The Calathea ornata is visually stunning. Its distinctive leaves are a deep, glossy green, and feature pale pink and white markings in a striped pattern. For this reason, it’s colloquially known as the Pin-Stripe Calathea. Like all calatheas, the Ornata needs a little more attention than other houseplants, but it will reward you with gorgeous foliage and improved air quality.
This plant is native to the South American rain forest, so does best in humid environments. Calatheas do well in bathrooms or kitchens because of this, but can be kept in any room if they are misted a couple of times per week, and watered regularly. Calatheas are also a popular choice for bedrooms, since their unusual leaves naturally fold up at night and unfurl during the day, often with a rustling sound. Keeping a calathea in your home can be a great way to attune yourself to a more natural sleep cycle. They normally grow to a modest 2 feet tall.
Calathea ornatas grow best in bright, but indirect, light (direct sun can cause their leaves to burn or lose their stripes, so is best avoided!). If kept well, your plant will improve the air quality in your home as well as its aesthetic appeal - calatheas' copious leaves are wonderful for removing toxins or pollutants from the air, making it easier to breathe and focus. Studies have also linked plants' oxygenation of the air to better sleep quality for humans, so there's a real opportunity for the Calathea Ornata to contribute to your daily routine. The fact that these plants need slightly more considerate care than many other houseplants allows you to develop a nurturing relationship with your plant, too. That's a lot of benefits from a plant which grows to a modest 2 feet tall!
