• Login
Search Login
0 Cart

Search anything about Plant Lighting, Content, and More.

Commonly searched:
SOLD OUT
Variegated leaf plant on a pink background

Calathea ‘Pink Aurora’

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Calathea lietzei 

KNOWN AS: Pink Aurora Calathea, Calathea Silver Plate

CLIMATE (LOCATION):  Horticultural Hybrid | Tropical Parentage (South America)

DESCRIPTION: The Pink Aurora is a rare and ethereal beauty in the prayer-plant world. Unlike many Calatheas that have stripes or spots, the Pink Aurora features broad, oval leaves with a stunning, iridescent silvery-pink to soft fuchsia sheen across the entire surface. The edges are often a thin frame of dark green, and the undersides are a deep, moody purple. It is a more compact variety, typically growing between 12–20 inches tall.

Calathea ‘Pink Aurora’ Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

To keep the "Aurora" glow alive, this plant needs bright, filtered light.

Preserving Color: If the light is too low, the pink/silver iridescence will fade into a dull, muddy grey-green.

Direct Sun: Avoid completely. The thin, delicate leaves will scorch and develop dry, white patches if exposed to direct afternoon sun. A spot near an east-facing window is ideal.

Discover Our Grow Lights

SAVE 20%
Sale
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
$160.00 $200.00

Color:

White Black
SAVE 15%
Sale
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
$72.25 $85.00

Color:

White / Wide (60°) Black / Wide (60°)
SAVE UP TO 30%
Sale
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
$195.50 - $518.00 $740.00

Color:

White / 1 light / Narrow (36 Degrees) Black / 1 light / Narrow (36 Degrees)
SAVE 20%
Sale
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
$104.00 $130.00

Color:

Black White

Watering

Quick Tip: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid tap water.

Like most high-end Calatheas, the Pink Aurora is a "water snob."

Water Quality: It is highly sensitive to fluoride and minerals. Using tap water will result in the "Calathea tip-burn" (brown, crispy edges). Use distilled, rain, or filtered water only.

The Routine: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. If the leaves begin to curl inward like a straw, it is a desperate cry for water.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 65º - 85º

The Pink Aurora loves a warm, stable environment.

Drafts: It is extremely sensitive to sudden temperature shifts. Keep it away from air conditioning vents, heaters, and drafty windows.

Cold: If temperatures drop below 60°F, the plant may stop growing or suffer significant leaf damage.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 60 - 80%; High Humidity

This is the most critical factor for this hybrid. Because the leaves are so thin and iridescent, they dry out faster than the leathery varieties.

The Solution: A humidifier is almost a requirement for this plant to look its best. In low humidity, the edges will brown and the new leaves may fail to unfurl correctly.

Note: It thrives in a bathroom with a window or an indoor greenhouse cabinet.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Like its relatives, this plant cannot be propagated by leaves or stem cuttings. How to Propagate: Division. During spring repotting, gently separate the plant at the root ball into two or more clumps. Post-Op Care: Divided sections are very prone to shock. Keep them in a high-humidity environment (under a clear plastic bag or dome) for 2–3 weeks until they stabilize.
Toxicity
Quick Warning: Non-Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. This is a pet-safe plant, making it a perfect choice for adding high-end color to a home with curious animals.
Repotting
When to Repot: Every 1–2 years in the spring. Choose a Pot: Use a pot with plenty of drainage holes. Plastic or glazed ceramic is better than terracotta, as terracotta dries out the soil too quickly for this moisture-loving plant. Stability: Ensure the base of the plant is not buried too deep, which can lead to crown rot.
Pruning
The Prayer: The Pink Aurora is a "prayer plant." Its leaves will stand vertically at night and flatten during the day. Grooming: Use sterilized shears to remove any old, yellowing, or crispy leaves at the base of the stem. Dusting: Gently wipe the leaves with a damp microfiber cloth once a month to keep the silvery sheen sparkling.
Fertilizer
Quick Tip: Feed sparingly. These plants are sensitive to "salt buildup." What to Use: A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) diluted to 1/4 or 1/2 strength. When to Apply: Every 4 weeks during the spring and summer (active growing season). The "Flush" Rule: Because Calatheas are sensitive to the minerals in fertilizer, it is a good idea to "flush" the soil with plenty of distilled water every few months to wash away any salt buildup that can cause brown leaf edges. Winter: Stop fertilizing entirely from late autumn through winter. The plant's metabolism slows down, and excess fertilizer will just sit in the soil and burn the roots.
Soil
Ideal Mix: A rich, moisture-retentive, but airy aroid mix. Recommended Blend: 2 parts peat moss or coco coir, 1 part perlite, and 1 part orchid bark. This mix provides the "spongy" feel the roots love without letting them sit in stagnant water.

Hanging Heights

Calathea ‘Pink Aurora’ 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 ‘Pink Aurora’

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

-

VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Calathea ‘Pink Aurora’

-

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 ‘Pink Aurora’

-

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 ‘Pink Aurora’

-

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 ‘Pink Aurora’

-

Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 0" to 8"

-

VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

Read Soltech's Blog

What Are the Best Statement Plants and How Do You Style Them Indoors?

What Are the Best Statement Plants and How Do You Style Them Indoors?

A statement plant is one of the simplest ways to make a room feel finished, but the difference between a thriving focal point and a sad, leggy one usually comes down to light. Match the plant to your space, style it with intention, and supplement with a grow light when your favorite design spot falls short on sun.

Read more
What Are the Best Grow Lights for Different Plants?

What Are the Best Grow Lights for Different Plants?

Outdoor sunlight peaks at around 10,000 foot-candles, but a well-lit room indoors usually measures under 100. The best grow light for your plant comes down to matching the light's output and form to your plant's light category.

Read more
What Soil and Fertilizer Do Indoor Plants Need? A Beginner's Guide

What Soil and Fertilizer Do Indoor Plants Need? A Beginner's Guide

Healthy houseplants depend on 17 essential nutrients, and 14 of them come from the soil in the pot. The best setup for most indoor plants is a loose, well-draining soilless mix paired with a diluted, balanced fertilizer applied only while the plant is actively growing. This guide covers what goes into a good potting mix, how to read a fertilizer label, how often to feed, and how to spot the signs of too much of a good thing.

Read more