The world of Calathea plants is rich and varied, offering a plethora of options to adorn your indoor space. From the stunning foliage of the Medallion and Rosy varieties to the velvety texture of the Velvet Calathea, each type brings its own beauty. Whether you prefer the striking patterns of the Zebra Plant or the delicate beauty of the White Tiger, there’s a Calathea variety to suit every taste and style.
Different Types of Calathea Plants
Eclipse
Eclipse, scientifically known as Calathea roseopicta eclipse or Goeppertia roseopicta eclipse, is a tender perennial similar to Dottie or Rosy varieties. With a dark green face and a light green pattern circling the leaf’s rib, it exhibits a bright crimson underside. Native to Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, it’s a relatively new addition to the Calathea family, reclassified as a variation of Goeppertia roseopicta.
Ecuadoriana
Ecuadoriana, scientifically known as Calathea ecuadoriana or Goeppertia ecuadoriana, hails from Ecuador. Its dark green leaves feature a light, silvery-green pattern along the rib and outer flanks, with a bright pinky crimson underside. Thriving in bright indirect to filtered light, it’s a striking addition to any indoor garden. Reclassified as Goeppertia ecuadoriana.
Elliptica
Elliptica, scientifically named Calathea vittata or Goeppertia elliptica, originates from Brazilian rainforests, thriving in high humidity. While it blooms cream-colored flowers with lavender or fuchsia edges in the wild, as a houseplant, it’s known for its striking leaves featuring bursts of bright green on a dark green face. Also found in Venezuela, French Guiana, Guyana, and Colombia. Reclassified as Goeppertia elliptica.
Eternal Flame Plant
The Eternal Flame Plant, scientifically known as Calathea crocata or Goeppertia crocata, earns its name from its vibrant orange flowers. With dark green leaves slightly furled and deep maroon undersides, the bright blooms stand out against the foliage. Native to Brazil, its starburst-shaped flowers bloom on large stems directly above the leaves. Reclassified as Goeppertia crocata.
Fasciata
Fasciata, scientifically referred to as Calathea fasciata or Goeppertia fasciata, is a classic Calathea variety known for its deep green leaves with lime green rib variegation. Popular as a houseplant, it thrives in high humidity climates. Native to northeastern Brazil, it has been reclassified as Goeppertia fasciata.
Freddie
Freddie, also known as Calathea leopardina or Goeppertia concinna, is a popular choice for indoor gardening, especially for beginners. Its forgiving nature allows for easy adjustment and revival, making it a great starting point. With oblong leaves held up by long stems, it offers easy admiration. Native to southeastern Brazil, it’s a versatile and resilient houseplant.
Fucata
Fucata, scientifically known as Calathea fucata or Goeppertia fucata, boasts large leaves akin to the Freddie variety (Calathea leopardina), often causing confusion between the two. However, Fucata’s variegation is subtler, with lighter colors. Taller than many houseplant Calathea varieties, it hails from Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. Reclassified as Goeppertia fucata.
Gymnocarpa
Gymnocarpa, also called Calathea gymnocarpa or Goeppertia gymnocarpa, is lesser-known compared to other Calathea varieties. Its tall stems bear large, dark green leaves with minimal variegation, often hanging horizontally. Not a popular houseplant, it’s native to Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, and Colombia. Reclassified as Goeppertia gymnocarpa.
Helen Kennedy
Named after Helen Kennedy, a distinguished Calathea cultivator and researcher, the Helen Kennedy, or Calathea dressleri, is a rare variety native to Colombia and Panama. Reclassified as Goeppertia dressleri, it thrives in medium indirect light to shade, requiring frequent watering and high humidity.
Ice Blue
Ice Blue, scientifically named Calathea burle-marxii, is a medium-sized leaf variety named after the renowned Brazilian artist and landscape designer, Roberto Burle Marx. With v-shaped light and dark green lines adorning oval leaves, it’s ideal for indoor spaces. Native to Brazil, it’s also known as the “Fishbone Prayer Plant.”
Jungle Velvet
Jungle Velvet, scientifically known as Calathea warscewiczii, earns its name from its soft, velvety leaves. Growing up to four feet tall, its green fishtail-patterned leaves showcase purple undersides. Similar to Prayer Plants, its leaves respond to temperature and light. In season, delicate cream flower cones adorn the plant. Native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
Lotus Pink
Lotus Pink, scientifically named Calathea loeseneri or Goeppertia loeseneri, derives its name from soft pink lotus-shaped blooms. Its vibrant light green leaves sport white or pale green midribs. Native to North Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, it thrives in bright indirect light. Reclassified as Goeppertia loeseneri.
Macrosepala
Macrosepala, scientifically referred to as Calathea macrosepala or Goeppertia macrosepala, is a tropical Calathea variety with bright green foliage. Native to Central America, its flowers are used in cuisine, adding flavor to dishes like soup. Its leaves are also utilized to wrap food such as tamales, while its dried tuberous roots contain starch and protein. Reclassified as Goeppertia macrosepala.
Marantifolia
Marantifolia, scientifically named Calathea marantifolia or Goeppertia marantifolia, is recognized for its striking bright yellow or white pointed flowers. Resembling banana leaves, its large, broad leaves have thin stalks. Native to Central America and Ecuador, it prefers medium to bright indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Reclassified as Goeppertia marantifolia.
Medallion
Medallion, scientifically known as Calathea veitchiana or Goeppertia veitchiana, is a beloved houseplant celebrated for its stunning variegated leaves. Native to Ecuador, it can grow up to 3 feet tall, thriving in medium indirect light to shade. Reclassified as Goeppertia veitchiana.
Micans
Micans, scientifically termed Calathea micans or Goeppertia micans, is a tropical perennial resembling a miniature Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconera). Lacking the variegation of its larger counterpart, it thrives in medium to bright indirect light. Native to Central and South America, reclassified as Goeppertia micans.
Misto
Misto, scientifically known as Calathea louisae misto or Goeppertia louisae misto, is a hybrid variation of Calathea louisae, developed as a specific houseplant variety. Its leaves boast a striking light green and dark green variation, adding to its allure. Thriving in medium to bright indirect light, it’s a wonderful addition to any indoor space.
Network Plant
The Network Plant, scientifically named Calathea musaica or Goeppertia kegeljanii, earns its name from its intricate leaf pattern resembling a mosaic. Native to southeastern Brazil, it thrives in medium indirect light to shade, adding a unique touch to indoor spaces. Reclassified as Goeppertia kegeljanii.
Peacock Plant
The Peacock Plant, scientifically known as Calathea makoyana or Goeppertia makoyana, is a popular houseplant adored for its stunning leaf pattern resembling peacock feathers. Native to southeastern Brazil, it thrives in medium indirect light to shade, making it an ideal indoor decoration piece.
Pinstripe Plant
The Pinstripe Plant, scientifically termed Calathea ornata pinstripe or Goeppertia ornata, features two variations. The albolineata boasts light green or nearly white thin stripes, while the roseolineata flaunts bright but pale pink lines on its leaves. Native to Colombia and Venezuela, reclassified as a variation of Goeppertia ornata.
Prayer Plant
Often confused with Calathea, the Prayer Plant belongs to the Maranta family, scientifically named Maranta leuconera. Despite this confusion, it shares similarities with Calathea, including leaves that fold up at night and unfold in the morning. With hanging leaves, it grows up to 12 inches tall, thriving in medium to bright indirect light.
Rattlesnake Plant – Crotalifera
The Rattlesnake Plant, Calathea crotalifera, is one of two Calathea varieties known by this name. Its striking yellow flower resembles the tail of a rattlesnake, growing up to 10 inches long. Native to Mexico, Central and South America, it thrives in medium to bright indirect light and is well-established in Hawaii.
Rattlesnake Plant – Lancifolia
The Rattlesnake Plant, Calathea lancifolia or Goeppertia insignis, is another variety sharing this common name, distinct from Calathea crotalifera. Named for its leaf pattern resembling a rattlesnake’s skin, its long, pointed leaves feature a dark green stemmed design on light green leaves with a deep purple underside. Ideal as a houseplant, native to southeastern Brazil.
Rosy
The Rosy variety of Calathea roseopicta, scientifically known as Calathea roseopicta rosy or Goeppertia roseopicta rosy, is among the most sought-after houseplants, alongside Dottie. Once rare, it’s now widely cultivated due to increasing popularity. Native to Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, it thrives in medium to bright indirect light.
Round-Leaf
The Round-Leaf Calathea, scientifically known as Calathea orbifolia or Goeppertia orbifolia, is a favored houseplant variety. Its rounded leaves, typically medium to light green, feature lighter green variegation along the rib and outer flanks. Easier to care for compared to other Calathea varieties, it hails from Brazil’s northeast and southeast regions.
Silver Plate
The Silver Plate, a variant of Calathea roseopicta. It has medium green leaves adorned with a silvery-green jagged stripe along the leaf’s rib. Growing close to the ground, it reaches about 12 inches tall. Native to Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, this variety is reclassified as Goeppertia roseopicta.
Stromanthifolia
The Calathea stromanthifolia, native to Bolivia, features oblong leaves with thin purple stems. Dark green patterns spread from the leaf’s rib over a matte, silvery-green backdrop. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia stromanthifolia.
Thai Beauty
The Thai Beauty, or Calathea louisae, stands out with its pointed, ruffled leaves showcasing shades of white, lime green, jade, and dark green. Its underside boasts a deep purple hue. Native to southeast Brazil, this plant is now classified as Goeppertia louisae.
Undulata
The Calathea undulata is a petite variety often found near the forest floor in tropical regions. Its leaves feature a light, silvery-green stripe along the rib, set against a solid dark green background. This diminutive plant hails from North Brazil, Peru, and Colombia and has been reclassified as Goeppertia undulata.
Velvet
The Velvet Calathea, or Calathea rufibarba, earns its name from its velvety textured leaves, a standout feature within the Calathea family. Its distinctively ruffled feather shape has also earned it the moniker “Fluffy Feather Plant.” Native to northeastern Brazil, this variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia rufibarba.
White Fusion
The Calathea White Fusion, or Calathea lietzei, is renowned for its beautiful variegated leaf pattern, featuring hues of white, light pink, light green, silver-green, and dark green. This plant, native to Brazil, adds an artistic touch to any space with its striking resemblance to a painted masterpiece. Now reclassified as Goeppertia lietzei.
White Star
The Calathea majestica, also known as White Star. It has large leaves adorned with a delicate white striped pattern. Resembling the Pinstripe Plant, its variegation varies, ranging from striped to covering the entire leaf face with outward white stripes. This popular houseplant is native to Colombia and has been reclassified as Goeppertia majestica.
White Tiger
The White Tiger, scientifically known as Calathea albertii, displays subtle streaks of pink, light green, and white on its leaves, akin to the White Fusion variety. However, its color palette is more muted, with understated white and pink streaks in the pattern. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia albertii.
Wiotii
The Calathea wiotii, or Goeppertia wiotii, is a favored houseplant due to its small size and striking leaf pattern. With rounded leaves featuring a blend of light and dark green hues, it adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.
Zebra Plant
The Zebra Plant, also known as Calathea Zebrina or Goeppertia zebrina, is cherished for its long, oval leaves adorned with striped patterns resembling a zebra’s markings. This variety thrives indoors, adding a touch of exotic beauty to any space.
Anulque
Calathea anulque, scientifically named Calathea anulque, is an evergreen perennial reaching 24 to 34 inches in height. Thriving in high humidity, it requires frequent watering and indirect sunlight. Endemic to Ecuador, this tropical variant boasts bud-like flowers, turning bright orange when in full bloom. Rarely flowering indoors, they reflect their origins in the tropical mountain forests.
Argentea
Argentea, also known as Calathea picturata or Goeppertia picturata, is a tender perennial growing up to 24 inches tall. Available in silver or crimson varieties, with the latter being rarer. The silver type features silvery green centers bordered by dark green, with burgundy undersides. Originating from North Brazil, it has been reclassified as Goeppertia picturata.
Bachemiana
Bachemiana, scientifically named Calathea bachemiana or Goeppertia bachemiana, is an evergreen perennial originating from Brazil. Known for its hardiness among Calathea species, its leaves are thicker and feel leathery. Thriving in shade, it can tolerate lower temperatures but requires high humidity mimicking its tropical forest habitat. Reclassified as Goeppertia bachemiana.
Beauty Star
Beauty Star, scientifically named Calathea ornata or Goeppertia ornata, is a herbaceous perennial boasting captivating leaf patterns. Close to the Pinstripe Plant, it features varying colored stripes like white, pink, light and dark green. Native to Colombia and Venezuela, it’s revered for its aesthetic appeal. Reclassified as Goeppertia ornata.
Bijao
Bijao, scientifically known as Calathea latifolia or Goeppertia latifolia, is a tender perennial native to Panama. It typically grows between 40 to 80 inches tall with large, thin leaves and pinkish-purple blooms. Commonly found by roadsides in Panama, Venezuela, Trinidad, and Colombia, it thrives in tropical climates. Its roots produce edible tubers, and its large leaves are used for wrapping fish or weaving baskets.
Cigar Plant
The Cigar Plant, scientifically named Calathea lutea, earns its moniker from its cigar-shaped flowers. Typically an outdoor plant due to its massive size, it can reach up to 156 inches tall in the wild. Its large leaves shoot out from individual stems, contributing to its towering stature.
Corona
Corona, scientifically referred to as Calathea roseopicta corona or Goeppertia roseopicta corona, is a sought-after plant among collectors. Featuring a silvery-green center bordered by dark green, its stems and undersides boast a deep pinky-crimson hue typical of the Calathea family. Resembling the Cynthia variety inversely, it has recently gained popularity. Reclassified as a variation of Goeppertia roseopicta.
Dottie
Dottie, scientifically referred to as Calathea roseopicta dottie or Goeppertia roseopicta dottie, is a popular and widely available Calathea variety. With dark green broad leaves adorned with delicate pink patterns around the central face, it thrives in indirect light or shade, reminiscent of its native Brazilian forest habitat. Reclassified as a variation of Goeppertia roseopicta.
