Goeppertia veitchiana 'Stella' – Calathea 'Stella'

A true masterpiece of nature, the Calathea 'Stella' instantly transforms any interior space into a living art gallery. Often compared to the famous 'White Fusion', the 'Stella' stands out with increased vigour and sturdier stems, offering a more resilient version of this highly sought-after marbled foliage. It brings your daily life to life with its natural movement: its leaves unfurl during the day and rise proudly every evening, revealing a breathtaking deep purple underside that contrasts beautifully with its creamy patterns.

Characteristics

• Foliage : Large evergreen leaves feature complex patterns of emerald green, lime green, and cream. Unlike the 'Fusion White', the 'Stella' has broader leaves and more stable variegation that maintains its brilliance longer.
• Flowering / Fruiting / Stems : Small white or mauve flowers occasionally appear at the base, though the main appeal remains the spectacular foliage.
• Light : Medium to bright indirect light is ideal, but direct sunlight must be strictly avoided to prevent burning the delicate leaf patterns.
• Habit : The growth form is naturally bushy, upright, and compact.
• Growth : The growth rate is moderate, typically reaching a height and spread of 45 to 60 cm.
• Soil : A high-quality, organic-rich, and well-draining all-purpose potting soil is recommended.
• Temperature and humidity : A temperature range between 18°C and 27°C is perfect. High humidity (60%+) is essential to prevent leaf tip browning.
• Resistances : Sensitivity to cold drafts and mineral buildup in water is notable. While hardier than the 'Fusion White', it performs best with filtered water or rainwater.

Use

• Types of use : Showcase plant for the living room, bright office decor, or a textured addition to a tropical plant collection.
• Decorative benefits : This plant provides a strong graphic structure and a touch of exotic elegance through its striking front-to-back colour contrast.

Maintenance

• Watering: Keep the soil uniformly moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. Use filtered water to prevent salt sensitivity.
• Fertilization : Fertilize regularly with a balanced indoor plant fertilizer once a month from spring through fall.
• Pruning : Simply remove aging or damaged leaves at the base to encourage healthy new growth.
• Planting : Repot every 2 years in spring into a pot with drainage holes.
• Winter Protection: Keep the plant away from direct heat sources and cold drafts.