Calathea

( kal - uh - THEE - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Plants in this genus are called Calatheas or Prayer Plants, and they come in a variety of different foliage colors and patterns. Many species are popular container or indoor houseplants. Calathea was first introduced as a houseplant in the 1970s and 1980s, Leaves are commonly large, and flowers can be yellow, purple, or white and bloom in summertime. Leaves are commonly purple or red on the undersides, and have variegations of pink, orange, red, white, or a combination. Calathea plants do produce flowers, but rarely do so when grown indoors.

Calathea Species and Varietals

The genus Calathea is a member of the plant family Marantaceae and includes about 60 species. The genus was much larger until about 200 species were moved to a separate but related genus, Geoppertia. These plants are commonly called Prayer Plants due to their tendency to close their foliage at night and open it back up during the day (a phenomenon known as Nictinasty). Calathea plants grow well in zones 24,-26, H1 and H2, and are widely grown as houseplants in all other zones (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map). Calathea species and their varietals are listed and described below.

Calathea anulque
This species is native to Ecuador, and is commonly traded and sold as a houseplant. It grows naturally in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests. It is considered an endangered species in its native range due to habitat loss and poaching. 

Calathea crotalifera (Rattlesnake Plant, Rattle Shaker)
This species is native to central and southern Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America. It produces inflorescences that look like rattlesnake rattles, and is grown as an indoor ornamental houseplant. These plants grow from rhizome and can reach 10 feet tall in their natural habitat. 

Calathea  'Ginga'
Also referred to as 'Milky Way', and commonly (and erroneously) sold under the botanical name Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way'. This species has foliage speckled with white spots, reminiscent of a sky full of stars. This species is a commonly grown houseplant and outdoor tall groundcover.

Calathea lutea (Bijao, Cigar Calathea, Cuban Cigar, Mexican Cigar Plant, Habana Plant, Pampano)
​​This species of Calathea is native to southern Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and tropical South America. Growing from rhizome, these plants reach 10 feet tall and love wet soil. Leaves from these plants are sold in its native regions as food wrappers, and they are also cultivated as ornamental plants.

Calathea orbifolia
This species of Prayer Plant is native to Bolivia and is commonly grown as a houseplant in many areas of the world. It has beautiful leaves, requires partial shade, humidity, and good drainage to thrive.

Calathea picturata (Geoppertia picturata)
This species of Calathea forms clumps of foliage, forming a groundcover that reaches 14-16 inches tall. Foliage is dark green above and purple-red underneath, with silver veining and markings on the leaf surface. Varietal 'Argentea' (usually listed under Geoppertia picturata 'Argentea') has silver leaves with green margins.

Calathea zebrina (Geoppertia zebrina) (Zebra Plant)
Native to southeastern Brazil, this species is an evergreen perennial and reaches just over 3 feet tall at maturity. Leaves are dark green above and red underneath, with leaf spines, margins, and veins etched in lime green to chartreuse.
The following list includes a sampling of some of the many cultivars available in this genus:
'Burle Marx'
'Beauty'
'Beauty Star'
'Dottie'
'Eclipse'
'Flame Star'
'Freddie'
'Greystar'
'Indri'
'Lancifolia'
'Leopardina'
'Medallion'
'Mia'
'Misto'
'Pinstripe'
'Rattlesnake'
'Roseopicta'
'Rosy'
'Sanguinea'
'Warscewiczii'
'White Fusion'
'White Star'

Caring for calathea

Calathea plants will grow in certain areas of the United States, namely frost-free areas in Florida and Hawai'i, but are mainly grown as indoor plants. Situate your Calathea in a window where it will receive bright, indirect light 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Calathea plants are susceptible to the following issues and pests:​
  • Thrips
  • Spider Mites
  • Aphids
  • Fungus Gnats
  • Mealybugs
  • Scale
For more information on these problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
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Gallery
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

Learn about these interesting houseplants.
An educational video about Cast-Iron Plant.

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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