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Plant with green and white leaves on a pink background

Calathea ‘Flamestar’

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Goeppertia veitchiana 'Flamestar'

 KNOWN AS: Flamestar Calathea, Flamestar Prayer Plant

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Ecuador | Tropical Rainforest

DESCRIPTION: The Flamestar is a masterpiece of natural pattern design. It features large, round, glossy leaves that look like they have a "flaming" inner leaf design. The center is a bright chartreuse green, surrounded by a dark forest-green feathered border, which is then encased in a final outer ring of lighter green with wavy, "flame-like" edges. The undersides are a brilliant, deep burgundy-purple.

Calathea ‘Flamestar’ Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

The Flamestar needs a precise balance of light to keep its intricate "inner leaf" pattern sharp.

The Goal: A spot that receives plenty of reflected light but zero direct rays.

Too Much Light: The green colors will fade to a pale, washed-out yellow, and the delicate wavy edges will curl and burn.

Low Light: The "flame" pattern in the center will become less distinct as the plant produces more chlorophyll (turning darker green) to compensate for the lack of energy.

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Watering

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

Like its cousins, the Flamestar is sensitive to chemicals.

Water Quality: If you use tap water, you will likely see "rust-colored" spots or brown edges. Distilled, rain, or filtered water is best for maintaining pristine foliage.

Consistency: It hates "wet feet" but refuses to be bone-dry. Water when the top half-inch of soil feels dry. If the leaves start to droop or the edges curl inward, it needs a drink immediately.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 80º

The Flamestar thrives in a "tropical-warm" environment.

The Danger: It is highly sensitive to cold shocks. Keep it away from AC vents, drafty windows, or doors that open to the outside in winter.

Stability: Constant temperatures lead to larger leaf growth. If it gets too cold (below 60°F), it may stop "praying" (moving its leaves at night).

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 60 - 80%; High Humidity

This plant comes from the humid understory of the Ecuadorian rainforest.

Dry Air Issues: In average home humidity, the wavy edges of the Flamestar will become brittle and turn brown.

The Solution: A humidifier is the best way to keep the leaves glossy and large. A humidity tray or a grouping of plants can help, but for a "perfect" Flamestar, 65%+ humidity is the target.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Like all Goeppertia, the Flamestar is propagated by division. How to Propagate: During spring repotting, gently separate the rhizomes (root clumps). Ensure each division has at least 2–3 healthy leaves. Aftercare: Place divisions in a high-humidity environment (like a clear bin) until you see new growth, as they are very prone to transplant shock.
Toxicity
Quick Warning: Non-Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. This plant is completely safe for a household with pets, though its beauty usually warrants keeping it on a pedestal out of "paws-reach."
Repotting
When to Repot: Every 1–2 years in the spring. Choose a Pot: A pot 1–2 inches larger with excellent drainage. The Crown: Do not bury the stems too deep; keep the crown at the same level it was in the previous pot to avoid rot.
Pruning
Movement: It is a prayer plant! Expect the leaves to rise and fall significantly every 24 hours. Cleaning: The glossy leaves are dust magnets. Wipe them once a month with a soft, damp cloth to keep the "flame" pattern looking bright. Grooming: Snip off yellow or brown lower leaves at the very base of the stem with sterilized shears.
Fertilizer
Quick Tip: Fertilize regularly but with a very "weak" solution. What to Use: A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) diluted to 1/4 strength. When to Apply: Every 3–4 weeks during the spring and summer (growing season). Safety First: Never apply fertilizer to bone-dry soil. Always ensure the soil is slightly damp before feeding to prevent "fertilizer burn" on the roots. Winter: Stop fertilizing completely during the winter months.
Soil
Ideal Mix: A "chunky" yet moisture-retentive aroid-style mix. Recommended Blend: 2 parts peat moss or coco coir, 1 part perlite, and 1 part orchid bark. This allows the roots to stay moist without being smothered.

Hanging Heights

Calathea ‘Flamestar’ 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 ‘Flamestar’

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Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Calathea ‘Flamestar’

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Calathea ‘Flamestar’

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Calathea ‘Flamestar’

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 12"

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

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

Aura Light Distances - Calathea ‘Flamestar’

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 0" to 8"

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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