How to Grow and Care for Calathea Sanderiana

The Calathea sanderiana, commonly known as the Pinstripe Calathea, is a houseplant originating from the tropical rainforests of South America. Its large, dark green leaves are adorned with striking thin pinstripes that can be a vibrant pink or a crisp white. This patterning gives the plant a unique, hand-painted appearance.

Belonging to the prayer-plant family, Calathea sanderiana exhibits a behavior known as nyctinasty. Its leaves move with the daily light cycle, rising upwards in the evening and lowering again with the morning sun, adding a dynamic quality to the plant.

Calathea Sanderiana Care Guide

Light Requirements

Proper lighting is fundamental for the health and appearance of the Pinstripe Calathea. This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal location is near a north or east-facing window where it can receive gentle morning light.

Direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided, as the sun’s strong rays will scorch the delicate leaves, leaving brown spots and causing the vibrant pinstripes to fade. If you notice the pink lines losing their color, it is a clear indication that the plant is receiving too much light and should be moved to a more shaded spot.

Water and Humidity Needs

Watering is a sensitive aspect of Calathea sanderiana care. The soil should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged, as oversaturation can lead to root rot. A reliable method is to water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. It is important to use distilled, filtered, or rainwater, as this plant is sensitive to the minerals and chemicals in tap water, which can cause browning on the leaf edges.

Originating from a rainforest, this plant demands high humidity to flourish. To create a suitable microclimate, you can use a humidifier, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or group it with other plants. Daily misting can also help replicate the humid conditions of its native habitat.

Soil and Fertilizer

The right soil composition provides the foundation for a healthy plant. A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is ideal as it retains moisture without becoming overly saturated.

During the active growing season from spring through summer, the Pinstripe Calathea benefits from regular feeding. Use a balanced, nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every four to six weeks. Feeding should be suspended during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows.

Ideal Temperature

Maintaining a stable and warm environment is important for the Calathea sanderiana. It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 26°C), which mimics its native tropical home.

Sudden temperature shifts and exposure to cold drafts can cause stress to the plant, leading to leaf damage. It is best to place it away from drafty windows, doors, and air conditioning or heating vents.

Common Calathea Sanderiana Problems

Owners may encounter a few common issues with the Pinstripe Calathea, most of which are preventable.

• Crispy, brown leaf edges: This problem is almost always a direct result of low humidity or the use of tap water containing minerals the plant cannot tolerate. Ensuring high humidity and switching to filtered water can prevent this from worsening.
• Yellowing leaves: This is often a tell-tale sign of overwatering. When the soil is kept too wet for too long, it deprives the roots of oxygen and can lead to root rot. Adjust your watering schedule, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Leaf curl: Curling leaves typically signal that the plant is thirsty and underwatered. It can also be a reaction to severely low humidity, as the plant tries to conserve moisture by reducing leaf surface area.
• Pests: Spider mites are a particularly common nuisance. These pests thrive in the dry conditions that Calatheas dislike, so they often appear when humidity is too low. Identify them by fine webbing on the undersides of leaves.

Propagating Calathea Sanderiana

The most effective method for propagating a Calathea sanderiana is through division. This process is best undertaken during spring or summer when you are repotting the plant to minimize stress.

To begin, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off excess soil to expose the root ball. You will notice the plant grows in clumps from rhizomes. Identify natural separations in the root system where a clump has its own roots and several healthy leaves.

Using your hands or a clean knife, carefully separate these clumps into two or more sections. Ensure each new division has a substantial root system and at least a few leaves. Pot each new division into its own container with fresh soil, water it thoroughly, and keep it in a warm, humid environment.

Repotting and Pruning

Repotting should be performed every one to two years, or whenever the plant becomes root-bound. A clear sign is when roots begin to grow out of the drainage holes. When choosing a new container, select one that is only slightly larger in diameter than the current one. The process involves gently easing the plant into the new pot with a fresh, well-draining potting mix. This is also the ideal time to divide the plant if you wish to propagate it. After repotting, water the plant well to help it settle.

Pruning a Calathea sanderiana is for aesthetic and health reasons. It is natural for some leaves to yellow or brown and die off. To maintain the plant’s appearance and direct its energy toward new growth, these spent leaves should be removed. Using clean scissors, cut the stem of the yellowed or browned leaf as close to the base of the plant as possible. This grooming keeps the plant looking its best.