The genus Calathea boasts a wide array of stunning and unique species, each with its distinct foliage patterns, colors, and growth habits. While there are over 300 species in this genus, we will highlight some of the most popular and visually striking varieties that are grown here Sunshine Horticulture:
Calathea orbifolia (Calathea orbifolia): Known for its striking, round leaves with silver-gray stripes and a deep green background, this Calathea variety is a true showstopper. Its large, round foliage adds an air of sophistication to any space.
Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant): This variety features long, lance-shaped leaves with dark green stripes and a unique rattlesnake-like pattern, which gives it its common name. The undersides of the leaves are often maroon or deep purple.
Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant): The Peacock Plant is famous for its vibrant and intricate leaf patterns that resemble a peacock's tail feathers. The upper sides of the leaves are adorned with olive green and dark green stripes, while the undersides are rich purple.
Calathea ornata (Pinstripe Plant): This variety features deep green leaves with delicate pink stripes running perpendicular to the leaf veins. The contrast between the dark green and pink stripes gives it a striking and sophisticated appearance.
Calathea roseopicta 'Dottie': 'Dottie' is a Calathea roseopicta cultivar with rich, burgundy-colored undersides of the leaves and a lovely pinkish pattern on the upper surface, which makes it a unique and attractive choice.
Calathea rufibarba (Velvet Calathea): This variety gets its name from the soft, velvety texture of its elongated, lance-shaped leaves. The tops are deep green with subtle stripes, and the undersides are a striking maroon color.
Calathea 'Beauty Star': This variety is renowned for its captivating leaves, which feature deep green backgrounds adorned with intricate and eye-catching patterns. The primary attraction of Calathea 'Beauty Star' is its remarkable combination of dark green and creamy-white stripes that stretch across the surface of the leaves, resembling a starry night sky.
Calathea Freddie: Freddie is known for its striking foliage, featuring broad, oval-shaped leaves with deep green backgrounds adorned with vibrant, contrasting patterns. The most distinctive characteristic of Calathea 'Freddie' is its unique leaf design, which typically consists of bold, white to light green stripes that radiate outward from the central leaf vein, creating a captivating feather-like or arrow-like pattern.
These are just a few examples of the diverse range of Calathea species and cultivars grown here at Sunshine Horticulture. Their captivating foliage, combined with their unique leaf movements, make them a delightful choice for those looking to bring a touch of the tropics into their homes or gardens. When cultivating Calatheas, it's essential to pay attention to their specific care requirements to ensure they remain healthy and continue to showcase their remarkable beauty.
