Calathea Varieties: 43 Different Types of Calathea Plants

Calatheas are some of the most common indoor plants available, with the added advantage of not being dangerous to pets. This plant species can often appear tricky to care for, both for new plant owners and experienced gardeners. However, some simple tricks can help these plants thrive and avoid dreaded crispy leaves by focusing on the sun and water needs of the plant.

It is important to note that many Calathea varieties have been reclassified into the Goeppertia genus of plants. Both the Calathea and Geoppertia species fall under the Marantaceae family, so this change is not massive.

Despite the reclassification, many still refer to these plants as Calatheas. In scientific journals, gardening guides, and plant stores, you will still find these plants under “Calathea” rather than “Goeppertia.” This guide will cover 43 Calathea varieties, including names and pictures. Let’s dig in!

Anulque

Scientific Name: Calathea anulque

• Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
• Plant Size: 24 inches to 34 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect sunlight

The Calathea anulque variety of plants is a tropical, leafy variant endemic to Ecuador. The plant is endemic, meaning it doesn’t grow anywhere else natively.

This variety has bud-like flowers which reach a bright orange color at full bloom. These houseplant Calathea varieties rarely bloom, especially when kept in environments that don’t correspond with the tropical mountain forests from which they hail.

Argentea

Scientific Name: Calathea picturata or Goeppertia picturata

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 24 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Argentea comes in two Calathea varieties, either silver or crimson. The crimson variety is typically the rarer of the two, though you can still find this variety in your nearest plant store.

The silver variant has a silvery green center surrounded by a dark green border, with the burgundy underside of the leaves that many Calatheas have. The Calathea picturata is native to North Brazil. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia picturata.

Bachemiana

Scientific Name: Calathea bachemiana or Goeppertia bachemiana

• Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 16 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The Calathea bachemiana is an evergreen perennial native to Brazil and is considered one of the hardier varieties of the delicate Calathea family. The leaves are slightly thicker and have a leathery feel compared to other Calathea varieties.

This plant naturally grows in the shade and can tolerate lower temperatures than others in the species. However, the plant thrives with high humidity that mimics the tropical forest where it originates. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia bachemiana.

Beauty Star

Scientific Name: Calathea ornata or Goeppertia ornata

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 24 inches
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Calathea ornata, or “Beauty Star,” has undoubtedly earned its colloquial name, as it is one of the most admired varieties because of its leaf pattern. The Beauty Star is closely related to the other Calathea ornata known as the “Pinstripe Plant.”

While the Pinstripe Plant has small stripes covering the entire leaf, the Beauty Star has patterned strips that vary in color, sometimes white, pink, light green, or dark green. The Beauty Star is native to Colombia and Venezuela. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia ornata.

Bijao

Scientific Name: Calathea latifolia or Goeppertia latifolia

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Around 40 inches to 80 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

This variety of Calathea often appears on the side of the road in Panama, where the plant originates. The Bijao gets quite massive and has large but thin leaves and displays pinkish-purple blooms. The roots have edible tubers.

The plant commonly grows in Panama, Venezuela, Trinidad, and Colombia thriving in the tropical climate. The large leaves often get used for wrapping fresh-caught fish or get woven into baskets. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia latifolia.

Image Credit: “Dick Culbert“, via Flickr (Image Use Allowed With Attribution)

Cigar Plant

Scientific Name: Calathea lutea

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Around 120 inches to 156 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Bright indirect light to bright filtered light

Calathea lutea, or the “Cigar Plant,” is named for its unique flowers shaped similarly to a cigar. While this variety can be grown indoors, it’s recommended as an outdoor plant due to its massive size.

This plant can grow up to 156 inches (or 13 feet) tall in the wild. The large leaves shoot out at the tops of individual stems, which is one of the reasons this variety can grow so tall.

Corona

Scientific Name: Calathea roseopicta corona or Goeppertia roseopicta corona

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 16 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The Calathea roseopicta corona, or simply “Corona,” is a rare plant that has recently become quite popular among collectors.

The Corona has a silvery-green center surrounded by a very thin border of dark green. The stems and undersides are a deep pinky-crimson that the Calathea family is well-known for.

This plant is very similar to the “Cynthia” variety of roseopicta, which has recently become popular. The Cynthia mirrors the Corona inversely, with a dark green center surrounded by a thin border of silvery-green. This variety has been reclassified as a variation of Goeppertia roseopicta.

Dottie

Scientific Name: Calathea roseopicta dottie or Goeperttia roseopicta dottie

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 12 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The Dottie variety of the Calathea roseopicta is one of the more popular and widely available Calathea varieties. This variety presents a dark green broad leaf with a delicate pink pattern around the central face of the leaf.

The Dottie grows in the forests of Brazil when in the wild, so it thrives best in indirect light or shade. This variety has been reclassified as a variation of Goeppertia roseopicta.

Eclipse

Scientific Name: Calathea roseopicta eclipse or Goeperttia roseopicta eclipse

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 20 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Calathea Eclipse is a variety of roseopicta similar to others such as the Dottie or Rosy. The Eclipse is a relatively new variety in the Calathea family. This variation has a dark green face with a thin, light green pattern circling the leaf’s rib. The underside of the leaf is a bright crimson color.

The Calathea Eclipse is native to Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. This variety has been reclassified as a variation of Goeppertia roseopicta.

Ecuadoriana

Scientific Name: Calathea ecuadoriana or Goeppertia ecuadoriana

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 24 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Bright indirect light to filtered light

As the name might clue you in, the Calathea ecuadoriana is native to Ecuador. The leaves are a dark green color with a light, silvery-green pattern that follows the rib and outer flanks of the leaf.

The underside of the leaf is a bright pinky crimson. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia ecuadoriana.

Image Credit: “Dr. Alexey Yakovlev” via Flickr (Image Use Allowed With Attribution)

Elliptica

Scientific Name: Calathea vittata or Goeppertia elliptica

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 16 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Elliptica, also known as the Calathea vittata, is a plant native to the rainforests of Brazil. It thrives in high humidity and tropical environments. The Elliptica will bloom small cream-colored flowers with distinct lavender or fuschia edges on its petals in the wild.

As a houseplant, Calathea vittata will rarely bloom but will grow gorgeous leaves with small bursts of bright green on its dark green face. The Elliptica also appears in the wild in Venezuela, French Guiana, Guyana, and Colombia. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia elliptica.

Eternal Flame Plant

Scientific Name: Calathea crocata or Goeppertia crocata

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 24 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Calathea crocata is known as the “Eternal Flame Plant” due to its striking, bright orange flowers. The plant has dark green leaves that are slightly furled. The undersides of the leaves are a deep maroon. On this dark background, the bright orange blooms especially stand out.

The flowers bloom on large stems directly above the leaves of the plant and take on a starburst shape. The Eternal Flame Plant is native to Brazil. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia crocata.

Fasciata

Scientific Name: Calathea fasciata or Goeppertia fasciata

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 16 inches
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The Calathea fasciata is a classic variety of Calathea, with the well-known deep green and almost lime green rib variegation.

This variety has become popular as a houseplant and tends to thrive in high humidity climates. The plant is native to the northeast region of Brazil. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia fasciata.

Freddie

Scientific Name: Calathea leopardina or Goeppertia concinna

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size:
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Freddie, or Calathea leopardina, is one of the most popular houseplant varieties within the Calathea family. For those new to the finicky Calathea, the Freddie is a great place to start. Even if you mess up, this is one of the most easy-going houseplants to revive and adjust so that it can grow beautifully.

The leaves lay almost horizontal but are held up by long stems, making it easy to see each oblong leaf and admire your progress. This plant is native to the southeast region of Brazil. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia concinna.

Fucata

Scientific Name: Calathea fucata or Goeppertia fucata

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 36 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Calathea fucata is a large-leaf variety of Calathea. This variety is visually similar to the Freddie (Calathea leopardina), and the two often get mistaken for each other. However, the variegation on the fucata is more subtle than on the Freddie, as the colors are typically lighter.

This variety is also on the larger side, growing taller than many other houseplant Calathea varieties. The Calathea fucata is native to Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia fucata.

Image Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, via Wikimedia Commons(Image use Allowed With Attribution)

Gymnocarpa

Scientific Name: Calathea gymnocarpa or Goeppertia gymnocarpa

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 34 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade

The Calathea gymnocarpa is not very well-known. It is most likely because this variety has not become a popular houseplant variety as many others in the Calathea family have.

The gymnocarpa has very tall stems and large, dark green leaves that hang horizontally. The leaves have very little variegation.

This plant is native to Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, and Colombia. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia gymnocarpa.

Image Credit: David J. Stang, via Wikimedia Commons (Image Use Allowed With Attribution)

Helen Kennedy

Scientific Name: Calathea dressleri or Goeppertia dressleri

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 12 inches
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade

The Helen Kennedy, or Calathea dessleri, is a rare variety of Calathea named after Helen Kennedy, who was a skilled Calathea cultivator and researcher.

This variety is native to Colombia and Panama. This variety was reclassified as Goeppertia dressleri.

Ice Blue

Scientific Name: Calathea burle-marxii

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 60 inches tall.
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Ice Blue, or Calathea burle-marxii, is a medium-sized leaf variety of Calathea. It gets its name from Brazilian artist Roberto Burle Marx, who was also a famous landscape designer.

The plant doesn’t grow too high, making it ideal as an indoor plant. It’s light and dark green lines alternate in v-shaped lines along oval-shaped leaves.

The Ice Blue is native to Brazil and also goes by names that include “Fishbone Prayer Plant.”

Jungle Velvet

Scientific Name: Calathea warscewiczii

• Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 40 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Bright indirect light

The Jungle Velvet Calathea gets its name from its soft and velvety leaves. When mature, these plants can grow as high as four feet. The leaves have a green fishtail pattern and feature purple underneath.

Active leaves will move in response to temperature and light, just as Prayer Plants would. In season, you might spot delicate cream flower cones on the plant. The Jungle Velvet is native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Lotus Pink

Scientific Name: Calathea loeseneri or Goeppertia loeseneri

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 48 inches
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Bright indirect light

The Lotus Pink, or Calathea loeseneri, is named after the soft pink lotus-shaped blooms. Its leaves are a vibrant light green color, featuring a midrib that’s white or pale green. This plant is native to North Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.

This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia loeseneri.

Macrosepala

Scientific Name: Calathea macrosepala or Goeppertia macrosepala

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 67 inches
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Calathea macrosepala is a tropical, bright green variety of Calathea. This plant is native to Central America, and its flowers feature in various cuisine dishes, such as soup, to add flavor. The leaves also get used to wrap food, like tamales, while the plant’s dried tuberous roots contain starch and protein.

This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia macrosepala.

Image Credit: JMRAFFi, via Wikimedia Commons (Image Use Allowed With Attribution)

Marantifolia

Scientific Name: Calathea marantifolia or Goeppertia marantifolia

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 91 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The marantifolia is known for its distinct, bright yellow or white, pointed flowers. The leaves are quite similar to banana leaves in that they are large and broad with thin stalks.

The Calathea marantifolia is native to Central America and Ecuador. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia marantifolia. Due to it’s native location, this indoor plant can tolerate conditions with less light. However it prefers medium to bright indirect light.

Image Credit: © Hans Hillewaert, via Wikimedia Commmons (Image Use Allowed With Attribution)

Medallion

Scientific Name: Calathea veitchiana or Goeppertia veitchiana

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 36 inches
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The medallion variety of Calathea is a popular houseplant choice. Its beautiful variegated leaves make it a lovely addition to any home.

This plant is native to Ecuador and can grow up to 3 feet high. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia veitchiana.

Micans

Scientific Name: Calathea micans or Goeppertia micans

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 12 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Calathea micans is a tropical perennial. This variety is sometimes referred to as the “Miniature Maranta” or “Miniature Prayer Plant” because its leaf shape is the same shape but a smaller version of the Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconera).

The Micans lacks the variegation that the Prayer Plant has. This plant is native to much of Central and South America, and this variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia micans.

Image Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, via Wikimedia Commons (Image Use Allowed With Attribution)

Misto

Scientific Name: Calathea louisae misto or Goeppertia louisae misto

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 36 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Misto is a hybrid variation on the Calathea louisae. The Calathea Misto comes from the Calathea louisae as a specific houseplant variety of the original.

The leaves have a beautiful light green and dark green variation.

Network Plant

Scientific Name: Calathea musaica or Goeppertia kegeljanii

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 24 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The Network Plant, or Calathea musaica, is named for its unique leaf pattern. The pattern resembles a mosaic with small, intricate details in its broad leaves.

The Network Plant is native to the southeast region of Brazil. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia kegeljanii.

Peacock Plant

Scientific Name: Calathea makoyana or Goeppertia makoyana

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 12 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The Peacock Plant, or Calathea makoyana, is a popular houseplant variety. The stunning leaf pattern makes for a fantastic piece of interior decoration. The name of the Peacock Plant comes from the leaves, as they resemble the decorative tail feathers of a peacock.

The leaves have a marked circle and stem pattern in dark green along the leaf’s rib. That pattern lies on top of a light green/white subtle pinstripe pattern that covers the face of the leaf. The edges have a slight wave and have a slim medium green border.

The Peacock Plant is native to the southeast region of Brazil. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia makoyana.

Pinstripe Plant

Scientific Name: Calathea ornata pinstripe or Goeppertia ornata

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 36 inches tall (indoors) and 108 inches tall (outdoors, native)
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

There are two variations of the Pinstripe Plant or Calathea ornata pinstripe. The first is the albolineata, consisting of light green or almost white thin stripes on the leaves. The other variation is the roseolineata, which consists of bright but pale pink lines on the leaves.

The Pinstripe Plant is native to Colombia and Venezuela. This variety has been reclassified as a variation of Goeppertia ornata.

Prayer Plant

Scientific Name: Maranta leuconera

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 12 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the top inch of soil is no longer moist, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

Although commonly sold and misclassified under “Calathea,” the Prayer Plant is actually in the Maranta family.

The Maranta and Calathea families are closely related, which is the reason for this frequent mix-up. Because so many people misidentify the Prayer Plant as a variety of Calathea, it is often included in lists such as this.

The Prayer Plant also functions similarly to many other Calathea varieties, with the leaves folding up at night (as if they are “in prayer”) and opening to greet the sunlight in the morning. The leaves of this plant hang down a bit, which is why it doesn’t grow as tall as similar Calathea varieties.

Rattlesnake Plant – Crotalifera

Scientific Name: Calathea crotalifera

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 120 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

There are two Calathea varieties commonly known as the “Rattlesnake Plant,” with the crotalifera as the first example (the other being Calathea lancifolia).

This variety is known as the Rattlesnake Plant due to its distinct flower, which is yellow and looks very similar to the intimidating tail of a rattlesnake. The flower itself grows up to 10 inches long and sticks straight up.

The crotalifera was introduced to and has thrived in Hawaii but is native to Mexico and areas of Central and South America.

Rattlesnake Plant – Lancifolia

Scientific Name: Calathea lancifolia or Goeppertia insignis

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Between 24 inches and 30 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

This is the second of the plants commonly known as the Rattlesnake Plant (the other being Calathea crotalifera).

While the crotalifera is known as the Rattlesnake Plant due to its distinctly-shaped flower, the lancifolia has earned the name due to the pattern on its leaves. The leaves of the lancifolia are long and come to a slight point, with a dark green stemmed design decorating its light green leaves. The underside of each leaf shows a deep purple color.

While the crotalifera variety grows primarily outdoors, the lancifolia is considered one of the best houseplant varieties within the Calathea family. This plant is native to the southeast region of Brazil. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia insignis.

Rosy

Scientific Name: Calathea roseopicta rosy or Goeppertia roseopicta rosy

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 16 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

Along with the Dottie variety, the Rosy variety of Calathea roseopicta is one of the most popular and widely available houseplant Calathea varieties.

This is a recent development, as the variety was previously considered rare. In recent years, it has been cultivated more widely as it has become more popular.

This plant is native to Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. This variety has been reclassified as a variation of Goeppertia roseopicta.

Round-Leaf

Scientific Name: Calathea orbifolia or Goeppertia orbifolia

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 36 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The Calathea orbifolia or Round-Leaf Calathea is a popular houseplant variety of Calathea. As the name implies, the leaves have a rounded shape and are typically medium to light green. There is a slightly lighter green variegation along the rib and outer flanks of the leaf.

The orbifolia is considered one of the easier Calathea varieties to care for. This plant is native to the northeast and southeast regions of Brazil. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia orbifolia.

Silver Plate

Scientific Name: Calathea roseopicta silverplate or Goeppertia roseopicta silverplate

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 12 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The Silver Plate is a variety of Calathea roseopicta. The roseopicta variety is one of the most diverse within the Calathea family.

This particular variety grows close to the ground in the wild and only grows up to about 12 inches tall. The leaves are a medium green color with a silvery-green jagged stripe running down the rib of the leaf.

The Silver Plate is native to Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. This variety has been reclassified as a variation of Goeppertia roseopicta.

Stromanthifolia

Scientific Name: Calathea stromanthifolia or Goeppertia stromanthifolia

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 16 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Calathea stromanthifolia is a tropical perennial native to Bolivia. The plant has oblong leaves supported by thin purple stems, which have an outward dark green pattern emanating from the leaf’s rib. The dark green pattern sits on a matte, silvery-green background.

This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia stromanthifolia.

Thai Beauty

Scientific Name: Calathea louisae or Goeppertia louisae

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 32 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The Thai Beauty, or Calathea louisae, is one of the most striking variations within the Calathea family. This variety has pointed and slightly ruffled leaves in variations of bright white, lime green, jade, and dark green. The underside of the leaves has a deep purple color.

This plant is native to the southeast region of Brazil. This plant has been reclassified as Goeppertia louisae.

Undulata

Scientific Name: Calathea undulata or Goeppertia undulata

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 10 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The Calathea undulata grows quite close to the forest floor, under cover of the large tropical trees. It has a light, silvery-green stripe that runs through the leaf’s rib and is surrounded by a solid dark green.

This variety is one of the smallest Calathea that exists. The Calathea undulata is native to North Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia undulata.

Image Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, via Wikimedia Commons (Image Use Allowed With Attribution)

Velvet

Scientific Name: Calathea rufibarba or Goeppertia rufibarba

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 36 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the top inch of soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The Velvet Calathea, or Calathea rufibarba, is named for its unique leaves. The leaves of this plant are velvety and have a unique texture for the Calathea family of plants. In addition, the leaves have a distinct ruffled feather shape, which has led to the other common name of “Fluffy Feather Plant.”

The Velvet Calathea is native to the northeast region of Brazil. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia rufibarba.

White Fusion

Scientific Name: Calathea lietzei or Goeppertia lietzei

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 16 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The Calathea White Fusion, or Calathea lietzei, is admired for its striking leaf pattern and variegation. The leaves are variegated with white, light pink, light green, silver-green, and dark green shades.

Depending on the individual plant, the white variegation can be bright, and the leaves often get compared to a painting. This plant is native to Brazil, and in the wild, it produces small, white flowers. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia lietzei.

White Star

Scientific Name: Calathea majestica or Goeppertia majestica

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 24 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Calathea majestica, or White Star, is well-known for its large leaves with a subtle striped white pattern. This variety is visually similar to the Pinstripe Plant, though the White Star ranges from a pattern similar to the Pinstripe Plant to one that covers the entire face of the leaf in outward white stripes.

It is one of the most common Calathea houseplants that you can find. The Calathea majestica is native to Colombia. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia majestica.

White Tiger

Scientific Name: Calathea albertii or Goeppertia albertii

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 24 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade

The White Tiger, or Calathea albertii, is similar to the White Fusion variety as both have streaks of pink, light green, and white in the pattern on their leaves.

However, the white tiger has a muted color palette compared to the White Fusion, with the white and pink streaks being very subtle in the pattern. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia albertii.

Wiotii

Scientific Name: Calathea wiotii or Goeppertia wiotii

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 12 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium indirect light to shade.

The Calathea wiotii is one of the smaller options of the Calathea varieties. Its small stature is one of the reasons it has become a popular, common houseplant.

Another reason is the beautiful pattern of light green and dark green that it bears on its leaves. The small, rounded leaves with a small point at the tip are part of what makes this variety such a favorite. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia wiotii.

Zebra Plant

Scientific Name: Calathea zebrina or Goeppertia zebrina

• Plant Type: Tender perennial
• Plant Size: Up to 40 inches tall
• Water Needs: Frequent watering, water when the surface of the soil is no longer moist, mist often, high humidity
• Sun Needs: Medium to bright indirect light

The Zebra Plant, or Calathea Zebrina, is one of the most common houseplant varieties of Calathea.

The variety is notable for its long, oval leaves with varying striped patterns of light green and dark green, visually similar to a zebra’s stripes. The Zebra Plant is native to Brazil and Mexico. This variety has been reclassified as Goeppertia zebrina.