Calatheas also called ‘prayer plants’ are valued as ornamental plants due to their beautifully patterned leaves and different night behavior. These plants come from tropical areas of the American continent, they represent the family of Marantaceae and are famous for their detailed geometric ornamentation, and warm colors. There are more than 300 different Calathea species for buyers who seek to beautify their interiors with the lush, exotic aesthetic of a tropical plant. In this article, we will discuss some of the most interesting and attractive species of Calathea, and an explanation of some of their characteristics, how they should be cared for properly, and in what types of arrangements they would look best.
Different Types of Calathea Plant
1. Calathea Orbifoli
Description:
Among the many varieties, Calathea Orbifolia stands out as one of the most eye-popping, with its large round leaves that boast broad silvery-green banding. The leaves can reach even one foot in diameter, which makes this plant a perfect addition to the efficiently designed space.
Care Requirements:
Orbifolia can be a titled plant that requires moderate to high humidity and indirect light. They grow best in loamy soils with good drainage a requirement for regular watering but not water-logging. It is important to make sure that the appropriate level of humidity is present; this can be achieved through frequent misting, or by using a humidifier.
Aesthetic Appeal:
Orbifilia’s foliage is soft and flowing hence it will blend well with the living rooms or offices when people desire a serene environment.
2. Calathea Medallion
Description:
Their characteristic features are Medallion-like leaves, growing on top of a pure dark green background and bound by a lighter green border. Turning the page over, the undersides of the leaves are a rich burgundy which adds another level of depth to the color scheme.
Care Requirements:
Medallion prefers indirect light shade of between low to moderate intensity and a soil moisture level that is consistently damp. One should ensure that the crop is protected from cold drafts to ensure that it remains healthy and warm.
Aesthetic Appeal:
This is because the top of the leaves is entirely different from the bottom, resulting in an artistic plant for every plant lover.
3. Calathea Lancifolia
Description:
Calathea Lancifolia or Rattlesnake Plant has lance-shaped leaves with wavy edges and dark green spots on the body that mimic a rattlesnake’s skin. The below surface of the leaves is a dark purple.
Care Requirements:
This variety thrives well under bright, indirect sunlight and in areas with High humidity levels. It grows best in well-drained soils that require consistent moisture. It is necessary to mist the plant regularly so that the humidity is kept at the right level.
Aesthetic Appeal:
The arrangement and form of the plant’s leaves are also unlike any other so it gives that playful vibe that can be perfect for any area.
4. Calathea Makoyana
Description:
Calathea Makoyana is otherwise called the Peacock Plant and has thin leaves with intricate patterning of dark green and cream and semi-translucent patterns. The lower surface of the leaves is purple, although this is barely discernible due to the transparent nature of the upper surface.
Care Requirements:
Makoyana grows best when exposed to the medium to bright indirect light and loves humidity. It needs the soil to be well-draining and watering the plant frequently such that the soil is moist, but not soaking wet.
Aesthetic Appeal:
The spiraling design of the foliage and the colors are vivid on Peacock Plant’s foliage making it a best-seller for people who want a classy and artistic touch to their garden.
5. Calathea Roseopicta
Description:
Among the variety of Calathea species, Calathea Roseopicta is loved for the large, Niz round-shaped leaves and the central pink or white stripe which stands out against the background of the dark green. Its bottom side of the leaves is commonly burgundy, which has a rather deep appeal to the plant.
Care Requirements:
Roseopicta enjoys moderate indirect lighting and humidity levels. It Comes very suitable with good drainage soil and it needs frequent irrigation to maintain the appropriate moderate moisture level.
Aesthetic Appeal:
The ostentatious striking color and design of Roseopicta makes a garnished addition to plant lovers’ plants adding a tropical feel to any room indoor space.
6. Calathea Ornata
Description:
Calathea Ornata commonly referred to as the Pinstripe Plant has elongated dark green leaves with annoying pinstripe pink or white on them. The underside of the leaf is a darker purple which makes it more beautiful.
Care Requirements:
They prefer medium to bright indirect light and high humidity is better for this plant. It has a preference for well-drained soil type and a moderate level of moisture.
Aesthetic Appeal:
The exquisite check patterns of Ornata make them ideal for contemporary and minimalist interiors by adding a bit of formality to the general atmosphere.
7. Calathea Zebrina
Description:
Calathea Zebrina, which is also called Zebra Plant, features beautiful glossy leaves with green and white stripes that resemble zebras. The leaves are somewhat delicate and possess a particular feel.
Care Requirements:
Zebrina prefers growing in bright regions but has indirect sun exposure and is a high-humidity-forming plant. It prefers well-drained soil that should be continuously wet but not overwatered.
Aesthetic Appeal:
Based on its appearance, Zebrina comprises beautiful patterns on its leaves and has a striking velvet-like touch, giving it a rather exotic look.
8. Calathea Warscewiczii
Description:
This type has wide, dark green foliage that is touch-sensitive and has a lighter feather-like pattern on the upper part. The underside coverings are deep purple which gives a superb contrast to the rest of the body.
Care Requirements:
Warscewiczii likes medium to bright indirect lighting and high humidity. This plant does best in soil conditions that are rather drained and should be watered from time to time to retain moisture.
Aesthetic Appeal:
Warscewiczii has very soft and leathery leaves, and it is rather elegant because of the intricate patterns, which means that the plant gives a luxurious and rich feeling to any room and that is why many plant collectors adore Warscewiczii.
9. Calathea White Fusion
Description:
Calathea White Fusion is a precious variety, distinguished by intense striping. The plant’s foliage is white and green accompanied by purple highlights to provide the entertainment value.
Care Requirements:
White fusion likes light direct lighting and it is best if the environment is humid. It needs well-draining soil as well as constantly moist soil to grow.
Aesthetic Appeal:
White Fusion gives a sense of the variegation and beautiful colors that make it stand out from the rest as an eye-catching plant that is suitable for those who want to have a lively centerpiece in their indoor garden.
10. Calathea Rufibarba
Description:
The Calathea Rufibarba commonly referred to as the Furry Feather Calathea has imposing elongated leaves with a feathery appearance with a slightly undulating margin and raised soft touch. The undersides are a dark burgundy color.
Care Requirements:
Rufibarba grows best under medium to bright indirect light and has high humidity requirements. This plant likes loamy and sandy soil that is moist but well-drained.
Aesthetic Appeal:
In as much as the Rufibarba plant bears large leaves, the texture and small patterns on the leaves make this plant look smooth and elegant and are well suited for placement in a calm and quiet setting.
Conclusion
Several Calatheas are available for collectors today and each one of them has its elegance and personality when grown as houseplants. The collections range from the expressive and vibrant Medallion and Roseopicta to the graceful Ornata and Makoyana. If provided with the necessary levels of humidity and light exposure, these gorgeous plants can grow indoors and add a hint of the exotic to your environment. For the diligent plant collector or the first-time indoor plant enthusiast, Calatheas offers a wealth of discovery that will not cease to amaze.
