As indoor gardeners ourselves, we absolutely adore the captivating foliage of Calathea varieties, with their stunning patterns and vibrant colors. Hailing from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, Calatheas have captured the hearts of houseplant lovers everywhere.
As we discuss about the types of Calathea out there, it’s worth noting that recent advancements in molecular phylogenetics have led to the reclassification of several species into the Goeppertia genus.
Despite this change, many indoor gardeners (us included) still commonly refer to these plants as Calatheas. In this article, for the sake of clarity, we’ll embrace these updated classifications while exploring the captivating Calathea types and varieties that we love.
So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Pin-Stripe Calathea (Goeppertia ornata)
The Pin-Stripe Calathea, or Goeppertia ornata, is a remarkable houseplant admired for its striking foliage. Its deep green leaves boast symmetrical, delicate pink stripes that run parallel to the leaf veins, creating an ornate pattern.
- Ease of Care: Moderate
- Best For: Indoor decoration, office spaces
- Unique Features: Pink stripes on dark green leaves
- Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall
- Rarity: Common
2. Rose Painted Calathea (Goeppertia roseopicta)
The Rose Painted Calathea, scientifically known as Goeppertia roseopicta, sets itself apart from the crowd with its bewitching appearance. This variety features broad, oval-shaped leaves with pink variegation on a rich, velvety black background.
And if you love these colors, make sure to check our articles on houseplants with black leaves or purple foliage!
- Ease of Care: Moderate
- Best For: Bedrooms, living rooms
- Unique Features: Rose-colored patterns on the leaves
- Mature Size: Up to 20 inches tall
- Rarity: Common
3. Zebra Plant (Goeppertia zebrina)
The Zebra Plant’s charm lies in its vivid foliage: large, oval-shaped leaves featuring deep green hues and prominent, horizontal zebra-like stripes in a lighter green shade. The contrast of these stripes against the dark leafy backdrop creates a mesmerizing visual effect.
- Ease of Care: Moderate to Difficult. Check out our Goeppertia Zebrina care guide for more info!
- Best For: Focal points in living rooms
- Unique Features: Zebra-like stripes on the leaves
- Mature Size: Up to 3 feet tall
- Rarity: Common
4. Eternal Flame (Goeppertia crocata)
The Eternal Flame, Goeppertia Crocata, stand out with its colorful, long-lasting inflorescence. Rising above the lush green foliage, the fiery orange flowers bloom atop tall, slender stalks, resembling a torch or, as the name suggests, an eternal flame.
The leaves of this variety complement its blooms, featuring dark green, elongated ovals with a velvety texture.
- Ease of Care: Moderate
- Best For: Tabletops, special occasions
- Unique Features: Produces orange flowers
- Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall
- Rarity: Uncommon
5. Round-Leaf Calathea (Goeppertia orbifolia)
The most defining characteristic of this Calathea type (technically Goeppertia type) is its oversized, nearly circular leaves. The bold foliage is marked by wide, dark green bands that alternate with lighter green shades, creating an impressive pattern.
And if the Round-Leaf Calathea’s captivating foliage has piqued your interest, make sure to explore our article on indoor plants with broad leaves. There you’ll discover more fascinating species and learn how to incorporate them into your home decor.
- Ease of Care: Moderate
- Best For: Large indoor spaces
- Unique Features: Large, round leaves
- Mature Size: Up to 2.5 feet tall
- Rarity: Common
6. Rattlesnake plant (Goeppertia insignis)
The Rattlesnake Plant (previously known as Calathea lancifolia) comes with vibrant, spotted leaves. Its dark green spots set against a lighter green background, resemble the distinctive pattern of a rattlesnake’s skin, and the undulating edges of the leaves further accentuate this resemblance.
As if the top side of the leaves wasn’t enough, the undersides are a brilliant purple hue that adds more contrast to the plant’s overall appearance. The Rattlesnake Plant’s leaves also exhibit nyctinastic behavior, folding upwards at night to reveal their purple underside, and unfurling again during the day.
- Ease of Care: Easy to Moderate
- Best For: Bedrooms, home offices
- Unique Features: Wavy leaf edges
- Mature Size: Up to 30 inches tall
- Rarity: Common
7. Calathea Medallion (Goeppertia veitchiana)
One of the most popular types out there, Calathea Medallion (Goeppertia veitchiana) is a true classic in the realm of indoor plants.
Its widespread popularity stems from its round leaves that resemble ornate medallions. Each leaf features a deep green center framed by a lighter green border. The dark green bands that radiate from the center of the leaf are accentuated by delicate feather-like patterns, adding to the plant’s appeal.
- Ease of Care: Moderate
- Best For: Living rooms, dining rooms
- Unique Features: Medallion-like leaf patterns
- Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall
- Rarity: Common
8. Calathea ‘White Fusion’ (Goeppertia lietzei)
Each leaf of the ‘White Fusion’ is a masterpiece, displaying a harmonious blend of light green, dark green, and creamy white patterns. The mosaic-like design lends the plant an air of sophistication, while the subtle hints of pink on the leaf undersides add a touch of warmth.
This variety bears a striking resemblance to Stromanthe, another member of the Marantaceae family. So if you feel like this one is the right pick for you, make sure to check out our article on Stromanthe varieties, where you’ll discover equally stunning houseplants.
- Ease of Care: Difficult
- Best For: Experienced plant owners
- Unique Features: White, green, and lilac leaves
- Mature Size: Up to 1.5 feet tall
- Rarity: Rare
9. Calathea Whitestar (Goeppertia majestica)
As a cultivar of the ornata species, the Calathea Whitestar (Goeppertia majestica) comes with bright-white stripes that encompass the entire leaf.
What sets Whitestar apart from its counterparts is its impressive size. Growing up to 4-5 feet tall, this variety simply commands attention. And if this is the type of plant you’re looking for, make sure to also check our article on tall indoor plants.
- Ease of Care: Moderate
- Best For: Bright living spaces
- Unique Features: White streaks on leaves
- Mature Size: Up to 5 feet tall
- Rarity: Uncommon
10. Calathea Network (Goeppertia kegeljanii)
The Calathea Network comes with a complex network of green lines that kind of resemble bookshelves. This detailed design gives the plant a unique appearance, compared to the other calathea varieties mentioned in this article.
- Ease of Care: Moderate
- Best For: Modern home decor
- Unique Features: Network-like patterns on leaves
- Mature Size: Up to 18 inches tall
- Rarity: Uncommon
11. Calathea Crimson (Goeppertia Roseopicta ‘Crimson’)
For those who appreciate houseplants with pink leaves, the Crimson variety offers a lot of color. This variety features dark-pink leaves complemented by a dark-green, nearly black border.
Alternatively, if pink leaves are not your preference, there’s also ‘Argentea’, which comes with silver leaves with a darker border. Both plant are absolutely lovely!
- Ease of Care: Moderate
- Best For: Colorful indoor settings
- Unique Features: Deep pink centered leaves
- Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall
- Rarity: Common
12. Calathea Warscewiczii (Goeppertia warszewiczii)
Calathea warscewiczii has leaves with a mix of dark and light green shades. These leaves are lance-shaped and feature a feather-like pattern, making them stand out from similar plants like the Zebra plant. What sets this plant apart is the soft, velvety texture of its leaves. The Warscewiczii also produces cone-shaped flower spikes with small, creamy-white flowers and purple bracts.
- Ease of Care: Moderate
- Best For: Large indoor spaces, showpieces
- Unique Features: Velvety leaf surface
- Mature Size: Up to 3 feet tall
- Rarity: Uncommon
Interested in adding this variety to your indoor collection? For tips on how to best care for the Calathea warscewiczii, check out our easy-to-follow care guide. It’ll help you keep your new plant healthy and happy.
13. Silver Variegated Calathea (Goeppertia picturata ‘Argentea’)
The Silver Variegated Calathea (Goeppertia picturata ‘Argentea’) is a true gem in the world of houseplants. Its captivating foliage, shimmering silver tones, and charming blooms create a unique and irresistible visual display.
- Ease of Care: Moderate
- Best For: Office spaces, minimalist decor
- Unique Features: Silver variegation on leaves
- Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall
- Rarity: Common
14. Furry Feather Calathea (Goeppertia rufibarba)
The long, slender, and wavy-edged leaves of this calathea variety are covered in fine, velvety hairs, giving them a soft, fuzzy feel. The deep green topsides of the leaves are also complemented by rich burgundy undersides.
The Furry Feather Calathea (Goeppertia rufibarba) is a great choice for anyone looking to bring an interesting mix of textures, colors, and patterns to their indoor space.
- Ease of Care: Moderate
- Best For: Textured decor schemes
- Unique Features: Furry, feather-like leaves
- Mature Size: Up to 2.5 feet tall
- Rarity: Uncommon
15. Calathea louisae (Goeppertia louisae)
A charming variety that brings a sense of tranquility to your indoor garden with its subtle beauty. The elongated, oval-shaped leaves showcase a captivating pattern of delicate, light green lines on a darker green background, while the warm purple hue on the undersides adds depth and contrast.
- Ease of Care: Moderate
- Best For: Indoor tropical themes
- Unique Features: Yellowish-green leaves
- Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall
- Rarity: Common
16. Peacock Plant (Goeppertia Makoyana)
The Peacock Plant’s leaves are nothing short of spectacular. With their dark green background and intricate, feather-like patterns in lighter green hues, they create a visual display reminiscent of a peacock’s tail feathers. The oval-shaped leaves have a gentle wave along their edges, adding an extra layer of grace to this beautiful plant.
- Ease of Care: Moderate
- Best For: Living rooms, studies
- Unique Features: Peacock feather-like markings
- Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall
- Rarity: Common
Conclusion
With their stunning colors, intricate patterns, and diverse shapes, there’s no doubt that there’s a Calathea variety perfect for every taste and style. Whether you’re a seasoned plant collector or just starting to explore the joys of indoor gardening, these captivating Calatheas will bring a touch of nature’s beauty and wonder into your home.
So, go ahead and find the Calathea that speaks to you, and let it become a cherished addition to your indoor oasis.
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