Complete Gardening
Explore the world of Calathea plants with these 15 stunning varieties. Known for their vibrant leaves and unique patterns, Calathea varieties can transform any home into an indoor paradise.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, these plants offer a blend of beauty and challenge with their specific care needs. In this guide, discover how to keep each variety thriving and enhance your living space with nature’s artistry.
1. Calathea Orbifolia
Calathea Orbifolia is renowned for its large, round leaves adorned with silver stripes. This striking plant thrives in high humidity and indirect light, making it a perfect indoor companion. Its foliage creates an air of elegance and tranquility in any room.
To keep your Calathea Orbifolia healthy, ensure it receives consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil. Use a humidifier or place it near a water source to maintain the humidity levels.
This plant’s graceful leaves fold at night, adding a dynamic element to your home decor. Its care may be challenging, but the visual reward is worth it.
2. Calathea Medallion
The Calathea Medallion is known for its striking round green leaves with a stunning purple underside. This plant prefers consistent moisture and filtered light to thrive. Its vibrant colors make it a standout attraction in any plant collection.
To maintain its beauty, water regularly to keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. A humidifier can enhance its growth by simulating its native tropical environment.
Place it in a spot with indirect sunlight to prevent the leaves from scorching. Calathea Medallion’s charm truly transforms any indoor space into a lush retreat.
3. Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant)
Calathea Makoyana, or the Peacock Plant, features elegant feather-like patterns that captivate the eye. Its leaves, with intricate designs, resemble the plumage of a peacock, hence the name.
This plant flourishes in environments with consistent moisture, so be sure to water it regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. It appreciates a position with bright, indirect light.
Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to fade. With its stunning appearance, the Peacock Plant adds a touch of sophisticated beauty to any room.
4. Calathea Roseopicta (Rose Painted Calathea)
Calathea Roseopicta, or Rose Painted Calathea, is a visual delight with its dark green leaves and striking pinkish veins. It thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity, mimicking its natural habitat.
Maintain a humid environment using a humidifier, and place it in a location with soft, indirect lighting to protect its vibrant coloration. Regular watering is key, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
This plant’s unique leaf patterns make it a conversation starter, transforming any ordinary room into a tropical haven while demanding attention with its vivid appearance.
5. Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant)
Known as the Rattlesnake Plant, Calathea Lancifolia is celebrated for its long, wavy leaves adorned with dark green spots. This variety is perfect for adding texture and interest to your indoor garden.
To keep it thriving, ensure it is placed in an area with high humidity and indirect sunlight. Regular misting or a nearby humidifier can maintain the necessary humidity levels.
Its soil should be kept consistently moist, but not soggy, to prevent root rot. With its dramatic foliage, the Rattlesnake Plant adds a dynamic touch to any room, reminiscent of wild jungles.
6. Calathea Zebrina (Zebra Plant)
Calathea Zebrina, known as the Zebra Plant, features velvety stripes reminiscent of zebra prints. This plant demands attention with its unique foliage, offering a touch of the exotic in home decor.
For optimal care, use distilled or filtered water to prevent leaf spots and maintain its lush appearance. It thrives in environments with soft, indirect light, avoiding harsh sunlight.
Ensure high humidity around the plant, using a humidifier or regular misting. Calathea Zebrina’s bold patterns make it a centerpiece in any collection, drawing admiration from plant enthusiasts.
7. Calathea White Fusion
Calathea White Fusion is a standout with its unique white and green variegation, offering a contemporary vibe to any space. This plant is sensitive to low humidity and direct sunlight, requiring specific care to thrive.
Place it in a humid environment with filtered light to prevent the delicate leaves from scorching. Regular misting can help maintain the necessary humidity levels.
Keep the soil evenly moist, being careful not to overwater. The White Fusion’s striking appearance and color contrast create a visual spectacle, enhancing modern and traditional interiors alike.
8. Calathea Warscewiczii (Velvet Calathea)
The Velvet Calathea, or Calathea Warscewiczii, is noted for its soft, velvety leaves with deep green and purple hues. This plant exudes elegance and luxury, making it a favorite among indoor gardeners.
To keep it thriving, maintain a warm and humid environment similar to its tropical origins. Place it away from direct sunlight, which can damage its velvety texture.
Regular watering is crucial, ensuring the soil remains moist. The Velvet Calathea’s regal appearance and tactile leaves make it an exceptional addition to any home, inviting admiration and touch.
9. Calathea Rufibarba (Furry Feather Calathea)
Calathea Rufibarba, known as the Furry Feather Calathea, features wavy, fuzzy-textured leaves that appeal to both touch and sight. This variety thrives in indirect light and well-draining soil.
Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, avoiding waterlogging that can lead to root issues. A spot with indirect light will highlight its fuzzy leaf texture without causing leaf burn.
This plant’s unique tactile quality adds a cozy, inviting feel to your home, making it a favorite for those who appreciate both visual and sensory experiences in their living spaces.
10. Calathea Crocata (Eternal Flame)
Calathea Crocata, aptly named Eternal Flame, dazzles with its bright orange flowers amidst lush green foliage. It requires warmth and consistent moisture, reflecting its tropical roots.
To ensure vibrant blooms, maintain an even moisture level and place the plant in a well-lit room without direct sunlight. A warm environment will promote healthy growth and flowering.
Its brilliant flowers and lush leaves make the Eternal Flame a focal point in any room, offering a burst of color and life that draws admiration from all who see it.
11. Calathea Louisae
Calathea Louisae is distinguished by its deep green leaves with a feathered light-green pattern, offering a subtle yet striking visual appeal. It enjoys moderate humidity and indirect light, making it adaptable to various indoor settings.
Water it regularly to keep the soil moist, and consider using a humidifier to provide the humidity it craves.
This plant’s understated beauty and ease of care make it a versatile addition to any home, complementing both minimalist and lush indoor gardens with its elegant presence and adaptable nature.
12. Calathea Ornata (Pinstripe Calathea)
Calathea Ornata, or Pinstripe Calathea, is adorned with delicate pink pinstripes across dark green leaves. This elegant plant thrives in environments with high humidity and filtered water.
Place it in a location with indirect light to protect its intricate patterns from fading. Regular watering with filtered water helps prevent mineral buildup on its leaves.
The Pinstripe Calathea’s refined appearance and unique striping make it a sophisticated addition to any plant collection, offering a touch of class and botanical artistry to your home decor.
13. Calathea Misto
The Calathea Misto is a subtler variety featuring soft green and silverish leaves, ideal for those seeking understated elegance. This plant adapts well to indoor conditions, thriving in various lighting environments.
Ensure the soil remains consistently moist and provide moderate humidity for optimal growth. Its adaptable nature makes it suitable for different indoor settings.
Calathea Misto’s gentle coloration and ease of care make it a favorite among beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts alike, bringing a calming presence and natural beauty to your home.
14. Calathea Picturata
Calathea Picturata captivates with its dark green borders and silver-gray center, offering a striking contrast that draws the eye. This variety flourishes in warm environments with consistent watering.
To maintain its distinct appearance, ensure the soil is always moist and place it in a spot with indirect sunlight to avoid leaf damage.
The Picturata’s dramatic foliage and rich hues make it a standout piece in any plant collection, adding depth and texture to your indoor garden while requiring straightforward care.
15. Calathea Musaica (Network Plant)
Calathea Musaica, known as the Network Plant, is famous for its intricate mosaic-like leaf patterns. This unique design creates a visual intrigue that elevates any room.
Ensure it is placed in a setting with bright, indirect light to highlight its detailed foliage. Well-draining soil and consistent moisture are key to its health and vibrancy.
The Network Plant’s fascinating patterns and robust growth habits make it a conversation starter, adding an element of artistic natural design to your home decor.