4 Beautiful Types Of Calathea To Try

Calathea varieties boast vivid leaf patterns and colorful undersides. They are a popular indoor houseplant for those who take the time to learn and provide for their particular growing needs. Here is a stunning collection of Calathea varieties and what they need to thrive.

Beautiful Types of Calathea to Try

Some Calathea varieties are the most decorative houseplants you can grow. The leaves are often green or silver with splashes of color and geometric designs. In many types of Calathea, the undersides of the leaves feature maroon or purple coloring. With common names like rattlesnake plant or peacock plant, you know these are unusual foliage specimens.

Some Calathea types are grown outdoors in USDA zones 11 and 12, but they have specific care needs when grown indoors. Providing high humidity, bright but indirect light, and moist, well-draining soil are all critical for Calathea plants to thrive. During winter, water and fertilizer need to be reduced.

Calatheas are often called “prayer plants” because the leaves fold up at night on some species. This phenomenon is known as nyctinasty, a movement in response to light changes. Some prayer plants fold up their leaves at night in response to the onset of darkness, then open the leaves again in the morning when the sun rises.

Up Your Houseplant Game With These Calathea Varieties

Here are a few of the standout varieties and cultivars to add to your houseplant collection.

1. Goeppertia roseopicta "Dottie" is a bold Calathea variety with nearly black leaves that are punctuated with pink variegation. Discovered in Florida in 2000, "Dottie" can quickly grow to 18 inches (0.5 m) tall and wide. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not saturated, and place it near a bright window away from drafts. All Calatheas need high humidity, so place them on a wet pebble tray or add a humidifier to the room. You can find Dottie calatheas in the GKH shop.
2. Calathea crotalifera (syn. Calathea insignis) boasts large, dark green leaves, with a lighter green line along the midrib, but is best known for its yellow inflorescence that resembles a baby rattle, giving it the common name of “rattle shaker.” It is native to South American rainforests but is commonly grown indoors in less tropical areas. Unfortunately, the yellow “rattles” probably won't bloom indoors. It is also called “rattlesnake plant” for the pattern on its leaves that is reminiscent of a rattler.
3. Goeppertia picturata (syn. Calathea picturata) is a Brazil native plant with boldly colored and patterned leaves that form clumps up to 16 inches tall (0.4 m). This high-maintenance houseplant thrives in high humidity, warm temperatures, and consistently moist soil. Outdoors in USDA zones 11-12, plant this Calathea in moist shade.
   1. "Argentea" is marked by silvery green leaves surrounded by dark green outer edges, and the undersides of the leaves are a plum color.
   2. "Crimson" leaves feature a dramatic pink center surrounded by a dark green edge.
   3. "Vandenheckei" sports oval green leaves marked by a feathery silver midrib and white zigzagging near the edges. The leaf undersides are purple.
4. Goeppertia zebrina (syn. Calathea zebrina) is also called the zebra plant for its striking leaf pattern of dark green alternating with lime green. The dark stripes fade to forked ends. The undersides of the leaves are a purplish color. Zebra plants can grow up to 3 feet (0.9 m) tall and wide. Each stem and leaf can extend 20 inches (0.5 m). Native to Brazil and hardy in US zones 10 and 11, this Calathea also needs high humidity, consistent moisture, and fertile soil to thrive.

Problems

Meeting the plant's needs for moist soil, high humidity, and indirect sunlight will keep your Calathea happy. However, in times of stress, watch out for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites which can be controlled with Neem oil.

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