Goeppertia ornata

Pinstripe Calathea, Pinstripe Plant, Calathea ornata

Moderate careTerrestrialNon-toxic60–90 cm

A tropical perennial with glossy dark green leaves lined with delicate pink-to-white pinstripes radiating from the midrib, and deep purple undersides. Native to the wet forests of Colombia and Venezuela, it does best in the warm, humid conditions of a closed terrarium. Growth is slow — it often drops older leaves to push new ones — making it a low-maintenance focal plant once settled in.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Pinstripe Calathea image

Photo by Dinkum·CC0

Care

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 18–29 °C, and reaches 90 cm at maturity.

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerant

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Very high (80%+)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
18°C – 29°C

Soil

Peat moss(preferred)Well draining

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 7

Propagation

Divide the rhizome during repotting in spring. Use a clean knife to make a vertical cut, making sure each division has several leaves and healthy roots.

Native range

Native to Northern South America.

Appearance

Growth habit

ClumpingUpright

Leaf shape

Oval

Leaf texture

GlossySmooth

Frequently asked

Can Pinstripe Calathea grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Pinstripe Calathea prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Pinstripe Calathea need drainage?

Pinstripe Calathea prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Pinstripe Calathea need?

Pinstripe Calathea does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Pinstripe Calathea pet-safe?

Pinstripe Calathea is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Pinstripe Calathea grow?

Pinstripe Calathea typically reaches 60–90 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Pinstripe Calathea?

Pinstripe Calathea can be propagated by division.

References

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