Much like nature’s own artwork gallery, Calathea plants transform indoor spaces with their mesmerizing leaf patterns and rich color variations. You’ll discover that each variety showcases its own signature design, from the velvety silver stripes of Warscewiczii to the peacock-like spots of Makoyana. Whether you’re a novice plant parent or a seasoned collector, these living masterpieces offer an intriguing range of options to explore, with some varieties reaching impressive heights of three feet.

1. Calathea Warscewiczii’s Silver Stripes

Calathea Warscewiczii features striking silver stripes that radiate from its central vein outward across dark green, velvety leaves. The undersides of its elongated leaves display a deep purple hue, creating a dramatic contrast when the foliage moves. This variety’s distinctive pattern resembles fishbones, earning it the nickname “Jungle Velvet” among plant enthusiasts. The plant grows up to 2-3 feet tall and produces tightly clustered leaves that emerge from a central crown.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; protect from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: Requires high humidity (60% or higher); use humidifier or pebble tray
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added peat moss
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); avoid cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pot: Use container with drainage holes to prevent root rot

2. Calathea Makoyana’s Peacock Spots

Calathea Makoyana, commonly known as the Peacock Plant, features distinctive oval-shaped leaves adorned with intricate feather-like patterns. The leaves showcase dark green margins with lighter green central portions, decorated with alternating rows of deep purple-brown spots resembling peacock feathers. This pattern is particularly striking on the underside of the leaves, where the spots appear in a rich burgundy color against a purple-tinged background.

  • Light: Bright to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can fade the leaf patterns
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Requires high humidity (60-70%); use humidifier or pebble tray
  • Temperature: Warm environment between 65-80°F (18-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • pH: Slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0-6.5
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3. Calathea Ornata’s Pink Stripes

The Calathea ornata, also known as the Pinstripe Plant, features striking pink or white linear stripes that radiate outward from its midrib against dark green leaves. These delicate lines create a dramatic contrast on the elongated oval leaves, which can grow up to 12 inches in length. When new leaves emerge, they display a rich purple underside, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal. Like other Calathea varieties, the ornata exhibits nyctinastic movement, with leaves folding upward at night and reopening in the morning.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; protect from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: Requires high humidity (60% or higher); use humidifier or pebble tray
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with peat moss and perlite
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Use pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot

4. Calathea Lancifolia’s Rattlesnake Pattern

The Calathea lancifolia, commonly known as the Rattlesnake Plant, features long, narrow leaves with distinctive wavy dark green spots against a lighter green background, resembling the pattern of a rattlesnake’s skin. These markings run along both sides of the leaf’s central vein, while the undersides display a deep purple hue, creating a striking contrast when the leaves move throughout the day in response to light.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; protect from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic matter content
  • Humidity: Requires high humidity (60% or higher); use humidifier or pebble tray
  • Temperature: Warm conditions between 65-80°F (18-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot

5. Calathea Roseopicta’s Rose Stripes

The Calathea roseopicta exhibits stunning pink and rose-colored stripes that radiate outward from the center of each leaf, creating a painterly effect against the dark green background. These distinctive markings, combined with the leaves’ silvery sheen and purple undersides, make it one of the most visually striking members of the Calathea family. The stripes maintain their vibrant coloration throughout the plant’s life, though intensity may vary depending on growing conditions.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can fade stripes and damage leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Minimum 60% humidity; prefers higher levels around 70-80%
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
  • pH: 6.0-6.5
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer

6. Calathea Zebrina’s Bold Stripes

The Calathea zebrina, commonly known as the Zebra Plant, features dramatic striped foliage with alternating dark green and light green markings that resemble zebra stripes. These bold stripes run from the center vein to the leaf margins, creating a striking visual pattern on its large, velvety, oval-shaped leaves. The undersides of the leaves display a deep purple hue, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal.

  • Light: Bright to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can fade the markings and burn leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic matter content
  • Humidity: High humidity levels (60% or higher); use humidifier or pebble tray if needed
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • pH: Slightly acidic soil (6.0-6.5)

7. Calathea Musaica’s Mosaic Squares

Calathea Musaica, also known as Network Calathea or Goeppertia kegeljanii, features distinctive leaf patterns that resemble intricate mosaic tiles or a complex network of tiny squares. The small, geometric patterns form a mesmerizing tapestry across each leaf, with light green lines creating a grid-like effect against a darker green background, making it one of the most uniquely patterned Calathea varieties.

  • Light: Bright to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can fade patterns and burn leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: Requires high humidity (60% or higher); use humidifier or pebble tray
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with peat moss and perlite
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)
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8. Medallion’s Deep Burgundy Circles

The Calathea medallion’s deep burgundy circles create a mesmerizing display on its large, round leaves. These distinctive markings feature dark burgundy rings that contrast beautifully against the leaf’s emerald green background, with purple undersides adding another layer of visual interest. The circular patterns radiate from the center of each leaf in an almost artistic arrangement, making this variety one of the most decorative members of the Calathea family.

  • Light: Bright to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: High humidity levels (60-80%); use humidifier or pebble tray
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

9. Calathea White Star’s Frosty

Calathea White Star’s Frosty is a stunning tropical plant known for its silvery-white striped leaves with dark green backgrounds and purple undersides. This compact variety of Calathea features elongated, oval-shaped foliage that displays intricate patterns resembling frost or delicate brushstrokes. Like other prayer plants, its leaves move throughout the day, folding upward at night and opening during daylight hours.

  • Light: Bright to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: High humidity (60% or above); regular misting or humidifier recommended
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with peat moss
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • pH: 6.0-6.5 (slightly acidic)

10. Calathea Louisae’s Metallic Web

The Calathea Louisae ‘Maui Queen’, commonly known as Metallic Web Calathea, features striking foliage with a silvery-white web-like pattern against dark green leaves. This tropical beauty displays intricate markings that resemble delicate threads or veins spreading across each leaf surface, creating a mesmerizing metallic sheen when light hits them. The undersides of the leaves are a rich purple color, adding to its ornamental appeal. Like other Calathea varieties, it exhibits nyctinastic movement, with leaves folding upward at night and opening during the day.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can fade patterns and burn leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: Requires high humidity (60% or higher); use humidifier or pebble tray
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
  • Temperature: Warm environment between 65-80°F (18-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pot: Container with drainage holes to prevent root rot

11. Calathea Crocata’s Orange Spikes

The Calathea crocata, also known as the Eternal Flame plant, stands out from other Calathea varieties due to its striking orange-yellow flower spikes that emerge from dark green foliage. Unlike most Calatheas that are grown primarily for their decorative leaves, the crocata is celebrated for its long-lasting bright flowers that resemble small flames or torches rising above the leaves, blooming multiple times throughout the year when conditions are right.

  • Light: Bright to moderate indirect light; protect from direct sunlight
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: High humidity (60-80%); mist regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot

12. Calathea Beauty Star’s Purple

Calathea Beauty Star’s purple undersides create a stunning contrast with its dark green upper leaf surfaces, which feature elegant silvery-white pinstripe markings radiating from the central vein. This striking prayer plant variety exhibits the characteristic daily leaf movement of lifting its leaves at night and lowering them during the day, making it an especially dynamic choice for indoor spaces.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can fade markings and burn leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: Requires high humidity (60% or higher); use humidifier or pebble tray
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with peat moss and perlite
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength
  • Pruning: Remove yellowed or damaged leaves at the base

13. Calathea Orbifolia’s Giant Leaves

Calathea orbifolia features large, striking circular leaves that can grow up to 12 inches in diameter. The leaves display distinctive silvery-green stripes that radiate from the central vein to the leaf margins, creating a mesmerizing pattern. These giant leaves grow on long petioles and have a slightly rounded shape, making them a stunning focal point in any indoor space. The plant’s impressive size and elegant leaf patterns make it one of the most sought-after Calathea varieties.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can fade the leaf patterns
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: Minimum 60%; use humidity tray or humidifier to maintain high moisture levels
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with peat moss and perlite
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
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14. Calathea Network’s Neon Veins

Calathea Network, also known as Calathea musaica, features striking leaf patterns with intricate neon-green veins that create a mosaic-like or net-like appearance against darker green leaves. These delicate markings resemble tiny brushstrokes arranged in an organized grid pattern, making it one of the most distinctive varieties within the Calathea family. The plant’s leaves move throughout the day in response to light, folding up at night and opening again in the morning.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; protect from direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorching
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: High humidity (60% or higher); regular misting or use of humidifier recommended
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with peat moss and perlite
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Pot: Container with drainage holes to prevent root rot

15. Calathea Eclipse’s Dark Spots

Calathea Eclipse features striking dark spots on its silvery-green leaves that resemble shadows cast during a solar eclipse. These circular markings create a dramatic contrast against the lighter leaf background, while the undersides display a deep purple hue. The spots vary in size and intensity, forming an irregular pattern that makes each leaf unique and visually enchanting.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can fade the distinctive spots
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic matter content
  • Humidity: Minimum 60% humidity; use humidifier or pebble tray if needed
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)