Calathea Varieties

Home / Guides

What all calatheas share

Calatheas (including those reclassified as Goeppertia) are tropical prayer plants from the rainforests of Central and South America, grown for their extraordinarily patterned leaves. All share similar care requirements: indirect light (no direct sun), consistent moisture without waterlogging, high humidity (50 to 60 percent or above), and filtered or rainwater rather than tap water. All perform nyctinasty, folding their leaves upward at night and opening them in the morning.

The care is broadly similar across varieties, but the tolerance for imperfect conditions varies significantly. Starting with a more forgiving variety builds confidence before attempting the more demanding types.

Calathea orbifolia

Orbifolia is one of the most visually distinctive calatheas: large, round leaves with broad silver-green stripes alternating with darker green stripes in a regular, graphic pattern. The leaves can reach 12 inches across on a mature plant and have a slight silver sheen. It grows into a full, spreading plant over time.

It is one of the more forgiving calatheas, tolerating slightly lower humidity than some other varieties and being less prone to dramatic tip browning. Still needs filtered water and indirect light. The large leaves gather dust and benefit from occasional gentle wiping. One of the best calatheas for beginners willing to invest in a humidifier.

Calathea ornata (Pinstripe calathea)

Ornata has dark green, slightly elongated leaves with fine pink or white pinstripe lines running parallel to the midrib and veins. New leaves often have brighter pink lines that fade slightly to cream as the leaf matures. The underside of every leaf is deep burgundy-purple. The pattern is refined and detailed compared to the bolder markings of orbifolia or medallion.

It is more sensitive than orbifolia to low humidity and tap water minerals, and develops crispy brown tips quickly in dry conditions. Filtered water and 50 percent or higher humidity are non-negotiable for keeping ornata looking pristine.

Calathea medallion (Calathea veitchiana)

Medallion is one of the most popular calatheas in garden centers, with large, oval leaves featuring a distinctive feathered pattern: dark green outer zones with pale silvery-green markings fanning inward from the midrib, and deep burgundy undersides. The pattern looks hand-painted.

It is moderately demanding: needs high humidity and filtered water but handles medium light and inconsistent watering somewhat better than white fusion or ornata. A good second calathea after orbifolia or rattlesnake.

Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake plant)

Rattlesnake calathea has long, narrow, wavy-edged leaves with alternating oval dark green spots along the midrib against a pale green background, and purple undersides. The pattern closely resembles rattlesnake markings. It is one of the most drought-tolerant calatheas and can handle slightly lower humidity than most, making it a good entry point for calathea beginners.

It grows tall (up to 2 to 3 feet) and spreads by producing offshoots from the base, which can be divided to propagate new plants. One of the more vigorous and fast-growing calatheas.

Calathea white fusion

White fusion is the most striking and the most demanding calathea commonly available. Its leaves combine dark green, white, and pale green in a splashed, almost watercolor pattern, with pale lavender or pink undersides. No two leaves look exactly the same, and the white portions can make up half or more of a leaf.

Because so much of the leaf lacks chlorophyll, white fusion needs more light than all-green calatheas and is much more sensitive to dry air, tap water, and temperature fluctuations. It also grows more slowly. Keeping white fusion looking pristine requires very high humidity (60 percent or above), consistently filtered water, and careful attention. It is best reserved for experienced plant owners with a dedicated humidity setup.

Calathea zebrina

Zebrina has velvety, rich green leaves with dark stripe markings running parallel from the midrib toward the leaf edges, creating a bold, geometric pattern. The undersides are purple. The leaf surface has a soft, slightly fuzzy texture. It grows quickly and produces large leaves.

It is one of the more forgiving varieties for humidity, tolerating slightly drier conditions than ornata or white fusion while still preferring 50 percent or above. A good choice for a vivid, large-leafed calathea with somewhat less demanding humidity requirements.

Calathea musaica (Network calathea)

Musaica has a completely different look from most calatheas: instead of bold stripes or feathered patterns, its leaves are covered in an intricate, fine network of pale and dark green lines that creates a mosaic effect, like looking at a leaf under a magnifying glass. The pattern is subtle at a distance but extraordinary up close.

It is somewhat more tolerant of lower humidity and inconsistent watering than the demanding varieties, making it a good option for those who find standard calatheas too fussy but still want something unusual. Still prefers filtered water and indirect light.

Calathea makoyana (Peacock plant / Cathedral windows)

Makoyana has translucent, oval leaves with a pattern that resembles peacock feathers or stained glass: pale green with darker oval markings and fine lines creating a layered, dimensional effect. Held up to the light, the translucent portions glow. The undersides repeat the pattern in shades of pink and purple.

The peacock plant is sensitive to low humidity and fluoride and develops brown margins quickly in poor conditions. It is less commonly available than medallion or orbifolia but worth seeking out if you can provide the humidity it needs.

Calathea roseopicta (Rose-painted calathea)

Roseopicta is a species with several popular cultivars. The basic species has dark green leaves with a pink or cream central zone and a pink margin, with purple undersides. Named cultivars include 'Dottie' (dark green leaves with a bright pink outline and midrib), 'Rosy' (nearly entirely pink new leaves that mature to dark green with pink markings), and 'Medallion' (a widely sold form with the classic feathered pattern).

Roseopicta cultivars tend to be moderately demanding, needing filtered water and good humidity but being somewhat more tolerant than white fusion.