How Do You Care For Calathea Wavestar?

Calathea Rufibarba “Wavestar” is a lovely houseplant with distinctively patterned leaves that will stand out in your collection!

This plant has a reputation for being difficult to care for, but this care blog will give you an overview of what you need to know for the best Calathea Wavestar requires minimal care;

Light

Calathea Wavestar like bright, indirect light or partial shade, so place it in a bright setting but away from direct sunlight. Keeping the leaves dust-free enables them to absorb more light energy! Avoid applying leaf shine; instead, wipe with a microfiber cloth and plain water.

Temperature

You should keep the temperature of your plant at around 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit during winter; this is ideal for most plants. During summer keep the temperature of your plant between 70 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity

Calathea likes high humidity of 60 to 70%, so make sure you mist it once a week. Misting also enhances its container plant environment.

Water

Water your Calathea Wavestar plant when the surface of the soil becomes dry. However, don’t allow the soil to get soggy because this can cause roots to rot and poor growth. Use lukewarm water and let it drain well before placing it back in its preferred location.

Soil

The soil you choose for your plant should be rich in organic matter and well-drained. Soilless mix is the easiest, but there are other good choices that include lukewarm water, stones or clay pellets. Make sure your soil doesn’t get too wet because this can lead to root rot.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your Calathea Wavestar once every 2 weeks during spring and summer using plant food formulated for indoor plants.

Repotting

Repot only when necessary because frequent repotting can ultimately lead to death of the Plant. Calathea Wavestar is a slow growing plant, but if you see it growing too quickly then you may need to repot it.

You can use both organic and traditional fertilizers when repotting. If you’re using organic fertilizers, make sure they’re labeled specifically for indoor plants. Repotting is usually done during spring; select a container that has a drainage hole in the bottom.

Propagation

You can propagate Calathea Wavestar by simply dividing the root ball. Your soil should have enough drainage to prevent the plant from sitting in water and soggy root rot.

How often should I water my Calathea Wavestar?

Calathea Wavestar is a low maintenance plant, so it’s best to water your plant when the soil feels dry. However, don’t over-water your plant because this can cause root rot and eventual death. Aim to water in little amounts every few days, as soon as the surface soil gets dry to the touch.

Watering can be reduced in the fall and winter, but in the spring and summer, keep Calathea well hydrated! Calathea Wavestar also likes humidity, so you can use a humidifier or place it on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Put a saucer underneath the plant to raise it up a little and let any excess water drain into the tray.

Keep Calathea Wavestar away from direct sunlight if possible, as this will dry out its leaves. This is especially important if your home is very dry. This can be easily achieved by putting it in a room that stays humid, or running your air conditioner.

How do I repot my Calathea Wavestar?

Repot your Calathea Wavestar only when it is rootbound, and avoid disturbing the rootball unless absolutely necessary.

• Repot in early spring, just increasing the pot size by 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), and use a well-draining potting mix.
• After repotting, add fresh mix around the plant in the new pot and water softly.
• Use an organic potting mix, and look out for moisture pockets in the bottom of your pot when you drain it, which means it’s time for repotting.
• Gently remove your plant from its old pot, and place it in a new one of the same size. Before you repot your plant, water deeply for at least 15 minutes to allow the soil to evenly drain.
• You can propagate Calathea Wavestar by dividing the rootball. Separate the roots into pieces, and replant the individual pots in a larger pot of the same size as your previous pot.
• You want to choose a spot with good drainage and light, but not too much sun.
• Your plant should be watered well after repotting, so keep it damp, not soggy.
• Mulch with peat moss, compost or bark.
• Once your Calathea Wavestar is repotted, don’t over-water it as this will cause root rot. The goal is to keep the soil moist by watering only in little amounts every few days as soon as the surface soil gets dry to the touch.
• Watering can be reduced in the fall and winter, but in the spring and summer, keep Calathea Wavestar well hydrated!

How do I fertilize my Calathea Wavestar?

Calathea Wavestar benefits from fertilization only during the growing season, usually in spring and summer, but check the label for the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use a balanced fertilizer at half strength (or less), once every two weeks during this time. You can also use an organic liquid houseplant fertilizer at quarter strength weekly.

Calathea Wavestar also responds well to foliar feeding, applying a diluted liquid fertilizer directly to the leaves, as this encourages rapid hydration. Do this once or twice a month during the growing season.

Calathea Wavestar doesn’t need to be fertilized during the winter, but you can keep it healthy by removing the dead leaves and giving it a little bit of water.

Is Calathea Wavestar and pinstripe the same?

Calathea Wavestar and pinstripe are both pinstriped varieties of Calathea Zebrina. Pinstriped Calathea is a type of Wavestar that has the same striped leaves as the green variegated variety, but the reddish stripes are more vibrant.

The main difference between Pinstriped and Wavestar is that Pinstriped Calatheas also have brightly colored leaves with purple, pink or red hues.

One of the most popular pinnate-leaved Calatheas, Pinstriped is a beautiful addition to any home, and will bring a touch of nature in your living space.

Calathea Wavestar is an easy-to-grow houseplant that will bring a touch of nature to your home. This low maintenance plant can be kept easily in a hanging basket, or even in a pot on the windowsill.

Your Calathea Wavestar can handle low light and prefers moderate airflow, so place it in a spot with at least six hours of light per day.

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Does Calathea Wavestar need sun?

Calathea Wavestar doesn’t need much sunlight, and will grow best in low light conditions. If you want to give your plant more light, then you can place it in a bright window location. You can also try using artificial light for this plant, although this is usually only done by advanced growers or collectors.

Try to keep your Calathea Wavestar away from direct sunlight as this will dry out its leaves and reduce its growth rate. Even if you put it in a brightly lighted spot, your plant will still benefit from indirect sunlight.

If you want to use artificial lighting then place your Calathea Wavestar near a fluorescent light source. Calathea Wavestar will still benefit from the bottom heat produced by a lamp, and will grow faster in this environment.

If you are using artificial lighting, try keeping Calathea Wavestar at about 40 F (4 C).  Keep your plant away from drafts and direct heat sources.

Does Calathea Wavestar grow fast?

Calathea Wavestar grows slowly and will take between 2 and 7 years to fully mature.  You can get a plant in approximately one year if you start it in a very small pot. If you have multiple plants, then you should start them separately, but keep each plant as an individual sacrifice as plants tend to fight when they are potted together.

If you want a faster-growing plant then select a variety that is easier to grow like Pinstriped Calathea or Ivy Wavestar.

Depending on the variety, you can keep it in a pot as small as 6 inches (15 cm) and still have a beautiful plant.  It’s best to grow Calathea Wavestar in a pot with good drainage, as it will thrive in a pot with mix that drains well.

If you want your plant to grow faster, then try watering your plant less often and water only at the base of the plant or when the soil is dry to the touch. A pot with good drainage is important as it allows the roots to drain excess water when needed, which will reduce root rot.

Why is my Calathea Wavestar dying?

If your Calathea Wavestar is dying then usually the cause is;

Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot.  Try to only water your plant when the surface soil is dry to the touch, and not to soak it. You should keep a close eye on your watering schedule and make sure you’re watering only when the surface soil is dry.  It’s best to start your plant in a smaller pot so you don’t over-water it.

Too much light: Your plant will not do well in a sunny location and will rot more easily, so keep it away from direct sunlight.

Low humidity: Calathea Wavestar needs high humidity levels so make sure you mist the leaves regularly, and that your air is humid.

Little airflow: Air circulation is important for Calathea Wavestar as stagnant air will suffocate your plant. Make sure you have a spot with good airflow, but not direct sunlight.

Poor Drainage: Your Calathea Wavestar should not be kept in a pot with poor drainage. Make sure you have a pot with good drainage, and make sure you water at the base of the plant.

Low temperature: Keep your Calathea Wavestar away from heaters and direct sunlight.

Too much fertilizer: Calathea Wavestar prefers a nutrient-poor soil. If you fertilize too often, then it will lead to excess growth, which will reduce the beauty of the plant’s leaves.

Pests and Diseases: Pests and diseases can be a problem with Calathea Wavestar but they are common pests and not always harmful.  More often than not, pest problems can be avoided by keeping your plant away from pests.

Remove any insects that may be on your plant as soon as you notice them. If you’re worried about a pest, then use a good insecticidal soap to spray the leaves to kill the insects. Use a good potting soil and make sure you keep your soil free of any rotting materials.

Is Calathea Wavestar indoor plant?

Calathea Wavestar is a great houseplant that can be kept indoors without any problems.  You could even keep your plant in a hanging basket, or even in a pot on the windowsill.

Calathea Wavestar prefers moderate airflow which will prevent it from rotting, so make sure you don’t place it right in front of a heat source or near heat vents.

If your plant is in low light conditions then you will want to keep the pot away from a bright window. Calathea Wavestar prefers moist soil, so make sure you mist your plant regularly.

You should water your plant only when the surface soil is dry, and make sure you don’t leave it sitting in water. Calathea Wavestar could be kept outdoors during the summer and fall, but during the winter it should be kept indoors. Plant it in a pot that has good drainage in order to prevent root rot.

If you keep it indoors, then this doesn’t mean you have to put your Calathea Wavestar near a window and watch it grow.

Why is my Calathea Wavestar crispy?

Most likely the cause of your Calathea Wavestar being crispy is excess water. If it has been raining then you should make sure you don’t keep the soil very wet during the winter months.

You should also avoid watering your plant too frequently. Calathea Wavestar likes to be on the dry side, so try to keep it well below average in terms of moisture.

If it has been very cold in your area you could be overwatering or overwicking your plant.  You should water your plant only when the surface soil is dry, and make sure you don’t leave it sitting in water.

If your Calathea Wavestar has been exposed to temperatures below 40 F (4 C) then it will dry out faster, and as a result, it can lose its leaves.

If you notice any other symptoms, then try looking at the plant’s roots, or inspect the leaves carefully. If you’re not sure of what is causing the crispy leaves, then try watering your plant and see if it recovers. Another option would be to repot the plant into a pot with new soil in order to let the roots recover.

Why is my Calathea Wavestar drooping?

If your Calathea Wavestar is drooping, then you won’t have lost any leaves it could be a normal plant response to a dry environment.

Often times, the dangling and drooping leaves are due to a dry air flow in the potting mix. If you have cactus in your house then you will want to keep it away from direct sunlight as this can cause these issues.

The plant will often recover after the temperatures increase in your area. If you don’t want to repot your plant yet, then try making sure the pot it is in has good drainage.

If the leaves start to curl up and droop, then you will notice that they curl between the nodes so make sure that this doesn’t happen.

You should make sure there is good airflow in your house, so if you notice it drooping there then tries moving it to a better location. Calathea Wavestar likes good circulation of air.

Make sure you have a pot with good drainage and keep it on the dry side, but do not make it too dry. You should water your Calathea Wavestar only when the surface soil is dry to the touch, and not to soak it. You should also refrain from overwatering, so try not to keep it in a pot that is constantly wet.