Calathea undulata 'Wavestar' (Wavestar Calathea)

Elevate your indoor space with the bold texture and vibrant colour of Calathea undulata 'Wavestar', a stunning member of the popular prayer plant family. This remarkable Calathea is instantly recognisable by its large, elongated leaves featuring highly pronounced, wavy edges, which give the plant its characteristic dramatic flair. The leaf tops are a luminous, rich green, sometimes patterned with subtle darker stripes, while the undersides reveal a deep, velvety purple-red. With its striking two-toned foliage and unique movement (leaves fold up at night), the 'Wavestar' is a tropical masterpiece that brings life and sophisticated drama to any well-lit room.

Plant Placement Area:

• Bright, indirect light: Thrives best in bright, filtered sunlight, such as near an east or north-facing window, or set back from a south or west-facing window. Direct sun will quickly scorch and bleach the leaves.

• Warm and stable: Prefers consistent average room temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F). Avoid cold drafts or placement near heating/cooling vents.

• High humidity: Needs high humidity (ideally 50% or more) to prevent the leaf margins from turning brown and crispy. Ideal spots include bright bathrooms, kitchens, or next to a humidifier.

• Indoor only: Strictly an indoor houseplant in non-tropical climates.

Benefits:

• Distinctive wavy foliage: The strong, undulating leaf margins provide unique texture and visual interest.

• Vibrant two-toned colour: The contrasting rich green tops and deep purple-red undersides add sophisticated colour to your space.

• Air purifier: Helps to filter common household toxins from the air.

• Pet-friendly: Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for households with pets.

• Dramatically decorative: A true statement plant that commands attention.

Watering Tips:

• Keep consistently moist: Water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil begins to feel dry. It dislikes drying out completely.

• Avoid tap water: Highly sensitive to chlorine, fluoride, and mineral salts in tap water, which causes the leaf tips and edges to turn brown. Always use distilled, filtered, or collected rainwater.

• Ensure drainage: Never let the plant sit in standing water, as this will lead to root rot.

Care Tips:

• Increase humidity: Use a humidifier, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or mist regularly (though misting alone is often insufficient for a high-humidity lover).

• Soil: Use a high-quality, free-draining potting mix that retains moisture well, such as a mix designed for tropical plants.

• Fertilize sparingly: Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the spring and summer growing season. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

• Cleaning: Gently wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and maximize light absorption.

• Repotting: Repot infrequently, typically every 1-2 years, when the plant becomes root-bound, using a pot only one size larger.

Light Level:

• Bright Indirect Light: Essential for maintaining vibrant colours and healthy growth.

• Avoid Direct Sun: Will result in bleached, burnt, and damaged leaves.

• Avoid Low Light: Will cause leaves to lose their deep colours, stems to become leggy, and growth to slow dramatically.

Toxicity:

• Non-toxic to pets: Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), making it one of the safer foliage plants for pet owners.

Metafields for Calathea undulata 'Wavestar'

• Plant Characteristics:

  • Value: Wavy Leaves, Two-Toned Foliage, Upright Clumping, Air Purifying, Prayer Plant

• Class:

  • Value: Houseplant, Foliage Plant, Tropical Plant

• Suitable Space:

  • Value: Bright Living Room, Humid Bathroom, Office, Bedroom

• Sunlight:

  • Value: Bright Indirect Light

• Tag:

  • Value: Easy Care (Humidity Sensitive), Tropical, Pet Safe, Air Purifying, Unique Foliage, Statement Plant, High Humidity