Types of Calathea (Guide to Different Calathea Varieties)

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the different types of Calathea plants. Calatheas are known for their stunning foliage patterns, vibrant colors, and unique characteristics. In this article, we will explore the various Calathea varieties, including their names, features, and care requirements. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, this guide will help you discover the beauty and diversity of Calathea species.

Key Takeaways:

• Calatheas come in a wide range of varieties, each with its own unique features and care requirements.
• Popular types of Calathea include Calathea ornata, Calathea lancifolia, Calathea orbifolia, Calathea makoyana, Calathea roseopicta, and Calathea zebrina.
• Each Calathea variety has its own distinct foliage pattern, coloration, and size.
• Proper care for Calatheas includes providing bright indirect light, maintaining high humidity levels, and watering consistently.
• Calatheas can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on the specific variety and climate.

Calathea Ornata (Pinstripe Plant)

The Calathea ornata, commonly known as the Pinstripe Plant, is a stunning variety native to Colombia and Venezuela. It gets its name from the beautiful pink stripes that adorn its dark green leaves, creating a striking contrast. The undersides of the leaves have a maroon hue, adding further visual appeal to this plant. These distinctive features make the Calathea ornata a popular choice among plant enthusiasts.

The Pinstripe Plant is known for its relatively easy care requirements, making it suitable for both experienced and novice plant owners. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and prefers a slightly humid environment. This plant is a great addition to any indoor space and can be grown in pots or as part of a larger plant collection.

With its eye-catching foliage and ease of care, the Calathea ornata is a perfect choice for those looking to add some tropical charm to their homes or offices. Its unique appearance and low maintenance needs make it a favorite among plant lovers worldwide.

“The Calathea ornata, or Pinstripe Plant, is a true statement-maker with its bold pink stripes and dark green leaves. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.” – Plant Enthusiast

Table: Care Requirements for Calathea Ornata

Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant)

Calathea lancifolia, also known as the Rattlesnake Plant, is a stunning Brazilian species that captivates with its unique foliage markings. The plant gets its name from the pattern on its large, oval leaves, which bears a striking resemblance to the skin of a rattlesnake. The contrasting colors and intricate design make the Rattlesnake Plant a true standout among Calathea varieties.

One of the notable features of Calathea lancifolia is its relative ease of care. Unlike some other Calatheas, the Rattlesnake Plant is more forgiving when it comes to environmental conditions and maintenance. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and prefers well-draining soil. Keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged is essential for its healthy growth.

To provide optimal conditions for Calathea lancifolia, it is crucial to maintain adequate humidity levels. The plant appreciates higher humidity, so misting its leaves regularly or placing it on a pebble tray filled with water can help create a humid microclimate. This is especially important in dry environments or during the winter months when indoor air tends to be drier.

Key Care Tips for Calathea Lancifolia:

• Place in medium to bright indirect light.
• Use well-draining soil and keep the soil consistently moist.
• Maintain higher humidity levels by misting the leaves or using a pebble tray.
• Avoid direct sunlight and cold drafts.
• Regularly prune any yellow or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth.

“The Rattlesnake Plant, with its captivating foliage pattern, adds a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor space.”

Calathea Orbifolia

One of the stunning varieties of Calathea is the Calathea Orbifolia, also known as Goeppertia Orbifolia. This Brazilian native plant features large, bright green leaves with subtle silvery stripes, creating a visually captivating effect. The foliage of Calathea Orbifolia adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any indoor space.

Calathea Orbifolia is highly sought after for its impressive size. When mature, this plant can reach a height of up to 2 to 2.5 feet, making it a statement piece in any room. Its broad leaves provide a lush and vibrant presence, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your interior decor.

In terms of care, Calathea Orbifolia requires a bright, indirect light setting. It thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, so misting the leaves regularly or placing the plant near a humidifier can help maintain the ideal environment. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot. With the right care, Calathea Orbifolia can thrive and continue to beautify your living space.

Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant)

Calathea makoyana, also known as the Peacock Plant, is a stunning variety of Calathea that captures attention with its striking resemblance to the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of peacock feathers. This Brazilian native features large, elongated leaves with rich green hues and unique markings that resemble the eye-like patterns found on the feathers of peacocks.

The foliage of the Calathea makoyana is adorned with dark green ovals that are bordered by lighter green hues, creating a visually captivating display. The underside of the leaves showcases a deep maroon color, adding depth and contrast to the overall appearance of the plant. The combination of these colors and patterns make the Peacock Plant a true standout in any indoor space.

The Calathea makoyana is a striking variety that adds a touch of elegance to any space with its peacock feather-like markings and vibrant foliage.

When it comes to care, the Calathea makoyana requires attention to its specific needs. This variety thrives in moderate to bright indirect light, making it ideal for placement near a window with filtered sunlight. It prefers a well-draining potting mix and regular watering to maintain proper soil moisture levels.

Key Features of Calathea Makoyana:

• Striking resemblance to peacock feathers
• Large, elongated leaves with rich green hues
• Unique markings resembling eye-like patterns
• Dark green ovals bordered by lighter green hues
• Deep maroon undersides of leaves

The Calathea makoyana is a captivating addition to any plant collection, bringing a touch of nature’s beauty indoors with its peacock-inspired foliage. With proper care and attention, this variety can thrive and continue to mesmerize with its stunning appearance.

Calathea Roseopicta (Rose-painted Calathea)

Calathea roseopicta, also known as the Rose-painted Calathea, is a stunning variety of Calathea native to western South America and western Brazil. This beautiful plant is highly sought after for its vibrant and eye-catching leaves, making it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts.

The Calathea roseopicta features large, broad leaves with bold patterns that resemble brush strokes of pink and white against a dark green background. The stunning contrast of colors adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any indoor space. This variety is known for its ability to create a striking focal point and enhance the visual appeal of any room.

When it comes to care, the Calathea roseopicta requires a warm and humid environment. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light, making it an ideal choice for areas with filtered sunlight. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Additionally, misting the leaves regularly or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water can help maintain the desired humidity levels.

Goeppertia roseopicta Table

With its stunning foliage and relatively low maintenance requirements, the Calathea roseopicta is an excellent choice for both experienced plant enthusiasts and beginners. Its striking appearance and ability to purify the air make it a perfect addition to any home or office environment.

Calathea Zebrina (Zebra Plant)

The Calathea Zebrina, also known as the Zebra Plant, is a stunning variety of the Calathea genus. With its zebra-like stripes on the foliage, this plant brings a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor space. The Calathea Zebrina is native to Brazil and is prized for its unique and eye-catching appearance.

This variety of Calathea is known for its large, elongated leaves with contrasting dark green and light green stripes that resemble zebra patterns. The underside of the leaves is usually purple, adding to its overall visual appeal. The Calathea Zebrina can grow up to 2 to 3 feet in height, making it a statement plant that can easily become the focal point of any room.

When it comes to care requirements, the Calathea Zebrina prefers bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires regular watering to keep the soil slightly moist. It is important to avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to dry out completely, as this can cause damage to the plant.

With its striking appearance and relatively easy care, the Calathea Zebrina is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. Whether you place it in a living room, office, or bedroom, this plant is sure to add a touch of elegance and intrigue to your indoor space.

Calathea Crocata (Eternal Flame Plant)

Calathea crocata, also known as the Eternal Flame Plant, is a stunning variety of Calathea native to Brazil. It gets its name from the vibrant orange flowers that resemble flickering flames. This plant is a true showstopper and adds a pop of color to any space.

The foliage of Calathea crocata features large, glossy leaves in shades of green, which provide an excellent backdrop for the striking flowers. The orange blooms emerge from tall stalks and create a beautiful contrast against the lush foliage. The flowers of the Eternal Flame Plant can last for several weeks, making it a long-lasting and captivating addition to your indoor garden.

“The vibrant orange flowers of Calathea crocata make it a standout among other Calathea varieties. Its striking blooms add warmth and brightness to any room, making it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts.”

When it comes to care, Calathea crocata prefers bright, indirect light to thrive. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Maintaining a humid environment is also crucial for this variety, as it is native to tropical climates. You can achieve this by placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water or using a humidifier.

Overall, Calathea crocata is a stunning plant with its fiery orange flowers and lush foliage. Its captivating beauty and relatively easy care requirements make it a favorite among indoor gardeners. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, the Eternal Flame Plant is sure to add a touch of vibrancy and elegance to your home.

Calathea Warscewiczii (Jungle Velvet Plant)

Calathea warscewiczii, commonly known as the Jungle Velvet Plant, is a stunning variety of Calathea native to Central America. Its deep green leaves, with their velvety texture, create a lush and tropical feel wherever it is placed. This plant is highly sought after for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in indoor environments.

The Jungle Velvet Plant features large, ovate leaves that can grow up to 12 inches long. The upper surface of the leaves is a deep green color, while the undersides display a rich burgundy hue. The velvety texture of the leaves adds to its overall visual appeal, making it a standout among other Calathea varieties.

Similar to other Calatheas, the Jungle Velvet Plant requires specific care to ensure its well-being. It prefers bright, indirect light and thrives in warm and humid conditions. It is important to maintain consistent moisture in the soil, without overwatering. Providing a humid environment through misting or using a humidifier can help keep the foliage looking its best.

Key Features of Calathea Warscewiczii (Jungle Velvet Plant)

• Deep green leaves with a velvety texture
• Burgundy undersides
• Large, ovate leaves that can reach up to 12 inches in length
• Thrives in bright, indirect light
• Requires consistent moisture and a humid environment

“The Jungle Velvet Plant stands out for its deep green, velvety leaves that bring a touch of luxury to any space.”

Calathea Musaica (Network Plant)

Calathea musaica, also known as the Network Plant, is a stunning foliage plant native to Brazil. This variety is known for its unique and intricate patterns on the leaves, which resemble a network. The delicate network-like veins create a mesmerizing visual display, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

The Network Plant is a relatively small Calathea variety, growing up to 12 inches in height. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller spaces like apartments or offices. The leaves are elongated and have a beautiful green color, with darker green patterns extending from the center vein to the edges, creating a network-like appearance.

When it comes to care, the Calathea musaica prefers bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn its delicate leaves, so placing it near a window with filtered light is ideal. It also thrives in high humidity, so misting the leaves or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water can help create a more humid environment.

Overall, the Calathea musaica is an exquisite plant that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any indoor space. Its intricate network-like patterns make it a captivating choice for plant enthusiasts who appreciate unique foliage. With the right care and attention, the Network Plant can thrive and bring joy to its owner for years to come.

Conclusion

Calatheas, with their wide range of varieties, offer a stunning array of colors, patterns, and sizes to suit every plant lover’s taste. From the elegant stripes of the Calathea ornata to the intricate network-like patterns of the Calathea musaica, each variety has its own unique beauty.

It’s important to remember that Calatheas have specific care requirements, including proper lighting, watering, and humidity levels. By providing the right conditions, you can enjoy the vibrant foliage or beautiful blooms that these plants have to offer.

Whether you choose the Calathea crocata with its brilliant orange flowers or the Calathea warscewiczii with its velvety green leaves, incorporating Calatheas into your home or garden will bring a touch of natural beauty and elegance. So, explore the different Calathea varieties and find the perfect one that will enhance your space and bring you joy for years to come.