Types of Calathea Varieties: The Complete Guide

Calathea plants—often celebrated for their stunning foliage—are a favorite among plant lovers. With their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, these beauties bring a touch of tropical flair to any indoor space. But with so many varieties available, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose the right one for your home.

In this article, we're going to take a closer look at the different types of Calathea varieties. We'll cover their unique features, care requirements, and how they can fit into your living space. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just getting started, there's something here for everyone.

Calathea Medallion: The Showstopper

Let's kick things off with one of the most popular varieties: the Calathea Medallion. This plant is known for its large, round leaves that showcase a striking pattern of dark green and silver. The undersides of the leaves reveal a deep purplish hue, adding a touch of drama to its appearance.

Calathea Medallion thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to fade or develop brown spots, so it's best to keep it in a well-lit room away from harsh rays. Moisture is key with this plant, so you'll want to keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy. Using a well-draining potting mix will help prevent overwatering issues.

Humidity is another important factor. Calathea Medallion loves a humid environment, so consider placing a humidifier nearby or setting the pot on a tray of pebbles and water. This plant also benefits from regular misting, especially in drier climates or during winter months.

As for feeding, a balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season will keep your Medallion happy. And don't forget to wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and allow the plant to breathe better.

Calathea Orbifolia: The Gentle Giant

If you're looking for a Calathea variety with big, bold leaves, the Orbifolia is a fantastic choice. Its broad, silvery-green leaves have soft, flowing stripes that give it an elegant and sophisticated look.

Like most Calatheas, the Orbifolia prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity. It's a bit more sensitive than other varieties, so keeping a consistent watering schedule is crucial. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid letting it sit in waterlogged conditions.

One neat trick for maintaining humidity is grouping your Calathea Orbifolia with other tropical plants. They can create a little microclimate that helps keep moisture levels up. Just be mindful of airflow, as stagnant air can lead to mold or pest issues.

Feeding is pretty straightforward—use a diluted liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season. And remember, this plant is a bit of a diva when it comes to changes in environment, so try to keep its location constant and avoid cold drafts or sudden temperature shifts.

Calathea Lancifolia: The Rattlesnake Plant

With its long, wavy leaves and unique pattern, the Calathea Lancifolia—or Rattlesnake Plant—is a real eye-catcher. The leaves are a vibrant green with dark, wavy markings that resemble the skin of a rattlesnake, while the undersides are a rich burgundy.

Calathea Lancifolia is relatively easy to care for, making it a great option for beginners. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light, so it can adapt well to different areas of your home. Like its cousins, it loves humidity, so a humidifier or regular misting will keep it looking its best.

When it comes to watering, aim for moist soil that never completely dries out. However, be cautious about overwatering. A pot with drainage holes and a well-draining soil mix will help prevent soggy roots.

This plant isn't too fussy about feeding—every six to eight weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season should suffice. And don't worry too much if you notice the leaves moving throughout the day; it's just the plant adjusting to the light, a behavior known as nyctinasty.

Calathea Roseopicta: The Rose-Painted Beauty

The Calathea Roseopicta is another stunning variety, known for its dark green leaves with a rose-colored pattern in the center. The undersides of its leaves are a beautiful shade of purple, adding to its allure.

This plant enjoys a well-lit spot without direct sunlight. Too much sun can cause the colors to fade, which would be a shame given its striking appearance. Keeping the soil moist is important, but make sure it's not soaking wet. Think of it as the Goldilocks of watering: not too dry, not too wet, but just right.

Humidity is a friend of the Roseopicta, much like other Calatheas. A humidifier, pebble tray, or regular misting will keep it content. If you're feeling fancy, you can even use rainwater or distilled water, as they are less likely to cause leaf spots from mineral build-up.

Fertilizing every four to six weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer will provide the nutrients it needs. And if you notice any brown edges on the leaves, it might be a sign that the air is too dry or the plant is getting too much sunlight.

Calathea Makoyana: The Peacock Plant

No Calathea collection would be complete without the Makoyana, also known as the Peacock Plant. Its leaves are adorned with a feather-like pattern in shades of green and purple, resembling the plumage of a peacock.

Calathea Makoyana prefers bright, indirect light, but can tolerate lower light conditions as well. However, the more light it gets (without being direct), the more vibrant its colors will be. Like most Calatheas, it thrives in high humidity, so don't be shy with the misting or consider using a humidifier.

Watering should be regular but moderate, aiming to keep the soil damp but not waterlogged. A pot with good drainage is crucial to avoid root rot, a common issue with overwatering.

Feed your Peacock Plant with a balanced fertilizer every month during the growing season, and wipe the leaves occasionally to maintain their shine and remove any dust.

Calathea Rufibarba: The Furry Feather

For those who love texture, the Calathea Rufibarba—or Velvet Calathea—might just steal your heart. Its leaves feature a velvety surface with a subtle ripple effect, making it a tactile delight.

Rufibarba prefers bright, indirect light and is relatively adaptable to medium light conditions. Just avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves. Maintain a consistent watering schedule to keep the soil moist, but ensure it has proper drainage to prevent sogginess.

This variety appreciates humidity, so consider using a humidifier or setting it near other tropical plants to boost moisture levels. It's also quite forgiving if you miss a watering here and there, making it a bit more resilient than some other Calatheas.

Fertilize every six to eight weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer to keep your Velvet Calathea thriving. And if you ever feel like giving it a little extra love, a gentle wipe with a damp cloth will keep its leaves looking fresh and clean.

Calathea White Fusion: The Artistic Marvel

Last but certainly not least, the Calathea White Fusion is a true masterpiece of nature. Its leaves boast a mesmerizing mix of green, white, and purple, making it a standout addition to any plant collection.

White Fusion requires bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant colors. Too much direct sun can cause the white parts of the leaves to burn, so keep it in a spot where it receives filtered light.

Watering can be a bit tricky with this one. It's essential to keep the soil moist, but overwatering can lead to root rot. A well-draining soil mix and a pot with drainage holes will help you find that balance. Humidity is also crucial, so a humidifier or regular misting will make your White Fusion feel right at home.

Feeding every month during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer will provide the nutrients it needs. And be patient with this one—while it's not the fastest grower, its stunning foliage is well worth the wait.

Calathea Ornata: The Pinstripe Plant

Calathea Ornata, often called the Pinstripe Plant, is known for its delicate pink stripes that line the rich green leaves, giving it a touch of elegance and sophistication.

This variety prefers a spot with bright, indirect light to keep its stripes looking sharp. Direct sunlight can be too harsh, causing the colors to fade. Like its fellow Calatheas, it thrives in a humid environment, so consider misting it regularly or using a humidifier.

Watering should be consistent—keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The Pinstripe Plant is a bit more forgiving if you occasionally let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, but regular care will help it thrive.

Fertilizing every four to six weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer will keep its foliage lush and vibrant. And if you notice any browning on the leaf edges, it might be a sign of low humidity, so feel free to give it a little extra misting.

Final Thoughts

Calathea varieties offer a stunning array of options for those looking to add a touch of the tropics to their home. Each type has its own unique beauty and care requirements, making them both a joy and a gentle challenge for plant lovers.

At Cafe Planta, we're passionate about helping you find the perfect plants for your space. Whether you're looking for a new addition or need advice on plant care, we're here to help. You can reach out to us via email or connect with us on Instagram. Let's grow together!