Calathea Beauty Star: The Complete Plant Care Guide for a Stunning Houseplant

What Is Calathea Beauty Star? (User Intent Fulfilled Immediately)
Calathea Beauty Star is a striking tropical houseplant known for its long, deep green leaves with light green and silvery stripes, resembling brushstrokes. If you’re looking for a low-light indoor plant that adds instant elegance to your space, Calathea Beauty Star is an ideal choice. It belongs to the Marantaceae family, commonly known as the prayer plant family, and is a cultivar of Calathea ornata.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about this plant—how to care for Calathea Beauty Star, where to place it, how to fix common problems, and how to propagate it to grow your own collection.
Table of Contents
Why Is Calathea Beauty Star So Popular Among Houseplant Enthusiasts?
Calathea Beauty Star is adored because of its:
- Unique leaf patterns that brighten up any room.
- Pet-safe foliage, making it perfect for homes with cats and dogs.
- Air-purifying qualities.
- Low to moderate light requirements (great for apartments and offices).
Its visually stunning appearance and manageable care needs make it one of the most sought-after Calatheas.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Calathea Beauty Star
Let’s break down exactly what this plant needs to thrive indoors:
1. Light Requirements
- Indirect light is best.
- Avoid direct sunlight—it can cause leaf burn.
- Ideal for medium to low-light rooms with filtered light.
Pro Tip: If the light is too low, leaf patterns may fade over time.
2. Temperature
- Keep it in warm temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
- Avoid cold drafts, air conditioners, or sudden temperature changes.
3. Humidity Needs
- Calathea Beauty Star thrives in high humidity (above 50%).
- Use a humidifier or place a water tray with pebbles nearby.
- Mist the leaves occasionally to mimic a tropical environment.
Watering Schedule for Calathea Beauty Star
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater to avoid brown leaf edges (caused by fluoride/chlorine in tap water).
Warning: Overwatering or letting it dry out completely can lead to drooping or crispy leaves.
Soil and Potting Mix Recommendations
- Use a well-draining potting mix with moisture retention.
- A good blend includes:
- Peat or coco coir
- Perlite
- Orchid bark
- Peat or coco coir
This allows the soil to stay moist but not waterlogged—a key requirement for the healthy growth of Calathea Beauty Star.
Fertilizing Calathea Beauty Star
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause salt build-up in the soil and damage roots.
In fall and winter, stop feeding as the plant enters dormancy.
Repotting Tips for Calathea Beauty Star
Repot every 1 to 2 years or when:
- Roots start circling the pot.
- The plant appears too crowded.
- Water drains too quickly or unevenly.
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one and refresh the potting mix.
How to Propagate Calathea Beauty Star
The best propagation method for Calathea Beauty Star is division, not cuttings.
Steps:
- Remove the plant from its pot.
- Gently separate the root clumps (rhizomes) with at least 2–3 leaves each.
- Replant in separate containers with fresh potting mix.
- Keep in a humid, warm environment until new growth appears.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
1. Brown Leaf Edges
- Cause: Low humidity or tap water.
- Fix: Increase humidity and switch to filtered/distilled water.
2. Yellow Leaves
- Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
- Fix: Let the top inch of soil dry before watering; check for root rot.
3. Curling Leaves
- Cause: Underwatering or low humidity.
- Fix: Water more consistently and mist the plant.
4. Faded Patterns
- Cause: Too little light.
- Fix: Move to a brighter spot with indirect sunlight.
Is Calathea Beauty Star Pet-Friendly?
Yes! Calathea Beauty Star is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it an excellent choice for pet owners.
However, while it’s not poisonous, avoid letting pets chew on it regularly as it can still cause minor stomach upset.
Where to Buy Calathea Beauty Star
You can find this plant in:
- Local plant nurseries
- Online plant shops like Etsy, The Sill, Bloomscape, or Amazon
- Specialty tropical plant stores
Price typically ranges from $20 to $60 depending on the plant size and seller.
Calathea Beauty Star vs. Calathea Ornata
Feature | Calathea Beauty Star | Calathea Ornata |
Leaf Color | Green with silvery stripes | Dark green with pink lines |
Leaf Size | Slightly larger | Slightly smaller |
Growth Habit | Bushier, wider spread | Upright and compact |
Light Preference | Medium to low | Medium to bright indirect |
While both are beautiful, Calathea Beauty Star has a more vibrant and unique foliage pattern.
Calathea Beauty Star Maintenance Checklist
✅ Indirect light
✅ High humidity
✅ Filtered water
✅ Monthly fertilizer in growing season
✅ Repot every 1–2 years
✅ Propagate by division
Conclusion
Absolutely. Whether you’re an experienced plant parent or a beginner, Calathea Beauty Star is a visually rewarding and low-light tolerant indoor plant that adds elegance and style to your home. Just provide it with the right humidity, filtered water, and indirect light—and it’ll reward you with lush, striped foliage year-round.
FAQs About Calathea Beauty Star
Is Calathea Beauty Star easy to care for?
It’s moderately easy, especially with proper humidity and water.
Can I use tap water for Calathea Beauty Star?
Tap water can harm it. Use filtered or distilled water.
Why are my Calathea Beauty Star’s leaves curling?
Usually due to underwatering or low humidity.
How big does Calathea Beauty Star grow?
It can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide indoors.
Can I keep Calathea Beauty Star in the bathroom?
Yes! Bathrooms often provide the humidity this plant loves.