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. The vibrant pink lines, combined with a subtle silvery sheen, make this variety a head-turner.
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!
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.
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.
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.
6. Rattlesnake plant (Goeppertia insignis)
The Rattlesnake Plant (previously known as Calathea lancifolia) comes with vibrant, lance-shaped leaves and an spotted design. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
12. Calathea Warscewiczii (Goeppertia warszewiczii)
The leaves of the Calathea Warscewiczii have a lovely mix of dark and light green shades. These elongated, lance-shaped leaves are decorated with a feather-like pattern, which gives them a distinct charm compared to the Zebra plant (Calathea zebrina). What really sets the Warscewiczii apart, though, is the soft, velvety feel of its leaves – it’s like having a piece of living art you can touch!
As if its amazing foliage wasn’t enough, the Calathea Warscewiczii also produces charming, cone-shaped flower spikes. These blooms have small, creamy-white flowers nestled among purple bracts, adding an extra pop of color to your indoor jungle.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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