If you’re looking for a stunning, tropical houseplant to grow in your home that is non-toxic for pets, then look no further than the Calathea.
Calatheas are native to the South American jungle, where they thrive in the shade thanks to the tree canopy above them. This means that Calatheas can tolerate low light conditions, which sets these plants apart from most other houseplants.
What makes these plants even better is that there are a wide array of Calathea varieties to choose from. And since just about all Calathea types have the same or similar growing requirements, you can grow multiple types of Calathea side-by-side.
Take a look to see the most popular varieties of Calathea to find the next one to add to your home.
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Calathea Types
At one time, there were a few hundred plants listed under the Calathea genus. However, in 2012, about 200 plants that were once considered Calatheas were moved to the Goeppertia because of plant evolution, which changed their DNA relationships.
Nowadays, there are about 60 different types of Calathea currently recognized.
Most sources found online and off have yet to update their information with this change. Because of this, it can be difficult to determine which plant has moved over to the Geoppertia genus and which ones have stayed as a Calathea.
Thankfully, just because a plant has changed genus, doesn’t mean you care for them differently than before!
Calathea Anulque
The Calathea Anulque has an upright habit, producing large, oval-shaped leaves that are deep green in color and have a light green variegation. As with other Calathea types, the undersides of the Calathea Anulque’s leaves make a bold statement with its deep purple color.
Calathea Anulque requires a consistently warm environment where it will receive bright, indirect sunlight. Direct light is too harsh for this plant and can cause its leaves to burn and scorch.
Calathea Brenesii
Calathea Brenesii is a perennial plant native from Costa Rica to Panama. It grows in wet tropical environments and can grow several feet tall in its native habitat. Calathea Brenesii produces large, oblong-shaped leaves. Unfortunately, this Calathea variety isn’t as well known as other types and isn’t usually grown as a houseplant.
Calathea Beauty Star
Calathea Beauty Star is a Cathea ornata variety that produces green leaves adorned with silver, pink, and white stripes. The leaves of this variety are thinner and longer than the traditional ornata and have a deep purple underside. Calathea Beauty Star grows up to 36 inches tall and 26 inches wide.
Calathea Beauty Star thrives when it receives medium to bright light. This light should, however, be indirect, but Beauty Star can also tolerate some low light conditions. Avoid subjecting this plant to direct light as it will damage the plant’s foliage.
Calathea Burle Marx
The Calathea Burle Marx is a stunning plant that works well in low-light conditions. It produces icy-blue foliage adorned with deep green tiger stripes. The underside of each oval-shaped leaf is purple. This is one of the few Calathea types that have a low-growing form, reaching heights of between 12 to 20 inches tall and widths of about 16 inches.
Expect to water this Calathea about once every 7 days, although this can vary depending on the plant itself as well as environmental factors. A good general rule is to water this plant whenever the top 2 inches of soil becomes dry.
Calathea Compact Star
Calathea Compact Star produces narrow-shaped leaves that are striped with hues of green and gray. They are considered a fairly new variety and are fast growers. As its name suggests, the Calathea Compact Star is a compact variety, reaching a height and width of 2-inches or a little more.
Like other Calathea varieties, the Compact Star needs warm temperatures and high levels of humidity. While it can tolerate temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, Calathea Compact Star grows best when the temperature is between 70 and 85 degrees. Additionally, you should ensure the humidity level is at least 50 percent.
Calathea Cora
Calathea Cora is known for its lush appearance, which is due to its stunning variegation. The leaves of this tropical beauty have a pale green center and a border that is darker green. Each leaf also has dark green stripes and is sometimes flushed with a light pink. It typically grows between 15 to 23 inches tall.
The Calathea Core needs warm temps and high humidity for the best growth. Its ideal growing conditions also include bright, indirect light for at least 6 hours a day, but can tolerate a little less light. Additionally, this plant requires regular waterings, but is susceptible to overwatering.
You may also be interested in: How Often to Water Calathea Plants (So They Thrive)
Calathea Crimson
Calathea Crimson produces interesting leaves that have a deep pink center and a greenish black border. When new leaves first unfurl, they are a light green color, but will deepen to an almost black as they age. The Calathea Crimson grows between 15 and 23 inches tall, which makes this plant a wonderful choice for small compact spaces.
Crimson calathea thrives in warm temperatures and humidity levels that are above 50 percent. The best way to ensure that this Calathea is happy is to recreate its natural environment as much as possible.
Calathea Crocata
Calathea Crocata, also known as the Eternal Flame Plant, is native to the South American jungles and produces bright orange and yellow blooms that sit atop tall stalks. These blooms are a striking contrast to the deep green foliage, which feature a burgundy color underside.
The Calathea Crocata only reaches about one to two feet tall, but can be grown outside if you live in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 to 12. Just make sure the plant is placed in an area where it is protected from direct sun.
Calathea Dottie
The Calathea Dottie produces dark greenish burgundy leaves with a pink line down the middle of each leaf and a pink border. The undersides of these vibrant leaves are not to be outdone with their deep reddish purple color. The Calathea Dottie is on the smaller side, reaching only about 6 to 12 inches tall, and is also known as the Rose Painted Calathea.
Dottie is a wonderful plant to add to your indoor garden. It is also relatively easy to grow, requiring about 8 to 10 hours of indirect sunlight a day, weekly waterings, and warm temperatures that are between 65 and 80 degrees.
Calathea Eclipse
Calathea Eclipse produces smooth deep green leaves that are lined with white-ivory markings at its border. If you look at the undersides of these leaves, you will find a purple red coloring that can be easily seen when the plant folds its leaves at night. Calathea Eclipse can grow up to 20 inches tall and wide, and it has a clumping habit.
Calathea Eclipse is a cultivar of the Calathea Roseopicta and has the same growing requirements, which includes watering about once a week during the spring and summer months, humidity levels of at least 50 percent, warm temperatures, and indirect but bright light.
Calathea Exotica
Calathea Exotica produces lighter colored leaves that are striped in a dark green color. The underside of each leaf is painted purple or deep burgundy. This is a slow-growing plant that only reaches about 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide once it hits maturity.
Calathea Exotica needs humidity levels of no less than 50 percent. If you really want the plant to thrive, aim to give the plant a humidity level that is above 60 percent. This can be done with the help of a humidifier or drip tray.
Calathea Fasciata
Calathea Fasciata produces orb-shaped leaves that have a glossy glazed sheen. These thick leaves are green in color with both light and dark veins, and have a purple underside. The Calathea Fasciata is a low-grower, reaching heights of between 8 and 18 inches on average.
The best indoor location for the Calathea Fasciata is near a bright, sunny window that has a sheer curtain or blind to help diffuse the sun shining in. An east-facing window typically provides the right amount of light that the Calathea Fasciata needs. Just make sure the light isn’t shining directly on the plant.
Calathea Flamestar
Calathea Flamestar is a popular houseplant, thanks to its bushy-like appearance and stunningly patterned foliage. This Calathea produces leaves that have rich yellow and green markings with reddish burgundy undersides. Calathea Flamestar has an upright clumping habit and grows approximately 2 inches tall and 2 inches wide.
The Flamestar has the same growing requirements as other Calathea varieties, which means high levels of humidity, indirect light, and mild and warm temperatures. Additionally, the Calathea Flamestar will need regular watering but care must be taken not to water the plant too much since it is susceptible to overwatering.
Calathea Freddie
Calathea Concinna ‘Freddie’ produces light green foliage with veins that are darker green in color, which gives this plant’s leaves a zebra-like appearance. The leaves are pointed with an elongated shape. When grown indoors, Calathea Concinna ‘Freddie’ can grow between 2 to 3 feet tall.
Calathea Freddie should only be watered with distilled water whenever possible. This plant is sensitive to tap water, and watering it with tap water can cause damage to the Calathea’s leaves and roots. If distilled water isn’t available, use filtered or rain water instead.
Calathea Fucata
The Calathea Fucata is a rare variety that produces oval-shaped leaves that are silvery bluish green with deep green markings and purplish undersides. It can grow 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, and is fairly easy to care for.
This Calathea variety can tolerate some levels of low light, but grows the best and the fastest when it has 8 to 10 hours of bright light every day. Just remember that the plant shouldn’t be allowed to sit in direct light as this can damage its leaves.
Calathea Hagbergii
Calathea Hagbergii is native to the tropical Americas and is often grown as a houseplant in areas where it is not hardy. It produces lance-shaped leaves that are vibrant green with light green to cream-colored variegation. The undersides of these leaves are purple to burgundy in color and they really stand out when the plant closes its leaves for the night.
Calathea Hagbergii needs a high humidity level in order to grow properly. Humidity levels between 60 and 70 percent are the ideal range for this Calathea, but this can be difficult to achieve in a residential setting. Thankfully, drip trays and humidifiers can quickly raise the humidity to a level that this Calathea needs.
Calathea Indri
Calathea Indri is a rather new cultivar that produces broad, upright leaves that grow outwardly. Its leaves are elliptic-shaped with a dark green background and a metallic silvery green variegation. New leaves are usually tinged with a pinkish hue, but will deepen in color as the leaf matures.
Calathea Indri is a tropical plant most often grown indoors. If, however, you live in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 11 and 12, you can plant this Calathea outside. Just make sure you plant the Calathea Indri in an area where it is protected from direct sun.
Calathea Illustris
Calathea Illustris, also called Calathea Roseopicta Illustris, has oval and broad leaves with a shiny sheen. These leaves are beautifully patterned with various shades of green and even some red, and their undersides are purple. The Calathea Roseopicta Illustris can grow between 20 and 35 feet tall with a width to match.
Because the Calathea Illustris is susceptible to overwatering, you must avoid giving the plant too much water. In most cases, you will need to water this Calathea once every 9 days during its active growing season. Keep in mind, however, that the exact time and amount of water can vary depending on the time of year, age, and size of the plant, as well as environmental factors.
Calathea Lancifolia
The Calathea Lancifolia has wavy leaves with a lance-like shape. These leaves are colored in various hues of dark and bright green. Each leaf has a vibrant purple underside, which creates a stunning contrast against the green foliage. This plant is also known as the Rattlesnake plant or Rattlesnake Calathea thanks to the markings on its leaves.
To ensure your Calathea Lancifolia has the best chance of survival, try to give the plant everything it needs for a long and healthy life. This does mean recreating its natural environment as much as possible.
Calathea Leopardina
Sometimes called the Shadow Plant, Calathea Leopardina produces oval-shaped leaves colored in bright green and adorned with a darker green branch-like pattern. This plant has a clumping, upright habit and can be grown in shaded areas. Calathea Leopardina has an average growth of about 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Calathea Leopardina isn’t too picky of a plant, but does need specific growing conditions in order to thrive in your home. Thankfully, these growing conditions are similar to most other tropical houseplants, including the popular Philodendron.
Calathea Loeseneri
Also known as the Lotus Pink, this Calathea variety produces oval-shaped leaves that are elongated and bright yellowish green in color. In its natural environment, the Lotus Pink produces pink to white-colored blooms. When mature, this Calathea can reach up to 4 feet tall!
The Calathea Loeseneri is native to Central and South America, where it receives warm temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees, bright light, and high humidity levels. This plant cannot tolerate direct light so never allow the Calathea to sit in direct sun for a long period of time.
Calathea Louisae
Calathea Louisae produces leaves with green and yellow stripes that stand out from other houseplants. These leaves have a glossy sheen, which is just one of the many reasons why indoor gardeners love this plant. Not only can the Calathea Louisae grow to almost 3 feet tall, but it also has air-purifying qualities.
To help prevent overwatering, consider watering the Calathea using the bottom watering method. This will require submerging the bottom of the plant’s pot in water and then checking the soil moisture level every 10 minutes. Once the soil begins to feel damp, remove the plant from the water.
Calathea Lutea
Calathea Lutea produces broad ovate leaf blades that are rather large in size and have a bright green color. The undersides of these plants are waxy and silver, and become more noticeable when the plant closes up during the night. In its native habitat, the Calathea Lutea can grow between 9 and 13 feet tall.
Calathea Lutea doesn’t have many issues, but it is susceptible to overwatering, which leads to root rot. The good news is that it is completely preventable by simply not watering the plant too much. Additionally, make sure the Calathea Lutea is growing in soil that drains well.
Related: Best Calathea Soil: Tips to Pick the Right Potting Mix
Calathea Magic Star
Calathea Magic Star has lanceolate to oblong-shaped leaves that are mainly green with a white splash-like pattern. The undersides of these glossy leaves are maroon to bright pink. Calathea Magic Star typically reaches about 2 to 2.5 feet tall.
Since it is susceptible to tap water, this plant should only be watered and misted with distilled water. You will also need to ensure it has humidity levels of at least 60 percent and is given at least 8 hours of bright, indirect light.
Calathea Makoyana
Native to Brazil, the Calathea Makoyana is often called the Peacock Plant thanks to the markings on its leaves that resemble a peacock feather. The leaves, which grow on reddish stems, are broad and oval, and can reach up to 12 inches long.
Each leaf has a pale background and deep green oval shapes and striping. When you flip the leaf over, you will find a pinkish purple or maroon color with deep green markings. The Calathea Makoyana is a compact Calathea growing to only about 1 to 2 feet tall.
Calathea Maranta
Calathea Maranta is native from Central America to Ecuador and produces tri-colored leaves. This Calathea variety isn’t as readily available as other types, and it is actually considered a rare Calathea. They can grow between 12 and 24 inches tall and wide.
Because it doesn’t get too tall, the Calathea Maranta is a good choice for more compact spaces, such as desks. But just because it isn’t a large plant, doesn’t mean it won’t quickly become the focal point of the room with its multiple colored foliage.
Calathea Maui Queen
The Calathea Maui Queen features leaves that are adorned with a white feathery-like pattern that appears in the middle of each leaf. While the top side of these leaves is green, underneath you will find a dark purple color. Calathea Maui Queen grows, on average, 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Calathea Maui Queen needs plenty of water, but it is susceptible to overwatering. Despite it being a serious and fatal issue, overwatering is 100 percent preventable. Just make sure the Maui Queen is growing in soil that drains well and only water the plant when the soil starts to dry out.
Calathea Medallion
The Calathea Medallion is named after its large, medallion-like leaves that are dark to light green on the top and dark burgundy on the bottom. It grows between 6 and 36 inches tall with a 24 inch spread. It has a slow to moderate growth rate, so don’t expect this plant to reach maturity quickly.
Calathea Medallion is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness zones 9 through 12, which means you can grow this variety outdoors if it is protected from direct sun. All other areas will need to grow this plant indoors or bring it inside when the temperatures start to fall below 65 degrees.
Calathea Mia
Calathea Mia is another new cultivar that was created by crossing the Calathea roseopicta with Calathea loeseneri. Its foliage is light to medium green with silvery gray variegation. Calathea Mia is not as well-known as other Calathea varieties, nor is it as readily available.
Because the Calathea Mia isn’t as commonly grown indoors as other Calathea types, its exact growing requirements may vary. However, this cultivar does need bright, indirect light, regular waterings, warm temperatures, and high levels of humidity.
Calathea Micans
The Calathea Micans are found throughout much of Mexico, as well as the tropical forests of South America. It is a small, compact Calathea type, reaching no more than 6 inches tall. Calathea Micans produce ovate, simple leaves, and small white flowers will appear once the plant has reached maturity.
Calathea Micans are a fairly common Calathea variety, and one of the easier types to grow. It does require moist soil and indirect, bright light. You will also need to ensure this plant isn’t subjected to temperatures lower than 65 degrees or higher than 80 degrees.
Calathea Misto
The Calathea Misto produces glossy leaves that are medium green, thick, and have a light green feather-like pattern down the middle. These leaves are ruffled and when turned over, you can see its dark purple underside. Calathea Misto is a variant of Calathea Louisae, and can grow up to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Because the Calathea Misto is susceptible to overwatering, care must be taken to prevent this issue. Making sure the Calathea is growing in well draining soil and only watering when the top one to two inches of soil is dry will go a long way to avoid overwatering.
Calathea Mosaic
Calathea Mosaic is different from other Calathea varieties, producing leaves with a two toned pattern that looks similar to a mosaic. At maturity, this Calathea can reach a width of 2 to 3 feet and a height of up to 2 feet. When in its native habitat, the Mosaic will produce small delicate white blooms, but this isn’t a common sight when grown indoors.
The Calathea Mosaic is native to Brazil and needs warm temperatures, damp soil, and high humidity levels. This plant can tolerate medium to some shade, it will grow the best when the plant has 8 or more hours of bright light a day. Just make sure it is indirect light.
Calathea Musaica
Also known as the Calathea Network, Calathea Musaica is one of the newer Calathea types available and has an unusual pattern on its leaves. These large leaves are light green but have cream linear patterns, which look similar to a code. The Calathea Musaica can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide and is native to Brazil.
Even though the Calathea Musaica isn’t a heavy feeder, you should still consider giving the plant some form of fertilizer during its active growing season. While commercial fertilizers can be used, you can also use more natural options, such as worm castings, compost, or aquarium water. No matter what fertilizer you use, it should be applied no more than once a month only during the spring and summer.
Calathea Orbifolia
Calathea Orbifolia produces bright green foliage with light silver striped markings. The leaves of this plant can grow 12 inches wide. They are native to Brazil and can grow to almost 3 feet tall when mature. Calathea Orbifolia is considered one of the largest Calathea varieties.
When watering the Calathea Orbifolia, do so at the base of the plant and not overhead. Watering the Orbifolia above the plant can lead to fungal and bacterial diseases. When you water at the base instead, you avoid splashing the soil up onto the leaves, which reduces the chance of these diseases affecting the plant.
Calathea Ornata
The Calathea Ornata is commonly known as the Pinstripe plant, thanks to its pinstripe-like markings. It produces long leaves that are dark green in color and have pink stripes, and the underside of these leaves are maroon. Calathea Ornata is native to Venezuela and Colombia.
Ornata cannot handle tap water very well, and watering the plant with it can cause damage to its leaves and roots. The excess minerals, salts, and other additives typically found in tap water will begin to build up in the soil and harm the plant. Thankfully, watering the Calathea Ornata with distilled water will prevent this from occurring.
Calathea Pluriplicata
The Calathea Pluriplicata is native to the tropical Americas, and produces vibrant green oblong leaves. Unfortunately, this Calathea variety is not often grown indoors and not much information is known about this type. What is known, however, is that the Calathea Pluriplicata is an important plant for various different insects, including caterpillars, which feed on its leaves.
Calathea Picturata
Calathea Picturata is one striking plant. It produces oblong-shaped leaves that have a grayish green center and a thick, dark green band. Each leaf has a deep purple coloring on the undersides, and the entire plant can grow 14 to 16 inches tall in a clumping form.
One of the benefits of growing Calathea Picturata is that it isn’t susceptible to many pest problems. While this plant can come under attack from common sap-sucking insects, these bugs rarely cause serious or long term damage, and can be controlled with the help of insecticidal soap.
Calathea Red Mojo
The Calathea Red Mojo is another stunning Calathea variety that produces oval-shaped leaves that are a deep green, almost purplish black, color and are lined in bright pink. When new leaves emerge, they are a vibrant bright green color with splashes of pink, but this color will darken as the leaf ages. As far as the growth rate goes, the Calathea Red Mojo is a bit of a faster grower and can reach a little over 2 feet tall and wide.
The Calathea Red Mojo grows well when planted in a mixture that contains 10 percent perlite, 20 percent orchid bark, 20 percent charcoal, and 50 percent potting soil. Additionally, the pot you grow the Red Mojo in should have drainage holes at the bottom and not along the side of the container.
Calathea Roseopicta
Calathea Roseopicta is native to western Brazil and South America. It has broad leaves with a feather-like pattern in hues of fuschia and pink against a dark green background. The fuschia and pink stripes can whiten as the leaf ages.
When grown indoors, the Calathea Roseopicta typically reaches 20 to 30 inches tall, but can get up to 40 inches tall when grown in its native habitat. In most cases, however, this plant is grown indoors since it is only hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness zones 11 and 12. Unfortunately, Calathea Roseopicta isn’t a fast grower so don’t expect it to reach its maximum height in a matter of months.
Calathea Roseopicta Rosy
The Calathea Roseopicta ‘Rosy’ is a cultivar of the Calathea Roseopicta, producing vibrant magenta centers with a deep green, almost black outline. When new leaves first appear, they will have a light pink coloring with a greenish tint. This color will darken as the leaf matures.
Calathea Roseopicta ‘Rosy’ isn’t a difficult plant to grow, but it is prone to certain issues that you should be aware of. The most common problem is overwatering, which typically presents itself as yellowing leaves. The good news is that overwatering is preventable and only requires not watering the Calathea too much.
Calathea Rotundifolia
The Calathea Rotundifolia is a rare Calathea, producing large round leaves that are thick, shiny, and have prominent dark green veins. The underside of these leaves is purple, which creates a striking contrast between the top of the leaf. Calathea Rotundifolia can grow up to 30 inches tall when given the right care.
Calathea Rotundifolia needs about 8 to 10 hours of indirect light every day. Of course, natural sunlight is the best option, but not always a viable option. Artificial light can also be used, just make sure the light isn’t shining directly on the Calathea.
Calathea Royal Standard
The Calathea Royal Standard is a perfect example of a stunning tropical houseplant. It produces thin leaves that have a shimmery look to them. Leaves are silvery green in color with a darker green border, and their undersides are deep purple. When given the right growing conditions, the Calathea Royal Standard can reach 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Since Calatheas are prone to overwatering, care must be taken to not water this plant too much. A good general rule of thumb is to water the plant once every 7 to 10 days during the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing. When the plant is dormant, in the fall and winter, watering should only be done about once every 14 to 20 days.
Calathea Rufibarba
Calathea Rufibarba is a tall Calathea that has elongated, deep bluish-green leaves with purple underneath. These leaves form on red stems. While the Calathea Rufibarba may not produce foliage that is as striking as other Calathea types, the stems and undersides of this Calathea are covered in fuzz, which sets this plant apart from the others.
This plant is also known as the Velvet Calathea and Furry Feather Calathea thanks to the tiny hairs that cover its leaves and stems, which gives the plant a velvet texture, hence the name.
Calathea Sanguinea
The Calathea Sanguinea has lance-shaped leaves that are green in color with a light cream-colored center. These leaves also have a purple underside, which is much more noticeable when the plant has folded its leaves for the night. The Calathea Sanguinea grows between 2 and 3 feet tall.
Calathea Sanguinea is sensitive to tap water, which can cause symptoms similar to a chemical burn. To prevent this from occurring, only use distilled water to hydrate and mist the Calathea. Filtered water can also be used if distilled water isn’t available.
Calathea Setosa
The Calathea Setosa has a clump forming habit and produces thick foliage that is deep green in color with silver gray stripes. Like other Calatheas, the undersides of the Calathea Setosa’s leaves are deep green. Calathea Setosa produces fuzzy leaf stems, which are not as common. It has an average height of between 6 to 36 inches with a spread of 6 to 24 inches.
Avoid placing the Calathea Setosa in direct sunlight as this lighting condition is too harsh for the plant. Furthermore, Setosa cannot tolerate drastic temperature changes and will need to be placed in an area away from drafty doors and windows, and heating/cooling vents.
Calathea Silver Plate
The Calathea Silver Plate produces grayish silver leaves with a green sheen and purplish maroon underside. These leaves unfurl from purplish maroon stalks, and the entire plant grows to about one to two feet tall. The downside is that the Calathea Silver Plate is a slow grower, and it can take years before it reaches full maturity.
If you want the Calathea Silver Plate to thrive, you will need to provide the plant with medium to bright indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, and temperatures that are no less than 60 degrees. You can also give the plant a boost by feeding it a balanced fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer.
Calathea Silvia
The Calathea Silvia is a cultivar of the Calathea Roseopicta that produces large oval-shaped leaves. These leaves are true green in color but have a light green center with blushes of purple and pink hues. The underside of these leaves are reddish pink, which makes for an eye-catching contrast.
One of the benefits of the Calathea plant is that it isn’t toxic to humans or pets, which means you can safely grow it indoors without risking the health of your loved ones. With that said, however, you should still try to keep pets and children from bothering the plant since they can damage the Calathea’s delicate leaves.
Calathea Stella
Calathea Stella is a new cultivar that is closely related to the White Fusion variety. The main difference is that Stella has a white and green marbling pattern, while White Fusion has other colors mixed in. They both, however, grow to be about 2 feet tall.
Calathea Stella needs a higher humidity level than most other houseplants, and grows the best when in 60 percent or higher. A drip tray and humidifier can help increase the humidity levels. You will also need to keep this plant out of direct light as it is too harsh for this plant’s delicate leaves.
Calathea Thai Beauty
Calathea Thai Beauty, also known as Calathea Louisae ‘Thai Beauty’, produces variegated leaves in hues of lime green, cream, and vibrant green. Each leaf also has a purplish underside. This Calathea variety is a bit on the smaller size, reaching only about 8 to 10 inches tall.
The Calathea Thai Beauty thrives in loamy soil, which is an equal mixture of sand, clay, and silt. This soil provides the Thai Beauty with the ideal growing environment that allows its roots to spread easily and water to drain properly. You should also expect to water the plant about once every 10 days or when the top one to two inches of soil feels dry.
Calathea Triostar
The Calathea Triostar gets its name from its tricolor, lance-shaped leaves, which are a sight to behold. Each leaf is variegated in hues of light pink, cream, and green, and its undersides are bright pink in color. The Calathea Triostar can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Calathea Triostar, like most other Calathea varieties, can tolerate some shade, but cannot handle direct light. Direct light, whether natural sun or artificial light, can quickly damage the plant’s leaves, causing them to fade and burn.
Calathea Utilis
Calathea Utilis is native to Ecuador and is found in tropical and subtropical forests. It thrives in moist soils that drain well, and its leaves are bright green in color with lighter, almost yellowish green markings. The undersides of the leaves are deep burgundy. At maturity, the Calathea Utilis can grow up to 3 feet tall with an equal spread.
The soil that you grow the Calathea Utilis in should be light and airy, and not compact. Compact soil does not drain well, which means the growing medium stays soggy. Soggy soil increases the chance of root rot, which can kill the Calathea Utilis in as little as 10 days.
Calathea Vittata
The Calathea Vittata is a little smaller, with heights of only about 24 to 26 inches tall. Despite its smaller size, this Calathea does pack a punch thanks to its elliptical leaves that are bright green and adorned with an abundance of slime, white to cream-colored stripes.
Even though the Calathea Vittata is not a heavy feeder, you should still provide a balanced fertilizer to the plant once a month during the spring and summer. The best fertilizer for the job is a liquid feed with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio. Just remember to stop all feeding in the fall and winter when the plant enters its dormant period.
Calathea Warscewiczii
The Calathea Warscewiczii, which is also called the Jungle Velvet plant, is a bit larger than some of the other Calathea types on our list and can grow up to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It has arching leaves that have a velvet texture and a two-toned light green and dark green pattern with a maroon-purple underside. Calathea Warscewiczii is native to Central America and has a clumping, upright growth habit.
While the Calathea Warscewiczii does need regular watering, care must be taken to not overwater the plant. Overwatering results in root rot, which can quickly kill the Calathea. The help prevent overwatering, wait until the top one to two inches of soil starts to dry before hydrating the plant.
Calathea Wavestar
Calathea Wavestar produces vibrant green leaves with wavy edges. This Calathea type isn’t variegated, and only reaches about 12 to 18 inches tall when grown indoors. It is considered a low-maintenance houseplant, and can even be grown by novice gardeners.
Like other Calathea varieties, the Wavestar cultivar thrives when temperatures are between 65 and 80 degrees Farhenheit. This plant cannot tolerate cold temperatures lower than 60 degrees, and care must be taken to keep this plant away from cold drafts. Allowing the plant to experience drastic temperature fluctuations can throw the Calathea into shock.
Calathea White Fusion
The Calathea White Fusion is another popular Calathea variety, thanks to its stunning leaf marbling in hues of dark purple, lilac, and white. This marbling stands out against the green leaf background. The leaves are large in size with a glossy sheen and they have a light purple underside. When mature, the Calathea White Fusion can grow up to 2 feet tall.
Calathea White Fusion needs higher humidity levels than what the average home typically has. This tropical plant needs at least 50 percent humidity, but grows the best when the humidity is 60 percent or higher. Setting the White Fusion on a drip tray, misting the leaves, and running a humidifier are three of the best ways to increase the humidity level near the plant.
Calathea White Star
Calathea ‘White Star’ is a cultivar of Calathea majestica that produces deep green leaves that are adorned with white pinstripes. You will often see a pink blush-like color appear on these leaves. This plant looks like a cross between the Rosy Calathea and the Pinstripe Calathea, and it can grow up to 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide.
The ‘White Star’ Calathea cultivar needs soil that stays moist but not soggy. This can be a difficult balance to find, and often opens the ‘White Star’ up to overwatering. Because of this, most people wait and water their calathea when the first two inches of soil starts to dry.
Calathea Zebrina
Calathea Zebrina is named for its leaf markings, which look like zebra stripes. The leaves are rather large in size and ovate shaped and form on long stalks. They have a velvety texture, light green background and dark green stripes, and a purple underside. Calathea Zebrina typically grows up to 3 feet tall.
Calathea Zebrinas need a location that is warm and sunny throughout the entire year. It cannot, however, tolerate direct sunlight, so make sure to keep that in mind when deciding where to grow this stunning plant. During periods of dry conditions, you will need to mist the Zebrina leaves to help increase humidity levels.
