Calathea setosa « Étoile d'Argent »

Calathea setosa ‘Silver Star’ is an elegant ornamental variety from the Marantaceae family, mainly cultivated for its spectacular foliage, with a distinct pattern and silvery reflections. It is native to the tropical regions of South America, where it naturally grows in the shaded areas of forests, in conditions of high humidity.

🔹 Botanical characteristics:

• Habit: A perennial plant with compact growth, reaching heights of approximately 40–60 cm, ideal for pot cultivation as a decorative indoor plant.

• Leaves: Lanceolate, long and thin, with a pointed tip and fine edges. The leaf surface is soft and slightly velvety. The ‘Silver Star’ cultivar stands out for its unique coloration: a pale silver background crossed by dark green stripes that run symmetrically along the secondary veins. The underside of the leaf is intense violet-purple, typical of many Calatheas.

• Stems: Thin and erect, light-colored, supporting the leaves in a vertical position, giving the plant a neat and elegant appearance.

• Flowers: Under indoor conditions, flowering is rare and insignificant from a decorative point of view; the flowers are small, white or cream, hidden among the leaves.

🔹 Recommended growing conditions:

• Light: Prefers indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight can discolor the leaves and cause burns. In filtered light, the leaf pattern remains intense and contrasting.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. It is recommended to water with room temperature water, ideally without lime (filtered or rainwater), as Calathea is sensitive to salts and hard minerals.

• Soil: An airy substrate rich in organic matter, well-drained. A mix of peat and perlite is ideal.

• Humidity: Requires high atmospheric humidity (over 60%). It thrives excellently in bright bathrooms, large terrariums, or near a humidifier.

• Recommended temperatures: Prefers a warm and stable environment. It should be protected from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Some leaves may show defects/scars, but these do not affect the plant’s viability. Under optimal care conditions, new leaves will develop normally. 
Height including pot 35 cm