Goeppertia - Plant Encyclopedia Results

In USDA zones below 11, 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.

Mostly grown in gardens for the handsomely patterned foliage. Calathea prefers moist, shady, jungle-like conditions in a garden and is also often grown as potted specimens. When it is used as a house plant, the leaves should be sprayed with water several times a week. Propagation is by root division. Water with soft water. Keep uniform high humidity and temperature. Look best when grouped with other foliage plants. Can be used in a bottle garden or terrarium. This plant requires very specific growing conditions in order to thrive. Place in a warm, shady position i.e. one that never receives direct or indirect sun. Feed with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during Spring and Summer and once a month during Autumn and Winter. Stand on a tray filled with water and pebbles to increase humidity. Water plentifully. Never allow to dry out - keep the potting mixture moist at all times. Repot every Spring using a mix of two thirds potting mixture and one third leaf mould or peat. Once the plant has been potted on to a fifteen centimetre pot , it is only necessary to replace the top layer of soil.

See Article - How to grow Calathea indoors.

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.

This small shrub grows to 2-5 feet tall and bears ornamental foliage and yellow to orange flowers. Calathea rufibarba (Velvet Calathea) is native to Brazil and thrives best in USDA Zones 11. While most Calatheas are recommended for outdoor growing only in USDA Zone 11, Calathea rufibarba has been successfully grown at TopTropicals in Fort Myers, Florida (Zone 10b), under protected conditions. It can tolerate some shade and semi-shade, requiring regular to moderate water in order to remain healthy.

For growing this plant in a pot in cold regions it is important to ensure the pot used is a good insulator. Clay pots are not recommended as these can increase the risk of the plant freezing in extreme temperatures. It is best to use plastic or fiberglass pots, but please note that these do not offer the same breathability as ceramic or clay pots which can help the soil to dry evenly. Additionally, potting soil should be mixed with perlite or coarse sand to further enhance breathability, and to ensure the soil does not become waterlogged.

When bringing the plant in during colder temperatures, it is recommended to check and treat the plant for pests. This can be done by wiping down all foliage using a diluted mixture of dish soap and water, or using a specialized pesticide. Lastly be sure to monitor the temperature and humidity of the indoor air to make sure the plant is not exposed to environments which are too dry or too cold.

See Article - How to grow Calathea indoors.

Calathea warscewiczii is a semi-shaded, small, perennial plant that grows 2 to 5 ft tall and is native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. It produces off-white to white flowers, each flower turns yellowish, then blushes to pink making this plant very ornamental. It is grown in USDA zones 10-11 and will thrive in a warm, humid environment and average indoor temperatures.

This plant prefers moderate water, so when watering make sure to give it a good soak and allow the soil to dry in between waterings. It loves humid environments, so misting it twice a week can do wonders for increasing the humidity.

In colder climates, Calathea warscewiczii can be grown in a pot. To ensure that it survives the cold seasons, make sure to keep it in an area with indirect sunlight. Cold temperatures and direct sunlight can be detrimental to the foliage. Regularly monitor the plant and make sure to remove any dead or damaged leaves to help keep it healthy during winter.

This attractive, low maintenance houseplant is a small shrub that typically reaches 2-5 feet in height. Its ornamental foliage shines best in semi-shade and may earn the nickname "Prayer plant" due to its unusual growing habit, in which the leaves stand at attention during the day and fold in prayer at night.

Regular watering, although not too excessive, is recommended for this houseplant to continue its vibrancy. Water it about once or twice a week, and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Moderate water is recommended for best results and to minimize the risk of root rot.

Calathea vittata is also suitable for outdoor growing in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, although take caution of sudden temperature changes. Plant it in a soil that drains well, and provide multiple hours of shade and protection from temperatures below 40°F. Since it's native to tropical climates, it can be grown in a pot in colder regions and brought indoors during extreme temperatures. When the weather warms up and plants come back outside in the following year, it's important to gradually reintroduce it to direct sun, as the leaves will burn if exposed too quickly.

With lush foliage and effortless upkeep, the Prayer Plant is a contemporary favorite among gardeners. Unlike most other plants, its unusual growing habit adds to its charm. Its striking leaves make it great for indoor decor, and relatively easy to take care of.