How to Grow and Care for Calatheas

The peacock plant sports large, thin leaves in varied shades of green. The plant thrives in warm, humid environments such as its native Brazil. It is a classic example of a "prayer plant," meaning its leaves appear to close up at night and open again in the morning.

Zebra plant (Goeppertia zebrina) is an evergreen perennial that will grow from 61 to 91 cm tall, with light green leaves accented by dark green stripes. It blooms in summer with purple or white flowers. Prefers partial sun to full shade. Propagate this plant by dividing it every 2 to 3 years. Requires excellent drainage and high humidity. Grows best in indoor gardens and large terrariums.

The pin stripe plant, or Goeppertia ornata, is a gorgeous tropical houseplant with distinct markings on the leaves. Although calatheas have a reputation for being difficult to grow, the pin stripe plant is one of the easier choices to care for. The plant is sometimes named as a member of the prayer plant family for the way it closes up its leaves in the evening.

Rose-Painted Calathea (Goeppertia roseopicta) is a plant species commonly cultivated as a houseplant. Rose-Painted Calathea is native to Central America. Under the right growth conditions, this plant can bear cream-colored flower cones.

A gorgeous houseplant, the rattlesnake plant, is the easiest of the Goeppertia lancifolia to grow. Known for its stunning tropical foliage, this plant is marked by various shades of green with wavy stripes. This plant prefers warmth, bright indirect light, and consistently moist but not soggy soil.