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 help you 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 covers 43 Calathea varieties, including names and pictures. Let’s dig in!

Anulque

	botanical name Calathea anulque
	height 24 inches to 34 inches tall

Calathea anulque is a tropical, leafy variant endemic to Ecuador. “Endemic” means it doesn’t grow anywhere else natively.

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

Argentea

	botanical name Goeppertia picturata
	height Up to 16 inches tall

Argentea comes in two types, either silver or crimson. The crimson type is typically the rarer of the two, though you can still find it 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. This species is native to North Brazil, and has been reclassified as Goeppertia picturata.

Bachemiana

	botanical name Goeppertia bachemiana
	height Up to 24 inches tall

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

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

Beauty Star

	botanical name Goeppertia ornata ‘Beauty Star’
	height Up to 36 inches tall

Goeppertia ornata ‘Beauty Star’ has undoubtedly earned its colloquial name, as it is one of the most admired varieties because of its leaf pattern. ‘Beauty Star’ stands out from the straight species commonly called 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. ‘Beauty Star’ is native to Colombia and Venezuela.

Bijao

	botanical name Goeppertia latifolia
	height Around 40 inches to 80 inches tall

This species often appears on the side of the road in Panama, where the plant originates. The Bijao gets quite massive (though, it stays smaller indoors) and has large but thin leaves. It displays pinkish-purple blooms, and the roots are edible tubers.

The plant commonly grows in Panama, Venezuela, Trinidad, and Colombia thriving in these tropical climates. The large leaves are used for wrapping fresh-caught fish, or they get woven into baskets.

Cigar Plant

	botanical name Calathea lutea
	height Around 10 feet tall

Calathea lutea, or the Cigar Plant, is named for its unique flowers shaped like cigars. While you can grow this species indoors, it’s recommended as an outdoor plant due to its massive size. In zones 10 and 11, you can grow one in the ground. Elsewhere grow it in a container.

This plant can grow around 10 feet tall in the wild. The large leaves shoot out at the tops of individual stems, creating a lush, verdant display that reaches high.

Corona

	botanical name Goeppertia roseopicta ‘Corona’
	height Up to 24 inches tall

Goeppertia roseopicta ‘Corona’, is a rare plant that has recently become quite popular among collectors.

It has a silvery-green center surrounded by a very thin border of dark green. The stems and undersides are a deep maroon-crimson that many other Calatheas have.

Another similar variety is ‘Cynthia’. This variety mirrors ‘Corona’ inversely, with a dark green center surrounded by a thin border of silvery-green.

Dottie

	botanical name Goeppertia roseopicta ‘Dottie’
	height Up to 18 inches tall

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

‘Dottie’ originates from forests of Brazil, so it thrives best in indirect light or shade.

Eclipse

	botanical name Goeppertia roseopicta ‘Eclipse’
	height Up to 24 inches tall

‘Eclipse’ is similar to ‘Dottie’ or ‘Rosy’. It’s a relatively new variety. 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.

Goeppertia roseopicta species are native to Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.

Ecuadoriana

	botanical name Goeppertia ecuadoriana
	height Up to 18 inches tall

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

The underside of the leaf is a bright pink.

Elliptica

	botanical name Goeppertia elliptica
	height Up to 24 inches tall

Goeppertia elliptica, previously known as Calathea vittata, is native to Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, and the rainforests of Brazil. It thrives in high humidity and tropical environments. It blooms small cream-colored flowers with distinct lavender or fuchsia edges on its petals in the wild.

As a houseplant, it rarely blooms but grows gorgeous leaves with small bursts of bright green on its dark green face.

Eternal Flame Plant

	botanical name Goeppertia crocata
	height Up to 34 inches tall

Goeppertia 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, its bright orange blooms stand out starkly.

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.

Fasciata

	botanical name Goeppertia fasciata
	height Up to 4 feet tall

Goeppertia fasciata is a classic species, with the well-known deep green and almost lime green rib variegation.

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

Freddie

	botanical name Goeppertia concinna
	height Up to 24 inches tall

Freddie, or Goeppertia concinna, is one of the most popular houseplant species. For those new to the finicky houseplants, 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.

Fucata

	botanical name Goeppertia fucata
	height Up to 24 inches tall

Goeppertia fucata is a large-leaf species. This one is visually similar to the Freddie, 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 on this list. It is native to Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia.

Gymnocarpa

	botanical name Goeppertia gymnocarpa
	height Up to 28 inches tall

Goeppertia gymnocarpa is not very well-known. It is most likely because it has not become a popular houseplant as many other calatheas have.

This species 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.

Helen Kennedy

	botanical name Goeppertia dressleri ‘Helen Kennedy’
	height Up to 24 inches tall

‘Helen Kennedy’ is a variety of Goeppertia dressleri. It is is a rare variety named after Helen Kennedy, who was a skilled Calathea cultivator and researcher.

Its striking foliage is what makes this plant so desirable. The leaves are donned with alternating deep green and light, silver-green, reminiscent of a checkerboard. This variety is native to Colombia and Panama.

Ice Blue

	botanical name Calathea burle-marxii
	height Up to 20 inches tall

Ice Blue, or Calathea burle-marxii, is a medium-size leaved species. It gets its name from Brazilian artist Roberto Burle Marx, who was also a famous landscape designer.

The plant grows to a lower height, making it ideal as an indoor plant. It’s light and dark green lines alternate in v-shapes along ovular leaves.

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

Jungle Velvet

	botanical name Calathea warscewiczii
	height Up to 40 inches tall

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

Active leaves move in response to temperature and light. In season, you might spot delicate cream flower cones on the plant. This species is native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Lotus Pink

	botanical name Goeppertia loeseneri
	height Up to 48 inches tall

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

Macrosepala

	botanical name Goeppertia macrosepala
	height Up to 67 inches tall

Goeppertia macrosepala is a tropical, bright green species. This plant is native to Central America, and its flowers (called Chufles) feature in various dishes, such as soup. The leaves are also used to wrap food, like tamales, while the plant’s dried tuberous roots contain edible sources of starch and protein.

Marantifolia

	botanical name Goeppertia marantifolia
	height Up to 6 feet tall

This species 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.

Goeppertia marantifolia is native to Central America and Ecuador. Due to its native location, this indoor plant tolerates low light conditions. However, it prefers medium to bright indirect light.

Medallion

	botanical name Goeppertia veitchiana
	height Up to 24 inches tall

The medallion Calathea is a popular houseplant. That’s because 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.

Micans

	botanical name Goeppertia micans
	height Up to 16 inches tall

Goeppertia 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).

This species lacks the variegation that the Prayer Plant has. It is native to much of Central and South America.

Misto

	botanical name Goeppertia louisae ‘Misto’
	height Up to 36 inches tall

‘Misto’ is a variation of the Goeppertia louisae. The leaves have a beautiful light green and dark green variation. There are light cream strokes across the leaves with deep purple undersides.

Like many of the other plants on this list, Goeppertia louisae originates in the forests of Brazil.

Network Plant

	botanical name Goeppertia kegeljanii ‘Network’
	height Up to 24 inches tall

The Network Plant, or Goeppertia kegeljanii, 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.

Peacock Plant

	botanical name Goeppertia makoyana
	height Up to 24 inches tall

The Peacock Plant, or Goeppertia makoyana, is a popular houseplant. 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 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.

Pinstripe Plant

	botanical name Goeppertia ornata
	height Up to 36 inches tall (indoors) and 108 inches tall (outdoors)

There are two other variations of the straight species we discussed earlier, called the Pinstripe Plant or Goeppertia ornata. 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.

Prayer Plant

	botanical name Maranta leuconera
	height Up to 12 inches tall

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

The Maranta and Calathea genera 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 calatheas, but the leaves lower as the sun rises, and rise up at night. The leaves of this plant hang down a bit, which is why it doesn’t grow as tall as other plants in the Marantaceae family.

Rattlesnake Plant

	botanical name Calathea crotalifera
	height Up to 10 feet tall

There are two Calathea species commonly known as the Rattlesnake Plant, with crotalifera as the first example (the other being Goeppertia insignis).

This species 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.

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

Rattlesnake Plant

	botanical name Goeppertia insignis
	height Between 20 inches and 30 inches tall

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 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 crotalifera grows primarily outdoors, lancifolia is considered one of the best houseplants. This plant is native to the southeast region of Brazil.

Rosy

	botanical name Goeppertia roseopicta
	height Up to 18 inches tall

Along with ‘Dottie’, Goeppertia roseopicta is one of the most popular and widely available houseplant Calathea plants.

This is a recent development, as it 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.

Round-Leaf

	botanical name Goeppertia orbifolia
	height Up to 36 inches tall

The Goeppertia orbifolia or Round-Leaf Calathea is a popular houseplant. 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.

This species is considered one of the easier Calatheas to care for. This plant is native to the northeast and southeast regions of Brazil.

Silver Plate

	botanical name Goeppertia roseopicta ‘Silverplate’
	height Up to 12 inches tall

The Silverplate is a variety of Calathea roseopicta. The roseopicta species is one of the most diverse calatheas.

This particular variety grows close to the ground in the wild, only 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.

Silverplate is native to Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.

Stromanthifolia

	botanical name Goeppertia stromanthifolia
	height Up to 16 inches tall

Goeppertia 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.

Thai Beauty

	botanical name Goeppertia louisae
	height Up to 32 inches tall

The Thai Beauty, or Goeppertia louisae, is one of the most striking variations of calathea. This species 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.

Undulata

	botanical name Goeppertia undulata
	height Up to 10 inches tall

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 is one of the smallest of the species that exists. It is native to North Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.

Velvet

	botanical name Goeppertia rufibarba
	height Up to 36 inches tall

The Velvet Calathea, or Goeppertia rufibarba, is named for its unique leaves. The leaves of this plant are velvety and have a unique texture. 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.

White Fusion

	botanical name Goeppertia lietzei
	height Up to 16 inches tall

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

Depending on the individual plant, the white variegation can be bright. Due to their stylistic nature, the leaves often get compared to a painting. This plant is native to Brazil, and in the wild, it produces small, white flowers.

White Star

	botanical name Goeppertia majestica
	height Up to 36 inches tall

Goeppertia 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 houseplants that you can find. It is native to Colombia.

White Tiger

	botanical name Goeppertia albertii
	height Up to 24 inches tall

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

However, White Tiger has a muted color palette compared to the White Fusion, with the white and pink streaks being very subtle in the pattern.

Wiotii

	botanical name Goeppertia wiotii
	height Up to 36 inches tall

Goeppertia wiotii is one of the smaller options on this list. 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 pointed tip are part of what makes this variety such a favorite.

Zebra Plant

	botanical name Goeppertia zebrina
	height Up to 40 inches tall

The Zebra Plant, or Goeppertia zebrina, is yet another common houseplant.

The species 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.