Calathea lietzei 'Stella' - Stella Calathea
Calathea lietzei 'Stella' - Stella Calathea - 6" Nursery Pot is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Description
Description
A Distinctive Variegated Beauty for the Serious Plant Collector
The Calathea Stella (Calathea lietzei ‘Stella’) is a refined and highly sought-after member of the Marantaceae family, prized for its dramatic variegation and graceful leaf movement. Sometimes mistaken for its relative the Calathea ‘White Fusion’, the Stella stands apart with its more stable variegation, broader leaves, and subtle violet undersides that shimmer in the right light. Each leaf is a living artwork—patterned with painterly strokes of green, cream, and silvery white that shift with humidity and light intensity.
What Makes Calathea Stella Unique?
- Botanical Distinction: A cultivated form of Calathea lietzei, known for reliable variegation and elegant leaf form compared to the more temperamental ‘White Fusion.’
- Striking Foliage: Broad, elliptical leaves showcase intricate marbling in green and white, with a soft violet-to-purple hue on the undersides—a hallmark of the species.
- Dynamic Leaf Movement: True to the “prayer plant” family, its leaves gently rise and fold with the rhythm of daylight and darkness.
- Air-Purifying and Pet Safe: Helps improve indoor air quality and is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Plant Profile
- Scientific Name: Calathea lietzei ‘Stella’
- Common Names: Calathea Stella, Stella Calathea, Prayer Plant
- Family: Marantaceae
- Native Range: Tropical regions of South America
Care and Growing Conditions
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light; avoid direct sun, which can fade the variegation.
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist—never soggy. Allow the top inch to dry slightly before rewatering. Use filtered or distilled water for best results.
- Humidity: High humidity (60–80%) promotes lush growth and vibrant color on the undersides.
- Temperature: Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); protect from drafts and cold air.
- Soil: A light, airy, peat- or coco-coir-based mix with perlite or orchid bark for drainage.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during active growth (spring through summer).
- Growth Habit: Compact and bushy; mature plants reach up to 18–24 inches tall.
- Propagation: Best propagated by root division during repotting.
- Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets.
Note: The purple tone on the leaf undersides may appear more subtle or intense depending on lighting, humidity, and overall plant health. This natural variation is part of the plant’s charm and an indicator of its adaptability.
➡️ For more expert insights, explore our Calathea Care Guide — including detailed watering techniques, humidity solutions, and bottom-watering tips tailored for Marantaceae plants.
Live Plants – Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping
What will I receive?
What will I receive?
You’ll receive one healthy live plant in the nursery-pot or hanging-basket size selected above. The listed size refers to the approximate diameter of the nursery pot, not the plant’s total height or width.
Because every plant is naturally unique, height, fullness, leaf count, coloration, variegation, vine length, maturity, and overall shape may differ from the photographs.
Unless the product listing specifically states otherwise, plants arrive in a standard nursery grow pot. Decorative planters, baskets, saucers, stands, and other accessories are sold separately.
When will my plant ship or be delivered?
When will my plant ship or be delivered?
Please allow approximately 10–15 business days for processing and preparation. Ten business days is the earliest end of the range, and many orders require most or all of the stated processing window.
Processing time is separate from carrier transit time. Local NYC delivery also requires preparation and does not automatically mean same-day or next-day service.
Orders may occasionally require additional time because of plant availability, order volume, weather, seasonal demand, or courier coordination. We will send an update when confirmed fulfillment, tracking, or delivery information becomes available.
How are live plants packaged?
How are live plants packaged?
Each live plant is inspected and packed according to its size, shape, and shipping needs. Soil and foliage may be secured to reduce movement during transit, and protective materials may be added when appropriate.
Temporary drooping, shifted soil, limited leaf loss, or minor cosmetic stress can occur while a plant adjusts after shipping. This does not necessarily mean the plant is unhealthy.
What should I do when my plant arrives?
What should I do when my plant arrives?
Unpack the plant promptly and carefully remove all protective packaging. Place it in appropriate light and allow it time to adjust to its new environment.
Check the soil before watering. Do not water automatically upon arrival because the plant may already have adequate moisture. Avoid immediately fertilizing, heavily pruning, or repeatedly moving the plant while it acclimates.
Should I repot my plant immediately?
Should I repot my plant immediately?
We generally recommend allowing a newly delivered plant time to acclimate before repotting unless there is an urgent plant-health reason to do so.
Repotting an eligible small plant during the first 15 days may void the Plant Health Guarantee because it can make the cause of decline difficult to determine.
What should I do if my plant arrives damaged?
What should I do if my plant arrives damaged?
Report shipping or delivery damage within 48 hours. Keep the plant and all packaging while the concern is being reviewed.
Please provide your order number, a photograph of the entire plant, close-up photographs of the concern, and photographs of the box and packaging when applicable.
Small plants in nursery pots measuring 8 inches and below may also qualify for our 15-Day Plant Health Guarantee. Large plants in nursery pots measuring 10 inches and above have a 48-hour inspection and reporting window.
Review our Refund & Returns Policy for complete eligibility and documentation requirements.
How can I get help with my order or plant?
How can I get help with my order or plant?
For the fastest assistance, use the AI chat assistant on our website. It can help with common order-status, delivery, policy, product, and plant-care questions.
Have your order number and the email address used at checkout available when asking about an order. When a concern requires photographs or human review, email support@edsplantshop.com.