Calathea - Beauty Star
Pickup available at Nysa Botanica DTLA
Usually ready in 24 hours
The Showstopping, High-Humidity Prayer Plant.
The **Calathea 'Beauty Star'** (*Calathea ornata*) is celebrated for its highly decorative leaves featuring bold, brushstroke-like patterns of white, pink, and lime-green variegation over a deep green background. As a member of the Prayer Plant family, its foliage exhibits **nyctinasty**, meaning the leaves fold upwards at night and unfurl again in the morning light. This is a gorgeous, but somewhat challenging, plant that demands **high humidity** to truly thrive.
Care & Info
- Light: **Bright, indirect light** is ideal. Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves and cause the vibrant colors to fade. Tolerates medium light, but color will be less bold.
- Water: Keep the soil **consistently moist** but never soggy. Allow only the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater, as chlorine and minerals in tap water can cause brown leaf tips.
- Humidity/Temp: **High humidity is essential** (above 50%). Mist daily, use a pebble tray, or place near a humidifier to prevent crispy brown leaf edges. Prefers warm temperatures (65°F - 80°F); keep away from cold drafts.
- Movement: Leaves "pray" by folding up at night and spreading out during the day.
Sizing and Variants
Please select your desired pot size from the options above. All sizes come in a standard clear or black nursery grow pot.
| Size (Pot Diameter) | Approx. Height (from soil) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Inch Pot | 8″ - 12″ | Shelves, Desktops, Terrariums |
| 6-Inch Pot | 12″ - 18″ | Tabletop Centerpieces, Plant Stands |
| 8-Inch Pot | 18″ - 24″ | Floor Accent, Highly Densely Leafed Specimen |
| 10-Inch Pot | 24″ - 30″+ | Mature, Bushy Floor Plant |
Important Notes
- Pet note: **Non-Toxic to cats and dogs.** The Calathea genus is considered safe for household pets, though ingestion of any plant material may still cause mild digestive upset.
- Fussy Plant Alert: This plant is prone to **crispy brown leaf edges** if the humidity is too low or if it's watered with standard tap water. Dedicated care to humidity and water quality is required.
- What you get: One healthy Calathea 'Beauty Star' plant in the pot size selected.