Grey Star Calathea
Ctenanthe lubbersiana 'Grey Star'
An evergreen perennial houseplant featuring slender, upright stems and elongated, lance-shaped leaves. The upper leaf surface displays a silvery-grey or muted green hue with delicate feather-like striping, while the undersides typically exhibit a contrasting deep purple or maroon tint.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent scorching the delicate leaf surfaces.
- Water
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Utilize filtered or distilled water if possible, as the species is sensitive to chemical additives typically found in municipal tap water.
- Growth
- Clumping evergreen perennial houseplant with an upright and spreading growth form. Reaches a mature height and spread of approximately 1 to 2 feet indoors, with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight and maintain consistently moist soil without letting it become waterlogged. High humidity and warmth are essential for optimal leaf health, along with regular feeding during the spring and summer growing season using a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent scorching the delicate leaf surfaces.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Utilize filtered or distilled water if possible, as the species is sensitive to chemical additives typically found in municipal tap water.
Soil
Well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 11 to 12. Typically grown indoors in cooler temperate climates, as it cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Growth habit
Clumping evergreen perennial houseplant with an upright and spreading growth form. Reaches a mature height and spread of approximately 1 to 2 feet indoors, with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Rarely flowers when grown strictly indoors as a foliage plant. When present, flowers are small, insignificant, and tubular, emerging in inconspicuous clusters.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through root division during the spring repotting season. Carefully separate established clumps, ensuring each division possesses a healthy root system and several active stems.
Common pests & issues
Vulnerable to common sap-sucking pests such as spider mites and mealybugs, particularly in dry indoor air environments. Leaf tip browning or curling typically indicates low humidity levels or sensitivity to tap water minerals.
Similar species
Often confused with other members of the Marantaceae family, such as Calathea or Stromanthe species. Ctenanthe 'Grey Star' can be distinguished by its distinctively slender, elongated silvery-grey leaves and specific upright branching growth habit.