Calathea Tropicstar

If you don't say "oooh!" when you touch the leaves on this one, we can't be friends. The Calathea Tropicstar  is an absolute showstopper. Not only does it have striking, contrasting green patterns, but the leaves are wonderfully fuzzy to the touch. It is a tactile, gorgeous addition to any room.

Like all plants in the Calathea family, she brings the drama and has some specific demands if she is going to live in your flat. But if you respect her boundaries and keep her away from your central heating, she will reward you by folding her fuzzy leaves up to sleep every night.

How to keep her happy:

• Light: She needs bright, indirect light to keep those patterns looking sharp. If you put her in direct sunlight, her beautiful leaves will bleach and scorch.

• Water: The golden rule: keep the soil moist, but never soggy. And she is a total snob about her drinks—use room temperature, filtered water (or Glasgow rainwater). Cold tap water will shock her roots!

• Feed: A weak dose of standard liquid fertiliser once a month during the spring and summer.

Troubleshooting:

• Crispy brown edges? The number one killer of these plants is the dreaded winter radiator. They hate hot, dry air. Keep her well away from heat sources and boost her humidity by grouping her with other plants.

• Dusty leaves? Because those leaves are wonderfully fuzzy, they act like a magnet for flat dust. Give them a very gentle wipe down with a damp cloth every now and then so she can photosynthesize properly.

Pet Safety: 100% Pet Safe. You can relax! This fuzzy beauty is completely non-toxic to your curious cats and dogs.