A Guide to Calathea Tropicstar Care: The Fuzzy-Leaved Diva Your Flat Needs

Let's be real. If you do not say "oooh!" when you touch the leaves on this one, we cannot be friends. The Calathea Tropicstar (which is technically a Ctenanthe, but we are not going to argue with the wholesalers) is an absolute showstopper of a houseplant.

Not only does it boast striking, contrasting green patterns, but the leaves are wonderfully fuzzy to the touch. It is a highly tactile, gorgeous addition to any room. Like all plants in the Calathea family, it brings the drama and has some highly specific demands if it is going to survive in your flat. However, if you respect its boundaries and keep it away from your central heating, it will reward you by folding its fuzzy leaves up to sleep every single night.

Here is our down-to-earth guide to keeping your Tropicstar happy, healthy, and wonderfully soft.

The Golden Rules of Tropicstar Care

Light: Bright but Gentle This plant needs bright, indirect light to keep those sharp patterns looking crisp. If you stick it in direct sunlight, its beautiful fuzzy leaves will bleach and scorch. Think of a bright spot that gets plenty of daylight, but keep it well out of the path of any harsh, direct afternoon sun.

Watering: The Snobby Drinker The golden rule here is to keep the soil moist but never soggy. The Tropicstar is a total snob about its hydration. You absolutely must use room temperature, so collect some from the tap and let it set overnight. Cold tap water straight from the sink will shock its roots, and the chemicals/minerals will quickly give it crispy brown tips. Not a problem in Scotland, but those with hard water may need to filter it or use rainwater. 

Humidity: The Radiator Enemy These plants are humidity fiends. The dry air in our flats during winter is the number one killer of Calatheas. Keep your Tropicstar far away from hot radiators or draughty windows. Boost the humidity around it by using a pebble tray with water, placing it in a naturally steamy room like a bathroom, or grouping it tightly with your other leafy plants.

Cleaning: Dusting the Fuzz Because those leaves are beautifully fuzzy, they act like an absolute magnet for dust. Dust blocks out the light and stops the plant from making its food. Give the leaves a very gentle wipe down with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks so it can photosynthesise properly.

Troubleshooting Your Tropicstar (When the Drama Kicks Off)

• Crispy Brown Edges: The absolute classic Calathea complaint. This almost always means the air in your flat is too dry or you have been using harsh tap water. Move it away from the radiator, boost the humidity, and switch to filtered water immediately.

• Fading or Bleached Patterns: Your plant is getting blasted with too much direct sunlight. Move it slightly further back from the window to protect those patterns.

• Leaves Not Moving at Night: If it has stopped doing its famous evening fold, it is heavily stressed. Check the soil right away. It is likely bone dry and your plant is begging for a thorough drink.

• Yellowing Lower Leaves: Usually a sign you are being a bit too enthusiastic with the watering can. Make sure it is not sitting in a puddle of water and let the very top layer of soil dry out slightly before watering again.

The Calathea Tropicstar is a tactile, gorgeous statement piece. And the best part? It is 100% pet safe, meaning it is completely non-toxic to any curious cats or dogs that might want to investigate the fuzzy new arrival!