Calathea Stella Care: Easy Steps for Thriving Plants

You bring home a Calathea Stella. You put it by the window and water it. At first, it looks healthy. Then the leaf edges turn brown, and the leaves start to droop.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many plant owners struggle with caring for Calathea, but the good news is that a few simple adjustments can make all the difference.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to keep your Calathea Stella thriving year-round. No more droopy leaves, no more guesswork.

Let’s get started!

What is Calathea Stella?

Calathea Stella is part of the Marantaceae family, known for its colorful, patterned leaves. One of its special traits is that its leaves move in response to light, a process known as nyctinasty. This makes it an exciting plant to watch throughout the day.

Its beautiful foliage can bring an elegant, tropical feel to any indoor space, making it a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts.

This plant is native to tropical regions, meaning it thrives in warm, humid conditions. In its natural habitat, Calathea Stella grows under the canopy of larger trees, receiving filtered sunlight.

This is why proper light and humidity control are essential for keeping this plant healthy indoors.

Benefits of Calathea Stella

• Air Purification: Helps clean indoor air by filtering out toxins.
• Beautiful Foliage: Adds a pop of color and unique patterns to your space.
• Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for pet owners.
• Low Light Adaptability: Can tolerate low-light conditions better than many other houseplants.
• Stress Relief: Caring for plants like Calathea Stella has been linked to improved mental well-being.

How to Care for Your Calathea Stella

Light Needs

• Calathea Stella likes bright, indirect light, just like in its natural home.
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and cause fading.
• If the leaves start to fade or get brown spots, the light might be wrong. Move the plant to a brighter spot or away from direct sun.
• North- or east-facing windows give the best light.

Watering Tips

• Water your Calathea Stella when the top inch of soil feels dry. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
• Use filtered or distilled water to avoid chemicals like fluoride and chlorine, which can harm the leaves.
• Too much water can cause root rot, so make sure the pot drains well.
• In winter, water less because the plant grows more slowly.

Humidity & Temperature

• Calathea Stella needs high humidity (60% or more) to thrive.
• Use a humidifier, mist the leaves, or place the plant on a pebble tray.
• Keep temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and keep it away from cold drafts or heating vents.
• Low humidity can make leaf edges turn brown and crispy, so check humidity often.

Best Soil & Potting Tips

• Use well-draining, peat-based soil to support healthy root growth.
• A mix of peat, perlite, and orchid bark creates ideal soil conditions.
• Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent overwatering and root rot.
• Repot every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and give the roots room to grow.

Fertilizing Calathea Stella

• Feed once a month during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.
• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength to avoid burning the roots.
• Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant’s growth slows.
• Organic fertilizers like compost tea or worm castings can also be beneficial.

Common Issues & Fixes

Leaf Curling or Browning

• Causes: Low humidity, too much sun, or underwatering.
• Fix: Increase humidity, adjust watering schedule, and move the plant to a location with indirect light.
• Additional Tip: Trim brown leaf edges with sterilized scissors to prevent further damage.

Pests

• Common pests: Spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs thrive in dry conditions.
• Solution: Wipe leaves with neem oil, use insecticidal soap, or rinse them with water. Regularly inspect leaves and stems to catch pest infestations early.

Yellow Leaves

• Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies.
• Fix: Let soil dry out before watering again and check fertilizer use.
• Tip: Remove yellow leaves to help the plant focus its energy on healthy growth.

How to Propagate Calathea Stella

Steps:

• Gently separate the plant at the roots.
• Replant each section in fresh soil.
• Keep soil moist and provide high humidity.
• Place in a warm, indirect light spot until new growth appears.

FAQs About Calathea Stella Care

How Do You Care for Calathea Stella? 

Keep soil moist, maintain 60% humidity, and provide bright, indirect light.

How Often Should I Water My Calathea Stella?

Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Keep the soil slightly moist but never soggy. 

Can Calathea Stella Grow in Low Light?

It tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect light. Growth may slow down in lower light conditions, so consider supplementing with a grow light if needed.

Why Are My Calathea’s Leaves Turning Brown?

Browning is often due to low humidity or using tap water with chemicals. Try misting the plant regularly or using filtered water to prevent further damage.

How Can I Make My Calathea Stella Grow Faster?

Ensure it gets the right amount of light, water, humidity, and nutrients. Regular fertilization during the growing season will promote healthier and faster growth.

Wrapping It Up

With proper care, your Calathea Stella will be a stunning and healthy plant for years to come. Provide the right light, humidity, and water, and watch it flourish in your home. Paying attention to early signs of stress can help you adjust care routines and keep the plant looking its best.

Got a question or a Calathea Stella success story? Share it in the comments!

Happy Planting!