Goeppertia ornata (Calathea)

Goeppertia ornata, commonly known as pinstripe plant, is a tropical evergreen perennial in the Marantaceae family, native to northern South America. It was long known as Calathea ornata, and that synonym remains widely used in horticulture and the houseplant trade. The plant forms clumps of broad, oval to elliptic leaves with a dark green surface crossed by numerous fine pinkish-white to pale pink stripes that follow the lateral veins, creating its characteristic pinstriped appearance. Leaf undersides are typically deep reddish purple. Several cultivated forms are grown for variations in foliage color and pattern, and the species is now best known as a decorative indoor plant.

Goeppertia ornata prefers bright filtered light, warm temperatures, high humidity, and loose, organic-rich, well-drained soil. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and avoid prolonged drying, which can produce brown leaf margins and curling. Strong direct sun may scorch the leaves or fade their distinctive markings. Plants generally reach about 2-3 ft tall under favorable conditions. Frost sensitive, Goeppertia ornata is suitable outdoors in USDA Zones 10b-11 and is commonly grown elsewhere as a container or houseplant.