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Artistic illustration of leaves with pink and black patterns on a beige background

Calathea ‘Surprisestar’

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Goeppertia roseopicta 'Surprisestar'

 KNOWN AS: Surprise Star Calathea, Calathea Surprise Star

CLIMATE (LOCATION): South America | Tropical Rainforest

DESCRIPTION: The Surprise Star is one of the most dramatic "dark-mode" plants in the world. It features large, rounded, nearly black-to-deep-purple leaves. The "surprise" is the shocking, electric pink halo that outlines the leaf, with a bright pink midrib shooting up the center. As the leaf matures, the neon pink turns to a subtle silvery-rose, but the deep, velvety dark centers remain.

Calathea ‘Surprisestar’ Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Because the leaves are so dark, they can absorb heat quickly.

The Goal: Provide bright, filtered light. This keeps the pink "star" markings neon and vibrant.

Direct Sun: Avoid entirely. Direct rays will bleach the deep purple pigment, turning the leaf a sickly brownish-green, and will permanently crisp the pink edges.

Low Light: The plant will survive, but the new leaves will emerge smaller and the pink variegation will be much thinner and duller.

Discover Our Grow Lights

BEST SELLER
White Soltech Aspect Gen 2 Hanging over Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant with a Teal background.
White Soltech Aspect Gen 2 Hanging over Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant with a Teal background.
Aspect™ Gen 2 LED Growlight
$200.00

Color:

White Black
A white Soltech Vita displayed against a yellow background with a wicker object and a green leaf in the backdrop.
A white Soltech Vita displayed against a yellow background with a wicker object and a green leaf in the backdrop.
Vita™ Grow Light
$85.00

Color:

White / Wide (60°) Black / Wide (60°)
A white Soltech Highland on the Highland Track Light System mounted on a rail, with a backdrop of an orange wall and green foliage.
A white Soltech Highland on the Highland Track Light System mounted on a rail, with a backdrop of an orange wall and green foliage.
Highland™ LED Track Light System
$230.00 - $740.00

Color:

White / 1 light / Narrow (36 Degrees) Black / 1 light / Narrow (36 Degrees)
A Black Soltech Grove positioned on a table with a plant in the background, illustrating the product's use for indoor plants.
A Black Soltech Grove positioned on a table with a plant in the background, illustrating the product's use for indoor plants.
Grove™ LED Grow Light
$130.00

Color:

Black White

Watering

Quick Tip: Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Use distilled or rainwater.

Quick Tip: Keep soil consistently moist. Distilled water is essential.

The Surprise Star is a "canary in a coal mine" for water quality.

The Water: If you use tap water, the chlorine and fluoride will cause the pink margins to turn brown and "rust." Use distilled, rain, or filtered water to keep the colors crisp.

The Routine: Water when the top half-inch of soil feels dry. Never let it sit in a saucer of standing water (root rot), but never let the soil pull away from the sides of the pot (drought stress).

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 65º - 85º

This plant thrives in "human comfort" temperatures.

The Danger Zone: Keep it away from AC vents and heaters. It hates "swingy" temperatures.

Cold: If it drops below 60°F, the leaves will curl under and may become mushy. It prefers the warm, humid air found in the middle of a tropical forest.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 60 - 80%; High Humidity

Like most Roseopicta varieties, the Surprise Star has broad leaves that transpire moisture quickly.

The Requirement: If your humidity is below 50%, the pink edges will turn brown and "crunchy" within days.

The Solution: A humidifier is the gold standard. If that's not an option, a dedicated plant cabinet or a very bright, steamy bathroom is your best bet.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
This plant cannot be grown from stem or leaf cuttings. How to Propagate: Division. When the plant is mature and has multiple "clumps" in the pot, gently pull them apart at the root level during spring repotting. Survival: Each division needs its own root system. Keep the new babies in a high-humidity environment until they show new growth.
Toxicity
Quick Warning: Non-Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. One of the best "high-drama" plants for pet owners. It looks exotic and dangerous, but it's perfectly safe.
Repotting
When to Repot: Every 1–2 years. Choose a Pot: A pot 1–2 inches larger with plenty of drainage. Glazed ceramic or plastic is better than terracotta for maintaining the moisture this plant craves. Soil: Use a high-quality, airy mix.
Pruning
Nyctinasty: This plant "prays" heavily. Don't be alarmed when the leaves stand straight up at night to show off their purple undersides! Grooming: Snip off old, fading leaves at the base of the stem with sterilized shears. Cleaning: The dark, glossy leaves show dust very easily. Wipe them gently with a damp microfiber cloth to keep that "dark mode" shine.
Fertilizer
Quick Tip: Feed lightly to protect the vibrant pink pigments. What to Use: A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to 1/4 strength. When to Apply: Once a month during the spring and summer. Pro-Tip: Always ensure the soil is damp before applying fertilizer to prevent "root flash-burn." Winter: Stop fertilizing in the winter months when the plant is not actively pushing out new "stars."
Soil
Ideal Mix: A "spongy" aroid-style mix that stays damp but never muddy. Recommended Blend: 2 parts peat moss or coco coir, 1 part perlite, and 1 part orchid bark (or charcoal).

Hanging Heights

Calathea ‘Surprisestar’ Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Calathea ‘Surprisestar’

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

-

VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Calathea ‘Surprisestar’

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Calathea ‘Surprisestar’

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

-

VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Calathea ‘Surprisestar’

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 12"

-

VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Calathea ‘Surprisestar’

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 0" to 8"

-

VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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