Calathea sanguinea Magic Star

The Calathea 'Magic Star' is a variety distinguished by its elongated and narrow leaves featuring dark green lamina marbled and speckled with creamy white on the upper side, while the underside displays an intense purple hue. Commonly known as the peacock plant, the Calathea is a tropical plant grown indoors as a houseplant often prized for the colour and patterns of its exotic foliage. This cultivar prefers slightly brighter conditions than most of their Marantaceaen relatives, without direct sunlight, near a window letting in diffuse bright light, but it also tolerates moderate light conditions.

The Calathea 'Magic Star' is also known as Stromanthe sanguinea 'Magic Star', or Stromanthe thalia 'Magic Star', reflecting its close relation to the Stromanthe genus. It originates from the humid undergrowth of tropical forests in Central and South America. In its natural habitat, it thrives under the dappled light filtered through the dense canopy. At maturity, it typically reaches a height and spread of 60 to 70 cm, making it an ideal choice for interiors seeking an exotic touch without taking up too much space. Measuring between 20 and 30 cm long, its leaves are borne on slender yet sturdy stems. Although indoor flowering is rare, under optimal conditions, small, discreet white flowers may appear at the base of the stems. Like other calatheas, its leaves fold up at night, a phenomenon known as nastic movement.

Belonging to the Marantaceae family and frequently encountered under the name of Stromanthe sanguinea, the Calathea sanguinea has the valid botanical name of Stromanthe thalia. This botanical species forms a clump with upright and arching, elongated and narrow leaves. It is native to the humid forests of Brazil, particularly the Atlantic forest region.

The Calathea 'Magic Star' prefers moderate to bright indirect light and a slightly moist substrate without excess water. High humidity is essential, around 60% minimum. It thrives between 18 and 24°C.

The Calathea 'Magic Star' is unparalleled for adding a splash of colour and exoticism to rooms such as a living room, bedroom, or office. To create a harmonious display, pair it with plants that have similar light and humidity requirements. Other plants from the Marantaceae family like the Maranta leuconeura and the Calathea makoyana make excellent companions with their distinctive leaf patterns—consider also indoor ferns or the Dracaena 'Magenta' for example. These combinations will enable you to create a lush and diverse green corner evocative of the atmosphere of tropical undergrowth.