Marantaceae - Botanical Family

Goeppertia is a large genus of tropical perennial plants in the Marantaceae family, native to the tropical Americas and especially diverse in South America. Many species formerly classified in Calathea were transferred to Goeppertia after botanical studies led to a major reorganization of the group. The older name Calathea remains deeply established in horticulture, however, and plants belonging to Goeppertia are still commonly sold and labeled as calatheas, sometimes creating confusion between the two genera. Goeppertia species are prized for their decorative foliage, often patterned with contrasting stripes, spots, feather-like markings, or silvery areas, while many have purple or burgundy leaf undersides. Numerous cultivars have been selected specifically for indoor growing.

Goeppertia grows best in warm, humid conditions with bright filtered light and loose, organic-rich, well-drained soil. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and protect plants from harsh direct sun and prolonged drying. Many species respond to changes in light by raising or lowering their leaves. These frost-sensitive tropicals are generally suitable outdoors in USDA Zones 10b-11 and are much more widely grown as container and houseplants in cooler climates.

Goeppertia 'Flamestar', formerly widely sold as Calathea 'Flamestar', is a striking foliage cultivar of uncertain species affiliation. Its broad oval leaves have a deep green background with a large feathered pattern of bright lime to yellow-green markings extending outward from the midrib along the lateral veins. Numerous fine green bands create a softly striped effect within this central field, while a second broken arc of paler markings follows the outer part of the blade, leaving a broad dark green margin. The layered pattern gives the foliage a luminous, almost painted appearance. Although 'Flamestar' is frequently marketed as Calathea veitchiana 'Flamestar', this species attribution is not securely documented, and the cultivar is best treated simply as Goeppertia 'Flamestar' without assignment to a particular species.

In USDA zones below 11, grow as a houseplant or seasonal container specimen.

Calathea burle-marxii (Ice Blue Calathea) is an attractive small shrub, native to Brazil, that can reach up to 2-5 feet in height. It boasts an array of ornamental foliage in silver and blue hues, as well as white, off-white, blue, lavender and purple flowers.

This plant requires regular watering and should never be allowed to dry out between waterings. It performs best in shade or semi-shade, and will appreciate some kind of humidity system if kept in dry indoor conditions. Fertilize regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer to keep your Calathea looking its best.

In USDA zones below 10, grow as a houseplant or seasonal container specimen. If you do need to overwinter your Calathea, make sure the pot it is in has good drainage and that you place it in a warm, lightly shaded area. Make sure not to overwater it during this time, as this could lead to root rot. Move the plant back outside during spring and summer.

The unusual inflorescences are upright, shaped like a rattlesnake's rattle, up to 10 inches (25 cm) long, and consist of stacked leathery floral bracts with small, yellow or yellow-orange flowers peeking out at the edges. The relatively inconspicuous actual flowers are tubular and have 3 unequal lobes. In USDA zones below 10, grow as a houseplant or seasonal container specimen.

Calathea lietzei is a compact tropical plant known for its striking patterned foliage. It typically grows up to 2 feet tall and prefers warm, humid conditions with partial shade. The soil should be consistently moist but well-drained, and regular watering is essential for healthy growth.

This plant can be grown outdoors year-round only in USDA Zone 11, where temperatures stay above 50F.

In cooler zones, Calathea lietzei should be grown in a container. Place the pot in bright, indirect light, sheltered from wind, and bring it indoors before temperatures drop. With the right care, Calathea lietzei makes a beautiful addition to indoor spaces or shaded tropical gardens.

Calathea lietzei 'White Fusion' (Goeppertia lietzei 'White Fusion') is a stunning variegated cultivar prized for its marbled leaves that combine pure white with several shades of green, ranging from deep emerald to light mint. The unique foliage pattern makes it a striking decorative plant for indoor settings.

This Brazilian Calathea is one of the very few with showy flowers. The large leaves are quite attractive and they remind of a peacock ginger (Kaempferia). The leaves are light green with a white midrib. The white/pinkish flowers are 3" produced on long stems. The blooms are very showy above the foliage. This is a rarely offered plant. Makes an excellent container plant for shady locations.

In USDA zones below 11, grow as a houseplant or seasonal container specimen.

Calathea lutea can grow to a height of 2.5 m and produces cigar-shaped bracts. The paddle-shaped leaves have reflective silver undersides. The most common cultivar found locally produces brownish bracts.

In USDA zones below 10, grow as a houseplant or seasonal container specimen.

Its chartreuse leaves are characterized by an incredibly intricate web-like pattern of dark green lines that intersect at right angles, creating tiny rectangular sections.

In USDA zones below 11, grow as a houseplant or seasonal container specimen.

It has a small, shrub-like habit, growing no more than 2-5 feet tall and wide, with a bushy form.

Calathea orbifolia is best grown in semi-shade to full shade, and in well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. The plant requires regular watering and should not be allowed to dry out. If grown indoors it should be kept away from direct sunlight, and a humidity tray or humidifier is highly recommended. It is an ornamental foliage plant and does not need to be fed extra fertilizer.

In USDA zones below 11, grow as a houseplant or seasonal container specimen. The soil should be kept moist and the plant should not be allowed to dry out. It is important to ensure that the pot has adequate drainage, as the plant will not tolerate waterlogging.

Calathea orbifolia is a beautiful plant and makes a great addition to any home or garden. With the proper care and attention, it can bring a touch of the tropics to any indoor or outdoor space.

Calathea picturata (Calathea) is a beautiful species of tropical plant native to Central America, from El Salvador to Panama, and makes an attractive addition to any garden. When grown outdoors, Calathea prefers semi-shady condition and moist soil and should be watered regularly. If potted indoors, the leaves should be sprayed with water several times a week to keep the humidity and temperature at a consistent high.

Calathea can be grown either as a low-growing groundcover, typically only reaching two feet in height, or in a more upright formation as a small shrub, 2-5 feet tall. The gorgeous and ornamental foliage of Calathea is the star of the show, with the variety Calathea metallica having leaves with undersides of silvery green and red, and Calathea majestica with its top patterned in white or pink stripes. A special variety, Calathea jancifolia, or the Rattlesnake plant, will also produce tall stalks of flowers in yellow bracts. In USDA zones below 11, grow as a houseplant or seasonal container specimen.