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Goeppertia ornata (Pinstripe Calathea)
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Goeppertia ornata

Pinstripe Calathea

{Goeppertia ornata} is native to Colombia and Venezuela

At a Glance

FoliageEvergreen
Height24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

10 - 12
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Goeppertia ornata (synonym Calathea ornata) is a tall upright-leaved Calathea, growing 24-36 inches (60-90 cm). Very dark green leaves bear thin pink to white pinstripe lines radiating in pairs from the midrib — the parallel lines resemble painted pinstripes. The species name 'ornata' means 'decorated'. Undersides are dark purple-red, visible during nyctinastic leaf movement at night. Pink pinstripes are most saturated on young leaves and gradually fade to white as leaves mature. Taller and more upright than compact types such as G. roseopicta 'Dottie' at 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). Same Marantaceae cultural requirements: filtered or distilled water to avoid mineral tip burn, evenly moist but not saturated soil, and humidity above 40% to prevent margin browning. Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Growth rate is moderate; the upright habit can become top-heavy in lightweight pots. Brown leaf margins indicate humidity below 40% or mineral buildup from unfiltered tap water. The leaf undersides contrast with the dark upper surface during the nightly prayer fold.

Native Range

Goeppertia ornata is native to Colombia and Venezuela.

Suggested Uses

Grown in containers of 2-3 gallons (8-12 liters) in bright indirect light. The tall upright form suits floor positions or plant stands. Non-toxic — safe for households with pets.

How to Identify

Identified by very dark green leaves with thin pink-to-white pinstripe lines radiating in pairs from the midrib, and dark purple-red undersides. Separated from other Goeppertia by the parallel pinstripe pattern (vs. broad bands, concentric rings, or feathered stripes in other species). Taller and more upright than compact types.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Rare indoors. The pinstriped dark foliage with purple undersides is the year-round display.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to orange (rare indoors)

Foliage Description

Very dark green (almost black-green) with thin pink to white pinstripe lines radiating from the midrib; dark purple-red undersides

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Requires 3-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Bright indirect light. Keep evenly moist. Use filtered water. Humidity 40%+. Pink lines fade to white with age (normal). Non-toxic.

Pruning

Remove brown or crispy leaves at the base.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic