Collection: Calathea (Goeppertia)
🌿 Calathea (Goeppertia)
Living art that dances with light.
🪴 Overview
Calathea, now scientifically classified under the genus Goeppertia, is adored for its ornate, patterned foliage and graceful leaf movement that follows the sun. Native to the tropical forests of South America, Calatheas are known as “Prayer Plants” for their rhythmic habit of raising and lowering leaves from day to night. With bold colors, intricate patterns, and soft textures, they bring a touch of luxury and serenity to any indoor collection.
🌱 Key Characteristics
-
Foliage: Strikingly patterned leaves in shades of green, purple, pink, and silver. The undersides often reveal deep burgundy tones.
-
Movement: Leaves gently fold upward at night and reopen in daylight — a natural circadian rhythm known as nyctinasty.
-
Growth Habit: Compact, bushy plants perfect for shelves, side tables, or grouped displays.
-
Air Purifying: Improves indoor air quality while adding vibrant color.
-
Non-Toxic: Safe for pets and children.
🌤️ Care Requirements
-
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can fade its patterns.
-
Water: Keep soil evenly moist, using filtered or distilled water to avoid leaf spotting.
-
Humidity: High humidity (60–80%) is essential. Ideal for bathrooms or rooms with humidifiers.
-
Temperature: 65°F–85°F; consistent warmth and moisture keep leaves lush.
-
Soil: Well-draining, peat-based mix rich in organic material.
🌸 Popular Varieties
-
Calathea orbifolia: Large, round leaves with silver-green striping.
-
Calathea makoyana (‘Peacock Plant’): Delicate green and cream patterning like feathers.
-
Calathea lancifolia (‘Rattlesnake Plant’): Long, wavy leaves with spotted patterns.
-
Calathea roseopicta (‘Medallion’): Deep green leaves with pink or purple detailing.
🌿 Styling Tip
Showcase your Calathea in a ceramic or textured pot that complements its leaf design. Perfect for bright, indirect spaces like living rooms, offices, or entryways.
💧 Pro Tip
Calatheas are sensitive to tap water — use distilled or rainwater to keep foliage pristine. Mist daily or use a pebble tray to maintain humidity and prevent crispy edges.