Most plants sold as “calathea” are now classified as Goeppertia. NC State Extension explains that genetic studies moved many species out of Calathea, although labels and books still use the old name. The RHS adds that plants sold under the calathea umbrella also include two other genera, Ctenanthe and Stromanthe. All belong to the prayer plant family, Marantaceae, and most fold their leaves upward at night.

The range has grown fast. UF/IFAS Extension notes that in 1975 only three species were commonly grown in the US: C. insignis, C. makoyana and C. roseopicta. Below are the species you are most likely to find, how to recognise them, and where their care differs.

Calathea types at a glance

Names, leaf descriptions and sizes are from NC State Extension species profiles. Heights are for houseplants.

Sold asBotanical nameLeavesHeight
Calathea orbifoliaGoeppertia orbifoliaRound, up to 30 cm (12 in) across; dark green with silver-green stripes60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
Peacock plant, C. makoyanaG. makoyanaOval, pale green to cream with dark green veins, edges and midrib blotches; reddish-purple beneath30–60 cm (1–2 ft)
Rattlesnake plant, C. lancifoliaG. insignisLong and narrow, up to 45 cm (18 in), wavy edges; light green with alternating dark spots; purple beneathAbout 45 cm (1½ ft)
Rose-painted calathea, C. roseopictaG. roseopictaGlossy, deep green with pink or cream “painted” midrib and veins30–60 cm (1–2 ft)
Zebra plant, C. zebrinaG. zebrinaVelvety dark green with light green stripes, up to 45 cm (18 in)Up to 90 cm (3 ft)
Pinstripe calathea, C. ornataG. ornataDark green with thin pale pinkish-white stripes; purplish beneath30–90 cm (1–3 ft)
Eternal flame, C. crocataG. crocataDark green, purple or maroon beneath; yellow-orange flower bracts50–86 cm (1 ft 8 in–2 ft 10 in)
Furry feather or velvet calathea, C. rufibarbaG. rufibarbaGlossy green, up to 25 cm (10 in), purplish beneath; reddish hairs on stalks and undersides60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
Network or mosaic calathea, C. musaicaG. kegeljaniiFine mosaic-like pattern30–60 cm (1–2 ft)
C. lietzei, ‘White Fusion’G. lietzeiDark green with light green stripes; ‘White Fusion’ marbled white, green and purpleUp to 40 cm (16 in)
Jungle velvet, C. warszewicziiG. warszewicziiLarge, soft, velvety, feather-patterned50 cm–1.2 m (1 ft 8 in–4 ft)

Round and banded leaves: orbifolia

G. orbifolia comes from the rainforests of eastern Brazil. Its round leaves, up to 30 cm (12 in) across, are dark green with silver-green bands and a pale underside. NC State describes a compact, upright clump, sized for a tabletop or floor spot.

It is one of the more exacting species. NC State asks for at least 60% humidity, steady 18–24 °C (65–75 °F) and distilled water or rainwater, because fluoride in tap water browns leaf tips. See our calathea orbifolia care guide.

Feathered and painted leaves

Peacock plant (G. makoyana). Papery, oval leaves on long stalks, patterned like a peacock’s tail with purple undersides. Native to south-eastern Brazil. NC State suggests dividing it every two years to keep it vigorous.

Rose-painted calathea (G. roseopicta). The pattern looks brushed on in pink or cream along the midrib and veins. NC State lists cultivars including ‘Dottie’ (pink midrib and feathering), ‘Medallion’ (silver stripes, purple beneath), ‘Rosy’ (bright pink leaves with green edges) and ‘Cynthia’.

Pinstripe calathea (G. ornata). Young leaves are bright green with fine pink-white pinstripes and darken with age. Cultivars include ‘Sanderiana’ (thin pink stripes) and ‘Roseolineata’ (pale pink lines).

Network calathea (G. kegeljanii). Formerly sold as C. musaica. It tolerates a slightly wider range, 16–27 °C (60–80 °F), but still needs at least 60% humidity.

‘White Fusion’ (G. lietzei). NC State calls it highly prized, with each leaf variegated differently in white, green and purple. It is compact, up to 40 cm (16 in).

Spotted and striped leaves

Rattlesnake plant (G. insignis). This is the plant sold as Calathea lancifolia. NC State describes long, slender leaves up to 45 cm (18 in) with wavy edges and dark ovals on each side of the midrib. It tolerates early morning or diffused sun but not full sun. NC State warns it can be difficult because of its humidity needs.

Zebra plant (G. zebrina). Velvety, dark green leaves with light green stripes along the veins, on a plant up to 90 cm (3 ft). It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. If it summers outdoors, NC State says to bring it in before temperatures drop below 16 °C (60 °F).

Velvet leaves and flowers

Furry feather calathea (G. rufibarba). Named for the reddish hairs on its stems and leaf undersides; the RHS notes its velvet-textured leaves.

Eternal flame (G. crocata). Grown for flowers, which most species rarely produce indoors. Yellow or orange bracts on long stalks rise above the leaves in spring and summer. NC State gives a warmer range, 18–27 °C (65–80 °F), with 60% humidity.

Jungle velvet (G. warszewiczii). The largest here, from Costa Rica and Nicaragua. NC State notes it can flower indoors, which is unusual for the genus.

Look-alikes: Stromanthe, Ctenanthe and Maranta

Stromanthe (Stromanthe thalia, sold as S. sanguinea). Glossy, dark green leaves up to 50 cm (20 in) long with burgundy undersides, on a plant 60–90 cm (2–3 ft) tall indoors. NC State lists ‘Triostar’ (white, cream and pink variegation with pink to burgundy undersides) and ‘Magic Star’. Direct sun scorches the leaves.

Never never plant (Ctenanthe oppenheimiana). Up to about 1 m (3 ft) tall. The usual form is ‘Tricolor’, with creamy white bands and burgundy undersides. NC State notes it reacts to mineral and salt build-up from tap water with brown leaf tips. The RHS adds that branching Ctenanthe such as C. pilosa ‘Golden Mosaic’ can be grown from stem cuttings. Clump-forming calatheas are divided instead.

Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura). A different genus that often gets confused with calathea. NC State describes a low plant, 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall, with red fishbone veins on some forms. It tolerates low to medium light and is often grown in hanging baskets. Our calathea vs maranta guide covers how to tell them apart.

Care that applies to all of them

NC State and the RHS agree on the basics:

  • Light: bright, indirect light. The RHS suggests a north- or east-facing window in summer and a south-facing sill in winter. It notes that low light causes weak growth, especially in Goeppertia.
  • Temperature: steady warmth, no draughts or radiators. NC State gives 18–24 °C (65–75 °F) for most species; the RHS gives 16–21 °C (61–70 °F).
  • Humidity: most NC State species profiles ask for 60% or more. Use a humidifier or a tray of wet pebbles.
  • Water quality: NC State recommends distilled water or rainwater. The RHS says calatheas tolerate tap water left to stand for 24 hours. See calathea water quality sensitivity.
  • Watering: keep the mix moist but never soggy, and empty saucers. Overwatering causes root rot.
  • Propagation: divide the clump in spring.

When something goes wrong, the symptom guides help: curling leaves, drooping and sunburn. If the leaves move up and down, that is normal; see calathea leaf movement. Full care is in our calathea and Goeppertia care guide.

Pets

The ASPCA lists Calathea species as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and lists the rattlesnake plant (Calathea insignis) separately as non-toxic. Stromanthe and Ctenanthe do not appear on the ASPCA list. NC State notes possible contact dermatitis for G. lietzei and G. kegeljanii, so wear gloves if your skin reacts when dividing them.

References