Goeppertia (Calathea) majestica 'Whitestar'

Goeppertia (Calathea) 'Whitestar'

Goeppertia (Calathea) 'Whitestar' is a taller striped prayer plant with long green leaves crossed by fine pale lines and soft pink tones on fresh growth. Purple undersides add another layer of colour when the leaves lift in the evening.

This plant forms a rhizomatous clump with long petioles and elongated leaves, rising taller than many compact prayer plants while keeping the daily leaf movement of the group.

Whitestar striping, leaf length and clump habit

• Growth habit: Evergreen, rhizomatous and clump-forming, with height built through long petioles.
• Leaf shape: Long, narrow to oblong blades with pointed tips and gently wavy margins.
• Leaf colour: Green upper surfaces with white to pale pink striping, strongest on fresh and well-expanded leaves.
• Undersides: Purple lower surfaces show clearly during evening leaf movement.
• Colour detail: Pale lines can show soft pink tones on fresh and well-expanded leaves.

Whitestar long leaves and evening movement

Whitestar has a tall, long-leaved habit with green blades, fine white to pale pink striping and purple colour beneath. New leaves rise from the clump on long petioles, then open into narrow, pointed blades.

Long leaves show damage clearly once they open. Stable humidity while a leaf is still rolled helps reduce torn margins, creases and dry tips.

Whitestar care for long striped leaves

• Light: Use bright indirect light or partial shade. Direct sun can scorch the long leaves and mark pale stripes.
• Watering: Water when the upper 10–20% of the pot depth has started to dry, keeping the root zone evenly moist before draining fully.
• Substrate: Use an organically rich, airy mix with fine bark and perlite or pumice. Good drainage helps prevent stagnant conditions around the rhizomes.
• Humidity: Maintain around 60% humidity or higher while new leaves are forming. A humidifier gives steadier results for larger leaves.
• Temperature: Keep around 18–26°C. Cold draughts and unstable temperatures can cause curling, soft petioles and delayed unfurling.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active growth. Overfeeding can leave salts in the mix and worsen edge burn on sensitive leaves.
• Cleaning: Wipe dust from the long leaves with a soft damp cloth so the striped surface stays clear.
• Repotting: Repot once the clump clearly fills the container, moving up gradually to keep moisture easier to control.

Whitestar problems: margins, petioles and new leaves

• Brown margins: Check humidity, water quality and mineral build-up in the substrate.
• Drooping with a dry root ball: Rehydrate gradually, then return to a more even watering rhythm.
• Soft petioles: Inspect roots and substrate if the pot has stayed cold and wet.
• Ragged new leaves: Improve humidity before the next rolled leaf expands, as damage usually forms before opening.
• Spider mite speckling: Look closely along the undersides of the long leaves and isolate at the first clear signs.

Whitestar and pet-safe placement

Calathea species are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Thin new leaves and pointed tips are easily damaged by chewing, so keep the plant away from pets that regularly bite houseplants.

Goeppertia 'Whitestar' name background

Goeppertia honours Johann Heinrich Robert Goeppert. Calathea, the familiar older genus name, comes from a word for a basket-like vessel.

Goeppertia 'Whitestar' grows taller than many striped prayer plants, with long pale-lined leaves and purple undersides that lift into view in the evening.