A selection of plants from the Calathea genus that can be grown indoors successfully. Descriptions and caring advice for each species is provided.
Rose Painted Calathea – Calathea Roseopicta
The Rose painted calathea is a very popular species from this genus displaying a pink mid rib with pink stripes along the leaves. The green elliptic leaves are large and the plant grows up to approximately 50cm tall.
Zebra Plant – Calathea Zebrina
Displaying lush velvety oval shaped leaves, very similar in shape and size as the Rose painted calathea although usually longer and thinner in width. Named zebra plant because of its striped patterned leaves.
Eternal Flame – Calathea Crocata
The eternal flame is bought for its striking flower bracts rather than its foliage unlike other calathea plants. These flower bracts sit upright a few inches above the leaves when they’re in bloom.
Peacock Plant – Calathea Makoyana
This species, Peacock Plant is a popular Calathea also named Cathedral Windows because of its patterned leaves. Growing up to approximatley 2ft tall when cared for correctly.
Rattlesnake Plant – Calathea Lancifolia
A Calathea Lancifolia displayed for its striking foliage – named Rattlesnake. Easy to care for, although attention should be paid to humidity and temperatures for it to grow well and look attractive.
Pin Stripe Calathea – Calathea Ornata
The Ornata grows up to approximately 2ft tall displaying green leaves with light pink stripes. As with other Calatheas the underside of the leaves are purple in color.
Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four. She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has been published in a Scientific Journal, and loves to talk about her love of plants. For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you.
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