© Dinkum / CC0Pinstripe Calathea
Calathea ornata is prized for its striking pinstripe pattern of thin pale pink or white lines across deep green leaves. The undersides are purplish when young, and at night the leaves rise and fold inward. It comes from the rainforest floor of Colombia and Venezuela and likes high humidity. According to a specialist in the arrowroot family, however, most plants sold as 'pinstripe calathea' are actually other species such as G. sanderiana, and true ornata is said to have disappeared from cultivation by the mid-1990s. The genuine species can be recognized by fine hairs on the upper leaf surface. Care is the same either way, and it suits growers with a bit of houseplant experience.
View Pinstripe Calathea encyclopedia →0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 plants are commission-free!
Grower Wanted!
List your plants on GrowerDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
6 Transparency Commitments from GrowerDirect
Every Grower selling Foliage Plants provides complete transparency: variety, origin, light requirements, and care difficulty.
- Variety Information
- Real Photos
- True Colors
- Origin Information
- Light Requirements
- Care Difficulty
Browse all 139 varieties
Light Requirements
Care Difficulty
Verified growers wanted for Foliage Plants
Growers are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified growers (preview)
Are you growing foliage plants?
Register as a grower and connect with buyers directly.
Apply as a growerPinstripe Calathea key facts
- Growing Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Size
- 30-90 cm tall
- Temperature
- 18〜24℃
- Watering
- Balanced liquid feed about monthly in the growing season
- Light & Placement
- Bright indirect light or part shade. Direct sun causes scorch and curling.
- Watering
- Do not let the mix dry out, but avoid waterlogging. Drought curls the leaves; overwatering causes root rot.
- Temperature & Overwintering
- Keep at about 18-24°C with around 60% humidity. Cold drafts brown the leaves, so move it away from windows in winter.
- Soil & Repotting
- Use a free-draining peat-based mix or African violet mix.
- Fertiliser
- Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season.
- Propagation
- Division of the rhizome is the most reliable method.
- Pests & Cautions
- Prone to spider mites, thrips and mealybugs. Wipe dust off with a damp cloth. Calatheas are listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats.
About Pinstripe Calathea
Calathea ornata is known for its pinstripe-patterned leaves in pink, white, and deep green. This humidity-loving perennial from Colombia and Venezuela folds its leaves at night and suits intermediate growers.
7 things to know before growing Pinstripe Calathea
1Bright, Indirect Light
Direct sun can scorch the leaves and dull that pinstripe pattern, so place it in bright, indirect light such as behind a sheer curtain. Too little light will fade the leaf color, so aim for a spot with steady, gentle brightness.
2Watering and Misting
Water thoroughly once the surface soil feels dry, and avoid letting it dry out completely. Since it favors high humidity, regular misting of the leaves helps too. At the same time, constantly soggy soil from overwatering puts stress on the roots.
3Well-Draining, Moisture-Retentive Soil
A mix that drains well but still holds some moisture suits this plant best. Blending general houseplant potting soil with leaf mold or peat moss helps keep the roots from sitting in excess water.
4Repotting Timing
Repot into a slightly larger pot roughly every one to two years. Roots emerging from the drainage holes or slower water drainage are signs it has become root-bound. Repotting during the warmer growing season puts less stress on the plant.
5Seasonal Temperature and Humidity Care
It is sensitive to cold, so in winter keep it away from chilly windowsills and direct airflow from heating or air conditioning. During dry spells, a humidifier or extra misting helps prevent the leaf tips from browning.
6Choosing a Healthy Plant
Look for a plant with firm, taut leaves and a crisp, well-defined pinstripe pattern. Avoid ones with dried leaf tips or many yellowing leaves, and check that the base feels sturdy rather than loose in the soil.
7Leaves Closing at Night Is Normal
Calathea ornata raises and folds its leaves at night, then opens them again in the morning. This is a natural trait rather than a sign of a problem, so there is no need to worry if you notice this movement for the first time.
Frequently asked questions about Pinstripe Calathea
- Q.Can it be grown in direct sunlight?
- A.Strong direct sun tends to scorch the leaves, so it is not ideal for this plant. Bright, indirect light such as behind a sheer curtain is a better fit.
- Q.Does the plant closing its leaves at night mean it's sick?
- A.No, this is a natural characteristic of Calathea ornata. The leaves rise and fold at night, then reopen in the morning.
- Q.Why do the leaf tips turn brown and dry?
- A.Dry air and insufficient watering are common causes. Misting to raise humidity and watering promptly once the soil surface dries can help improve the condition.
- Q.What should I watch for over winter?
- A.Since it is sensitive to cold, keep it away from chilly windows and direct heating or air conditioning drafts. The air tends to dry out in winter, so a humidifier or misting helps maintain humidity.
- Q.How often does it need repotting?
- A.As a general guide, repot into a slightly larger pot every one to two years. If you notice signs of being root-bound, such as roots emerging from the drainage holes, you can repot sooner.
Handy Growing Tools for Pinstripe Calathea
Learn more about Pinstripe Calathea in the encyclopedia
View Pinstripe Calathea encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, size, origin and light needs — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.