT No toxic effect is reported.
NOTE Listed as non-toxic for cats; avoid eating ornamental plants unless confirmed edible.
Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
DISTRIBUTION
- Native
- South America
History
Calathea ornata, commonly called pinstripe Calathea or pinstripe plant, is a clumping tropical foliage perennial in the prayer-plant family (Marantaceae) native to rainforests of northwestern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela. Belgian horticulturist Jean Jules Linden formally described the species in 1848. Following the 2012 phylogenetic revision of Marantaceae by Borchsenius and colleagues, the species was transferred to Goeppertia ornata, though horticultural trade retains Calathea.
The epithet ornata means adorned or ornate. Plants form upright 60-90 cm tall clumps (occasionally to 2 meters in tropical outdoor conditions) of elliptical dark glossy green leaves 20-30 cm long, marked with a signature pattern of thin bright pink to pale cream 'pinstripes' running at right angles out from the midrib—young emerging leaves display the pinkest stripes, which fade toward cream with age.
Leaf undersides are burgundy-purple. The cultivar 'Sanderiana' is a taller, more robust selection widely grown as a tropical foliage plant. Non-toxic to pets per ASPCA.
Symbolism & meaning
What It Symbolizes
The Pin-Stripe Calathea earns the meaning of refinement through pale rose lines drawn across deep green leaves, an effect closer to fine fabric than foliage. Another layer is patience, for it rewards only the keeper who attends carefully to humidity, water and light, and sulks at any neglect. In the houseplant tradition, calathea ornata is the well-tailored companion, asking for the small, ritual courtesies that distinguish living-with from merely owning.
- Refinement — delicate pinstripe pattern evokes fine fabric
- Patience — rewards careful humidity and moisture management
Where the Name Comes From
'Ornata' from Latin meaning adorned or decorated, for the pinstriped leaf pattern.
Uses & Fun Facts
- Pink-pinstriped leaves brighten warm humid interiors
Related plants
More Calathea plants
Rattlesnake-PlantCalathea lancifolia
Peacock PlantCalathea makoyana
Goeppertia OrbifoliaCalathea orbifolia
Goeppertia RoseopictaCalathea roseopicta
Plants with similar care
Aglaonema AroidAglaonema pictum
Aglaonema rotundumAglaonema rotundum
AlocasiaAlocasia polly
Black Velvet AlocasiaAlocasia reginula
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Pin-Stripe Calathea?
In summer, water about every 5 days; in winter, about every 10 days. Adjust for heat, pot size and drainage.
How much light does Pin-Stripe Calathea need?
Indirect: Filtered light. Watch the leaves — scorching or stretching means the light needs adjusting.
Is Pin-Stripe Calathea toxic to cats or dogs?
Pets Safe (Dogs Safe · Cats Safe) Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.
Is Pin-Stripe Calathea easy to grow?
It is moderately demanding: a good choice once you have a little experience.
Can Pin-Stripe Calathea be grown indoors?
Yes, it adapts well to indoor growing given the right light.
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