Calathea plants are known for their vibrant foliage and unique patterns. They are popular for indoor decoration, especially in areas where direct sunlight is limited.
There are over 300 species of Calathea, each with their own distinctive features. In this article, we will be exploring 41 of the most popular types of Calathea plants.
41 Types of Calathea
1. Calathea Orbifolia
Calathea Orbifolia is a stunning plant that belongs to the Marantaceae family. The plant's most striking feature is its large, round leaves that can grow up to 30 cm in diameter. The leaves have an attractive silver-green coloration with bold stripes running parallel to the midrib. The undersides of the leaves are a rich, deep purple that adds to the plant's overall appeal.
The Calathea Orbifolia is a popular indoor plant choice, as it is relatively easy to care for and adds a touch of exotic beauty to any space. To ensure the plant thrives, it requires bright, indirect light and consistent moisture levels. The Orbifolia prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist, but not overly watered, as this can lead to root rot. With proper care, the Calathea Orbifolia can grow up to 60 cm in height and is sure to be a standout in any plant collection.
2. Calathea Medallion
The Calathea Medallion is a plant that boasts striking and ornamental foliage. It has large, oval-shaped leaves that are a mix of dark and light green hues, creating a mesmerizing pattern. The leaves have a velvety texture and are supported by long, slender stems.
One of the most distinctive features of the Medallion is its prominent burgundy-colored underside, which adds a unique contrast to the bright and vibrant upper side. This plant is sure to be a standout in any collection with its bold and eye-catching appearance.
3. Calathea White Fusion
Calathea White Fusion is a stunning plant with a distinctive appearance. The foliage of this plant has a unique mix of green and white variegation, often with pink tones that add to its charm. The leaves are oblong in shape and have wavy margins, creating a beautiful, undulating effect.
The undersides of the leaves have a striking purple hue that adds an additional pop of color to the plant. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in moderate to low light conditions and is sure to add an eye-catching touch to any indoor space.
4. Calathea Lancifolia
Calathea Lancifolia, commonly known as Rattlesnake Plant, features elongated, lance-shaped leaves that have a dark green hue with light green markings and prominent white veins running throughout. The plant's foliage is unique with a rippled texture, and the undersides of the leaves have a deep burgundy color that contrasts beautifully with the topside.
The Rattlesnake Plant is a popular choice for indoor gardening because of its striking appearance, easy maintenance, and ability to thrive in low light conditions. Its unique features make it a great addition to any home or office space.
5. Calathea Rattlesnake
Calathea Rattlesnake is a visually stunning plant that features elongated leaves with wavy edges, giving them a unique texture. The plant's leaves have a striking coloration with shades of green and silver that create a rattlesnake-like pattern, hence the name. The leaves also have prominent dark green stripes that run perpendicular to the wavy edges, giving them a more defined appearance.
The underside of the leaves has a deep purple hue, which contrasts beautifully with the upper surface. Overall, the Calathea Rattlesnake is a popular choice among houseplant enthusiasts due to its visually striking appearance and easy-care requirements. You can Buy Calathea Rattlesnake here.
Side Note: Calathea Rattlesnake and Calathea Lancifolia are not the same plant. While they both have lance-shaped leaves with prominent veins, the Rattlesnake has wavy, elongated leaves with a green and silver coloration, while the Lancifolia has longer, more narrow leaves with a dark green color and prominent white veins.
6. Calathea Makoyana
The Calathea Makoyana, also known as the Peacock Plant, features unique oval-shaped leaves with a vibrant green color and a mix of dark green and white spots. These spots resemble the feathers of a peacock and create an eye-catching and visually appealing display.
The undersides of the leaves are a beautiful shade of deep purple, adding an extra element of interest to this stunning plant. Makoyana is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in medium to low light environments and requires regular watering to keep its soil moist.
7. Calathea Warscewiczii
Calathea Warscewiczii, also known as the Jungle Velvet, boasts stunningly large, broad leaves with a deep green color and strikingly contrasting light green veins that resemble delicate brush strokes.
The surface of the leaves has a velvety texture, adding to its luxurious appearance. Its foliage tends to fold up at night, revealing a deep maroon underside, and unfolding again during the day, adding a dynamic element to its visual appeal. This plant can add a touch of elegance and drama to any indoor space.
8. Calathea Zebrina
The Calathea Zebrina, also known as the Zebra plant, is a stunning variety with elongated leaves that have a unique striped pattern. The leaves are a dark shade of green with lighter green stripes that run parallel to the midrib, resembling the stripes of a zebra. The underside of the leaves is a beautiful shade of purple.
The plant is relatively easy to care for, and its striking appearance makes it a popular choice for adding some interest to any indoor space. Its distinctive pattern and striking colors make it a great conversation starter and an eye-catching addition to any plant collection.
9. Calathea Jungle Rose
The Jungle Rose is a visually striking plant that features large, oval-shaped leaves in a beautiful blend of pink and green hues. The foliage is adorned with prominent veining that adds texture and depth to the overall appearance of the plant.
As a member of the Calathea family, the Jungle Rose requires a bit of attention to keep it healthy and thriving, but the effort is well worth it for its captivating beauty. It makes a wonderful addition to any indoor space, adding color and vibrancy to your home decor.
10. Calathea Jungle Velvet
Calathea Jungle Velvet is a stunning plant that features large, dark green leaves with a velvety texture, creating a beautiful contrast against its white veins. This plant is known for its striking appearance and is sure to make a statement in any space.
Its leaves have a beautiful shine and are often adorned with intricate patterns, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts. The Jungle Velvet is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires moderate watering and indirect light to thrive.
11. Calathea Freddie
Calathea Freddie is a unique and eye-catching plant that has long, narrow leaves with a dark green color and prominent white stripes that run parallel to the length of the leaf. The leaves are pointed and feature a slight arching pattern, which gives the plant an elegant appearance. The undersides of the leaves are a rich maroon color, providing a beautiful contrast to the green tops.
Calathea Freddie is a relatively small plant that can easily fit on a desk or tabletop, making it a popular choice for those looking to add some greenery to their work or living space. This plant is also known for its air-purifying properties, making it a great addition to any indoor environment.
12. Calathea Beauty Star
The Beauty Star is a unique and eye-catching plant, known for its stunning foliage that features a beautiful mix of dark and light green hues with a prominent white or pink variegation. The leaves are wide and oval-shaped, with a glossy texture that gives them a lustrous appearance.
This plant is perfect for those who want to add a touch of elegance and beauty to their indoor space, and it's sure to be a conversation starter among plant enthusiasts. The Beauty Star is also known for its air-purifying qualities, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve the air quality in their home.