Calathea orbifolia

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 cold regions, Calathea orbifolia does well in a pot, as it needs to be brought indoors during the winter months. During this time, it should be kept in a warm, well-lit spot away from drafts. 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 ornata, Calathea majestica

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Grown in USDA Zone 10-11, the Calathea ornata is a small shrub growing between 2-5 ft in height, native to Columbia and Ecuador. Its striking ornamental foliage, a dark green with pink stripes, is the main reason it is a highly sought-after houseplant today.

When caring for your Calathea, regular watering is essential, as an overly dry or waterlogged environment will easily damage to your plant. Do not leave the roots soaked, as it can encourage rot. Since Calatheas do best in semi-shade, make sure it is kept in a shaded area, especially if it is year-round.

When it comes to colder regions, it's essential to grow your Calathea in a pot that allows it to be moved indoors in the winter. Keep the roots in well-drained soil, as with other regions, and provide it with somewhat warmer temperatures in the winter. The air should also be kept relatively humid for the Calathea's best health.

To keep your Calathea ornata in a healthy condition, adding an organic fertilizer to the soil on a regular basis is a great way to make sure it is thriving in its environment. Additionally, misting the plant on a regular basis (preferably in the morning) helps to keep the delicate foliage looking fresh and also provides extra humidity for the plant.

With the right amount of care and attention, Calathea ornata is an ideal choice for a houseplant that will liven up any interior and provide a functional pop of color and texture to the home.

Calathea picturata

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. Calathea can be grown in USDA Zone 9-11 and should be kept moist and sheltered from cold temperatures if growing in a pot in cold regions.

Calathea roseopicta

Indoors, Calathea is tolerant of lower light conditions making it a fine houseplant. Your soil for Calathea should be highly organic and well drained. Use plenty of coarse material in the soil mix to help water flow through. Never allow roots to be soaked with standing water but they do enjoy continuous availability of water in their soil. Keep your Calathea roseopicta on a pebble tray to increase the humidity level near your plant, but do not allow your plant to sit in water. Calathea's prefer a warm location, away from cold drafts. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. If the water in your area is extremely hard, or of poor quality, water your plants with bottled water. Hard water will cause leaf spotting. If you're fortunate enough to have soft water, let the water sit out over night before watering your plants. If you have an aquarium, your can recycle the tank water, for watering your plants.

Calathea rufibarba

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 9-11. 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.

Calathea sp.

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.

Some of the Calathea species have been reclassified as species of the Ischnosiphon, Maranta and Goeppertia genera.

Calathea vittata, Goeppertia elliptica 'Vittata'

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 9-11, 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.

Calathea warscewiczii

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 9-11 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.

Ctenanthe lubbersiana

Beautiful two-color Ctenanthe with deep variegation, with branching bamboo-like stems and oblong green, veined leaves that are mottled with cream and gold.

Ctenanthe sp.

Ctenanthe is a genus of tropical plants native to tropical Brazil and related to Calathea and Maranta . It is primarily grown for its striking foliage This plant requires a well-drained soil and should be kept moist during the growing season. It thrives in high humidity and bright indirect light.

In colder climates, it is best grown in a house or greenhouse with a steady temperature and humidity. The foliage should be sprayed with water several times a day and given a liquid fertilizer in the spring. The soil should not be packed too hard and the plant should be divided as needed. This plant adds a lush, tropical feel to shaded patios or courtyards. It should not be overwatered, especially in the winter when water should only be given when the soil is somewhat dry.

Ctenanthe lubbersiana variegata has deep variegation, with branching bamboo-like stems and oblong green, veined leaves that are mottled with cream and gold. Plant in a well-drained soil and keep moist during the growing season.