18 Common and Rare Calathea Varieties (With Pictures)

Calathea plants are cherished for their stunning foliage and unique leaf patterns. These beautiful decorative plants can brighten up any home or office with their vibrant colors and intriguing designs.

As plant enthusiasts, we are eager to explore common and rare Calathea varieties. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, learning about these 18 varieties will inspire you to add them to your indoor plant collection.

1. Calathea Orbifolia

Calathea Orbifolia is one of the most stunning Calathea varieties. Its bright green leaves have light silver stripes, making it a lovely addition to any plant collection. The large, round leaves can grow up to 12 inches wide.

These plants are native to Brazil and can reach up to 3 feet tall when fully grown. They thrive in environments with high humidity and indirect light.

When watering Calathea Orbifolia, we should always water at the base of the plant and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

2. Calathea Makoyana

Calathea Makoyana, also known as the Peacock Plant, is well-known for its striking foliage. The leaves are light green with dark green markings that resemble a peacock’s tail. The undersides are a beautiful shade of maroon.

This plant originates from Brazil, where it thrives in warm and humid conditions. It prefers indirect light and benefits from regular misting.

Providing the right soil is crucial. A mix that drains well, such as one with peat, perlite, and orchid bark, works best. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering.

3. Calathea Medallion

Calathea Medallion stands out with its large, round leaves. These leaves are dark green with a feather-like pattern of lighter green and silver. The undersides of the leaves are rich purple, adding a striking contrast.

This plant loves a warm environment, thriving between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Even though it blooms in its natural habitat, our indoor Calathea Medallion rarely flowers. It’s grown mainly for its stunning foliage, which makes it a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.

4. Calathea Lancifolia

Calathea Lancifolia, also known as the Rattlesnake Plant, is a common and striking variety. Its leaves are long, and narrow, and have unique wavy edges. The top of the leaves display dark green patterns on a light green background, while the underside is rich purple.

This plant enjoys bright, indirect light and high humidity. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.

The Rattlesnake Plant is known to be one of the easier Calatheas to care for, making it a great option for beginners. Its unique leaf pattern adds a decorative touch to any indoor space.

5. Calathea Roseopicta

Calathea Roseopicta, also known as the Rose-Painted Calathea, is one of the striking varieties we often recommend. Its dark green leaves have a beautiful pattern with pink stripes, giving it a unique appearance.

This plant stands out due to its bold foliage, making it a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts. Its leaves can grow quite large, enhancing its decorative appeal.

Light conditions should be bright but indirect, as direct sunlight can damage its leaves. We find that consistent watering and high humidity levels maintain its vibrant look. Proper care ensures that Calathea Roseopicta remains healthy and attractive throughout the year.

6. Calathea Freddie

Calathea Freddie, also known as Calathea Concinna, is a popular houseplant cherished for its striking leaves. This plant features light green leaves with dark green, stripe-like patterns. The unique design makes it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

Calathea Freddie prefers indirect light and thrives in well-draining soil. We should keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. It’s crucial to use filtered or distilled water because it is sensitive to fluoride and chlorine.

Humidity is essential for this plant. Maintaining a humid environment helps in its growth. A room humidifier or regular misting can help achieve this. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep it away from drafts and cold air to prevent leaf damage.

7. Calathea Warscewiczii

Calathea Warscewiczii, also known as Jungle Velvet, is a rare and exotic plant. It is native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. The leaves are dark green with light green veins, and the undersides have a deep burgundy or purple color.

This plant needs moist, well-drained soil. Watering should be regular but careful to avoid overwatering. Bright, indirect light is best for this plant, as direct sunlight can damage the leaves.

The Calathea Warscewiczii is known for its soft, velvety texture. It typically grows up to two feet tall and wide. This makes it an excellent choice for indoor gardens. Plants like this require a bit more care but are well worth it for their unique beauty.

8. Calathea Zebrina

Calathea Zebrina, or the Zebra Plant, is known for its striking and unique foliage. The leaves have a dark green pattern that resembles a zebra’s stripes, set against a lighter green background.

We admire this plant for its vibrant appearance. It’s a great addition to any indoor garden, bringing both color and texture to your space.

Calathea Zebrina prefers indirect light and thrives in high humidity. Regular misting can help maintain the moisture it loves.

This plant can be a bit finicky, but with the right care, it flourishes beautifully. By providing the proper environment, we can enjoy its bold and dramatic foliage, making it a standout in our plant collection.

9. Calathea White Fusion

Calathea White Fusion is known for its striking leaves. They have a mix of green, white, and sometimes even purple colors. This variety stands out because of its unique variegated pattern.

We need to keep it in a warm and humid environment for it to thrive. It prefers indirect light and well-draining soil. Regular misting can help it stay healthy.

It can live for several decades if given proper care. Checking for pests and keeping the leaves clean are important steps.

10. Calathea Network

Calathea Network, also known as Calathea musaica, has stunningly intricate leaves. The foliage displays a mosaic-like pattern, consisting of light and dark green tiles. This unique pattern makes it a standout in any plant collection.

It thrives in bright, indirect light and needs to be kept slightly moist. Too much water can lead to root rot, so careful monitoring is key.

These plants can grow up to 2 feet tall. Their striking leaves paired with manageable size make them perfect for both homes and offices.

11. Calathea Maui Queen

The Calathea Maui Queen is a striking houseplant known for its unique patterns and tropical origins. Originating from the Amazon, its beauty comes from its large leaves with dark green and light green stripes.

This plant thrives in warm temperatures and prefers bright, indirect light. It also enjoys high humidity, making it ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.

Regular watering is essential to keep the soil moist. Also, well-draining soil helps prevent root rot. Fertilizing during the growing season can support its development.

12. Calathea Rufibarba

Calathea Rufibarba, also known as Furry Feather Calathea, is admired for its unique texture. The leaves are long, slender, and have a velvety feel due to the fine hairs on their surface.

This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers high humidity. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

We recommend using a well-draining potting mix. Calathea Rufibarba grows best in temperatures between 64-73°F (18-23°C).

13. Calathea Beauty Star

Calathea Beauty Star is a stunning plant with dark green leaves accented by bright green and silver stripes. The underside of the leaves is often a rich burgundy, adding a pop of color.

This tropical plant prefers high humidity levels, ideally over 60%. We should water it about once every 7 to 10 days in spring and summer. During fall and winter, watering can be reduced to once or twice a month.

This variety thrives in indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, while too little light can fade its vibrant colors.

14. Calathea Princeps

Calathea Princeps is a striking plant known for its bold, patterned leaves. The leaves are deep green with light green streaks that create a unique visual effect. The plant’s underside is often a rich purple color, adding to its appeal.

This variety prefers low to medium indirect light. Excessive direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. It thrives in high humidity and likes to have consistently moist, well-draining soil.

Regular misting helps maintain humidity levels, especially in drier climates. This variety is a great choice for anyone looking to add a pop of color and texture to their indoor plant collection.

15. Calathea Cora

Calathea Cora, also known as Calathea roseopicta ‘Cora’, is admired for its striking foliage. The leaves display a dark green color with intricate silverish-pink patterns. The underside of the leaves adds to its beauty with a rich purple hue.

This variety prefers indirect sunlight and needs to be kept in a well-draining potting mix. Regular watering is essential, but we should avoid waterlogging the soil.

The plant thrives in high humidity. Mist the leaves or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to maintain moisture around the plant.

Calathea Cora is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any indoor space. Its care requirements are similar to other Calathea varieties, making it a worthwhile addition to our plant collection.

16. Calathea Illustris

Calathea Illustris is known for its bold and striking foliage. The leaves are primarily dark green with unique light green and pink patterns, which offer a stunning visual contrast. This variety adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.

We should keep Calathea Illustris in well-draining soil. It thrives in bright, indirect light but should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Regular watering is essential, and it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging it.

Proper humidity levels are crucial for Calathea Illustris. A humidifier can help maintain the right environment, especially in dry climates or during winter months.

17. Calathea Louisae

Calathea Louisae Plant Profile:

• Common Name: Calathea ‘Freddie’
• Scientific Name: Calathea Louisae
• Light Requirements: Indirect light
• Watering: Keep soil slightly moist
• Humidity: High
• Height: Up to 2 feet tall
• Growth Habit: Upright

Calathea Louisae, also known as Calathea ‘Freddie,’ is an eye-catching plant that thrives indoors. The leaves are long, slender, and display an intricate pattern of green and silver stripes.

We appreciate how easy it is to care for. It needs indirect light and prefers slightly moist soil, making it a great addition to our indoor spaces.

Another notable feature of Calathea Louisae is its sensitivity to dry air. We have to mist the leaves regularly or use a humidifier to keep the plant happy. This variety adds elegance and a tropical touch to our home garden collection.

18. Calathea Leopardina

Calathea Leopardina, also known as Elegant Calathea, stands out with its striking leaves. These leaves have a unique pattern that captures attention. This plant adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.

We appreciate Calathea Leopardina for its gentle and soothing presence. Its ornamental leaves make it a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts.

Caring for Calathea Varieties

Caring for Calathea plants involves understanding their specific needs related to water, light, and soil. Proper care ensures healthy and vibrant foliage, making these plants a beautiful addition to any space.

Watering and Humidity Needs

Calatheas love humidity. We should aim to keep the air around them moist. Using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant can help. These plants also need their soil to stay evenly moist. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry.

It’s crucial to use filtered or distilled water since Calatheas are sensitive to chemicals in tap water. Too much or too little water can cause leaf edges to brown, so maintaining the right balance is key.

Light Requirements

Calatheas thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, causing them to fade or develop spots. We should place them near a window with filtered light or use sheer curtains to diffuse the sunlight.

If we notice the leaves curling or the plant leaning towards the light, it may need a bit more brightness. On the other hand, if the leaves start to lose their vibrant color, it could be a sign of too much light.

Soil and Fertilization

The right soil mix is essential for Calatheas. They prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mix of potting soil, peat, and perlite can work well. Proper drainage prevents root rot, which Calatheas are prone to.

Fertilizing is also important. We should use a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer every month during the growing season (spring and summer). In the fall and winter, it’s best to cut back on fertilizing as the plant’s growth slows down.

Maintaining this care routine will help our Calatheas flourish and keep their stunning foliage looking its best.

Common Issues and Solutions

Calathea plants are beautiful but can face a few common problems like leaf curling, pests, diseases, and drooping leaves. Let’s dive into how we can effectively deal with these issues.

Dealing with Leaf Curling

Leaf curling in Calathea is often caused by low humidity. We should ensure that the humidity around the plant stays around 60-70%. Using a humidifier can help.

Another reason for curling leaves is underwatering. We must keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. It’s a good practice to check the soil frequently and water when the top inch feels dry.

In some cases, leaf curling can be a response to cold drafts or temperature changes. To prevent this, the plant can be kept away from air conditioners, heaters, and drafty windows.

Preventing Pests and Diseases

Calathea plants are susceptible to pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Regularly inspecting the leaves helps us catch infestations early. If we spot pests, we can use a solution of water and neem oil to treat the plant.

Fungal infections can also occur due to overwatering. Ensuring proper drainage and not letting the plant sit in water is crucial. We should water the plant at the base and avoid getting water on the leaves.

A clean environment helps prevent pests and diseases. Wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth keeps the plant healthy and reduces the chances of infections and infestations.

Addressing Drooping Leaves

Drooping leaves can be a sign of improper watering. The plant likely needs water if the leaves are drooping and the soil is dry. If the soil is too wet, we need to reduce watering and ensure better drainage.

Lighting conditions also affect leaf health. Calathea prefers medium to bright indirect light. Too much direct sunlight, or too little light, can cause drooping. We should place the plant where it gets the right amount of indirect light.

Lastly, nutrient deficiencies can cause drooping leaves. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied monthly can help maintain proper growth and leaf health.