Calatheas are a popular houseplant known for their beautiful, colorful foliage. With over 300 different varieties, there is a calathea to fit any style. We’ve compiled a list of 35 striking calathea varieties that are sure to stand out in any indoor jungle.
Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia)
The rattlesnake plant is characterized by its long, wavy leaves with light and dark green banding that resembles the patterns of a rattlesnake. Native to Brazil, this calathea variety can grow over 2 feet tall and does best in medium to bright, indirect light. The unique foliage is sure to be a conversation starter!
Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)
True to its name, the peacock plant has vivid leaves marked with bright green and dark purple markings resembling a peacock’s feathers. It has an upright growth habit, averaging 1-2 feet tall at maturity. The peacock calathea does best in medium to low indirect light. Give it high humidity by misting regularly.
White Fusion Calathea
As the name suggests, the white fusion calathea has light green leaves edged in white. The striking contrast between the colors makes it stand out. It also has a clumping growth habit, growing to about 12-18 inches high. Grow this variety in bright indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Calathea Ornata (Pinstripe Plant)
One of the most popular calathea varieties, the pinstripe plant has long, narrow dark green leaves striped in hot pink. The undersides of the leaves are a deep purple. It grows best in medium to bright indirect light and consistent moisture. This eye-catching plant will reach 1-2 feet high.
Calathea Roseopicta (Corona / Medallion Calathea)
With round, medium green leaves decorated with slashes of pink, white, and dark green, the medallion calathea makes a bold statement. Its clumping habit and height of 12-18 inches make it great for containers. Place in indirect sunlight and water when the top of the soil feels dry.
Calathea Orbifolia
The large rounded leaves of calathea orbifolia have vivid green topsides and deep purple undersides. The contrast is stunning. It grows up to 2 feet tall and does well in medium to bright indirect light with routine watering. Its huge leaves add drama to indoor displays.
Calathea Warscewiczii (Jungle Velvet / Velvet Calathea)
True to its name, the velvet calathea has leaves covered in delicate velvety hairs. The leaves are a dark green above with deep purple undersides. It grows 12-24 inches tall and does best in medium to bright indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Network Calathea
The network calathea, also known as Calathea musaica, is aptly named for its intricately patterned leaves marked with a mosaic of light and dark green ovals. Its leaves can reach up to 9 inches long. Provide bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil. It grows up to 18 inches tall.
Calathea Dottie
For a truly unique look, add Calathea dottie with its round leaves outlined in a deep smoky purple color to your collection. The interior sections of the leaves are a lighter green. This variety reaches a mature height of 12-18 inches, thriving in medium indirect light and humid conditions.
Calathea Freddie
With slender, upright dark green leaves striped in cream and light green, Calathea freddie offers a graceful, understated look. It grows up to 18-24 inches tall and does best in medium to low indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The stripes are sure to catch eyes.
Calathea Burle Marxii
Named for the famous landscape architect, this calathea variety has wavy green leaves with a purple underside. It is more tolerant of lower humidity and irregular watering than other calatheas, though still prefers filtered sunlight and moderate moisture. It reaches heights of 18-24 inches.
Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant)
This striking calathea variety has long, strappy leaves marked with alternating ovals of light and dark green, resembling the back of a rattlesnake. Purple undersides provide an extra pop of color. It does great in indirect light and average room humidity. Heights reach 18-24 inches.
Calathea Louisae
For bright color, add Calathea louisae to your collection. It has spear-shaped leaves in bright green topsides and deep purple undersides, plus light green midribs. Provide medium to bright indirect light. It grows 12-18 inches tall and looks great in hanging baskets.
Calathea Roseopicta Medallion
This calathea variety has gorgeous round leaves in shades of dark green, pink, and cream that resemble medallions. Its lush foliage and clumping habit make it perfect for desks or shelves. It grows 12-18 inches tall in medium to bright indirect light with average watering.
Calathea Beauty Star
As its name suggests, this calathea variety is indeed a star. It has clumping growth, rising to heights of 12-18 inches tall. The leaves have dark green topsides and purple undersides, marked with stripes and radiating purple freckles. Provide medium to bright indirect light.
Calathea Whitestar
For a bright, cheery look, add Calathea whitestar to your indoor garden. It has dark green leaves with white tracings along veins and margins, plus purple undersides. Its relatively compact size of 12-18 inches tall makes it versatile to use in decor.
Calathea Zebrina (Zebra Plant)
The zebra plant is named for its ovate green leaves decorated with lighter green stripes resembling zebra striping. It has a bushy, upright growth habit, reaching 1-3 feet tall at maturity. Give it medium to bright indirect sunlight to maintain the colorful foliage.
Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake Calathea)
This calathea variety has long leaves marked with alternating ovals of dark and light green that are reminiscent of a rattlesnake’s back. Purple undersides provide an extra pop of color. It does well in indirect light and tolerates average indoor humidity. Heights reach up to 2 feet.
Calathea Grey Star
The grey star calathea has stunning leaves that look as though they were painted on with watercolors, in shades of green, grey, and cream. They can grow quite large, up to 12 inches long, making a dramatic display when massed together. Provide bright indirect light for best coloration.
Calathea Veitchii Medallion
Veitchii medallion calathea offers gorgeous rounded leaves patterned in shades of dark green, light green, pink, purple, and cream. The rosette shape and colorful foliage make it a standout. Keep it in indirect light, water when dry, and mist for added humidity. It can reach 2 feet tall.
Calathea White Fusion
For a two-tone look, add white fusion calathea. It has deep green leaves edged and veined in creamy white. The colors contrast beautifully. It grows up to 18 inches tall and does well in medium light with moderately moist soil. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Calathea Vittata
Calathea vittata offers long, upright leaves in a fresh light green color with thin stripes in a darker green. It has an airy, elegant appearance and does well in indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings. At maturity it will reach heights of 24-36 inches tall.
Calathea Orbifolia
This calathea variety really stands out with its enormous, rounded leaves in dark green tops and deep purple undersides. The leaves can grow up to 24 inches across! Provide bright indirect light without direct sun. It prefers humid conditions and evenly moist soil. Heights reach 2-3 feet.
Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant)
The peacock plant has some of the most striking foliage of all calatheas. Its leaves are marked with dark green and light purple stripes resembling a peacock’s feathers. It grows best in medium to low light and high humidity. Misting helps maintain the leaf colors. Height reaches about 2 feet.
Calathea Rose Painted
As its name suggests, this calathea’s foliage is indeed painted-looking, with slashes of pink, white, and dark green tracing across the leaves in bold brushstrokes. Its lush, full form and clumping habit fill out containers well. It thrives in indirect light and humid conditions, reaching about 2 feet tall.
Calathea Triostar
The calathea triostar offers remarkable foliage in shades of bright green, pink, and white. The leaves have feathered, painterly markings that are unique on each leaf. It does best in medium indirect sunlight. Grow it in a pot or hanging basket and enjoy its heights of 18-24 inches.
Calathea Albertii
With narrow green leaves striped in silver bands along the midribs, calathea albertii has an understated elegance. The contrast between the colors is subtle yet striking. Site in a bright room out of direct sun and provide routine moisture. It will reach heights between 1-3 feet.
Calathea Medallion (Rose Painted Calathea)
Medallion calathea features showy round leaves marked with brushed strokes of dark green, light green, pink, and cream, resembling colorful medallions. Its lush, full form fills out containers well. Give it medium indirect light and humid conditions. It grows up to 2 feet tall.
Calathea Royal Standard
The royal standard calathea lives up to its regal name with a majestic upright growth habit and elongated leaves striped lengthwise in silver and dark green. The striking foliage reaches up to 2 feet long atop 2-3 foot stems. Site in indirect light without direct sun exposure.
Calathea Leitzei
This eye-catching calathea variety has elongated, pointed leaves in a unique mottled pattern of light purple, green, and silver markings that resemble a watercolor painting. Provide bright indirect light to encourage the most vibrant leaf coloration in this beauty that reaches 12-18 inches tall.
Calathea Lutea ‘Cuban Cigar’
With its stiff, elongated leaves in shades of sage green striped in creamy yellow, the Cuban cigar plant resembles a large cigar when its leaves unfurl. This tropical-looking calathea grows up to 3 feet tall, doing well in medium indirect sunlight and moderately moist soil.
Calathea Bicajoux
For intriguing texture, add calathea bicajoux and its wavy, rippled leaves to your collection. Shades of dark green, light green, and cream stripe and splotch the uniquely shaped foliage. Provide bright indirect light without direct sun. It will reach heights between 18-24 inches tall.
Calathea Fasciata (Zebra Plant)
Named for its resemblance to zebra stripes, this calathea has ovate leaves marked in alternating patterns of dark and light green. It has an upright, clumping habit and does well in medium indirect light. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Grows up to 3 feet tall.
Calathea Summary
In summary, calatheas offer incredible diversity with over 300 varieties to choose from. Whether you prefer bold patterns, subtle stripes, velvety textures or painted leaves, you are sure to find a calathea to suit your style. Many varieties do well in indoor conditions of medium indirect light and average humidity and moisture. Calatheas make excellent houseplants to add striking and graceful foliage to your decorative displays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calathea Varieties
What are some popular calathea varieties for beginners?
Some calathea varieties that make great starter plants include the rattlesnake plant, peacock plant, and medallion calathea. They are widely available, do well indoors, and have striking foliage.
How do I care for my calathea?
Most calatheas do best in bright indirect sunlight, average room humidity around 40-50%, and a regular watering routine allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Mist leaves regularly to increase humidity. Remove any dried or damaged leaves and dust regularly.
Why are the leaves on my calathea curling or drooping?
Curling, drooping leaves on calatheas are often a sign of underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct sunlight. Try increasing water, misting more frequently, or moving the plant to a spot with more indirect light.
What are the common pests or diseases of calathea houseplants?
Spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs can sometimes infest calatheas. Never allow leaves to stay wet for long periods to prevent fungal issues. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to prevent pest buildup.
How often should I repot my calathea?
Calatheas typically only need repotting every 2-3 years. Repot in early spring using a pot only slightly larger than the current one and a well-draining potting mix amended with peat moss or coconut coir to help retain moisture.
Conclusion
With their exotic, painted foliage in colors from vivid green to deep purple, calatheas provide outstanding variety for indoor jungle displays. There are endless leaf shapes, patterns, and textures to explore within this versatile houseplant genus. Whether you seek bold zebra stripes, delicate painterly markings, or subtle silvery etchings, you can find a calathea to match your personal style. Just provide most varieties with indirect sunlight, routine moisture, and high humidity for lush growth. With proper care, calatheas are sure to be showstoppers in any indoor plant collection.