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. It is widely known as Calathea 'Whitestar', while Goeppertia 'Whitestar' reflects the current genus used for many former Calathea prayer plants.

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.
• Synonym: Widely known as Calathea 'Whitestar', with Goeppertia 'Whitestar' used under the current genus.

Whitestar and the majestic prayer plant group

Goeppertia 'Whitestar' is widely known through its former Calathea name and is also connected in horticulture with the majestic prayer plant group. Its long green leaves carry fine pink-white striping above and purple colour beneath.

Goeppertia majestica is native from western South America to northern Brazil and grows primarily in wet tropical conditions. That background matches the care needs of 'Whitestar': warmth, filtered light, moist but drained substrate and higher humidity during leaf expansion.

The 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 former genus name, comes from a word for a basket-like vessel. The species epithet majestica means majestic and refers to the larger patterned species often connected with White Star plants. The familiar name Calathea 'Whitestar' remains helpful for recognising this plant in older references.

Order Goeppertia (Calathea) 'Whitestar' for a taller striped prayer plant with long pale-lined leaves and purple undersides that shift into view in the evening.