8 Calathea Types to Enhance Your Indoor Plant Collection

Written by Natalie Anstey
Dec 18, 2023 · 4 min read
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Are you looking to diversify your indoor plant collection with some unique and stunning foliage? Calatheas might be the perfect addition. Known for their vibrant patterns and varied leaf designs, calathea types offer a spectacular display of nature's artistry. In this guide, we'll explore eight distinctive calathea varieties that are sure to bring life and color to your indoor spaces.

1. Calathea Medallion: A Classic Choice

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Calathea Medallion is renowned for its round, beautifully patterned leaves, resembling a medallion. This calathea variety thrives in indirect light and high humidity, making it a perfect indoor companion. Its striking foliage features dark green patterns against a lighter background, adding a touch of elegance to any room.

2. Calathea Ornata: The Pinstripe Plant

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The Calathea Ornata, or Pinstripe Plant, boasts long, slender leaves with a distinctive pinstriped pattern. It's an ideal choice for those who appreciate delicate detailing in their plants. Regular misting will keep its leaves vibrant and healthy, highlighting the intricate white or pink lines that define this stunning species.

3. Calathea Lancifolia: The Rattlesnake Plant

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The Rattlesnake Plant is a captivating variety, recognized by its long, wavy leaves with unique green and dark purple patterning. Calathea Lancifolia is not only visually appealing but also air-purifying, making it a practical and beautiful addition to your indoor plant collection.

4. Calathea Warscewiczii: The Velvet Touch

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With its velvety, deep green leaves and striking cream patterns, the Calathea Warscewiczii, also known as the Jungle Velvet Calathea, adds a luxurious touch to any space. This type of calathea is particularly noted for its tactile texture, with leaves that feel as good as they look.

5. Calathea Zebrina: The Zebra Plant

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As the name suggests, the Calathea Zebrina or Zebra Plant features bold, striped leaves that resemble a zebra’s coat. This variety is a conversation starter, thanks to its dramatic contrasting patterns and its ability to adapt well to indoor environments.

6. Calathea Vittata: The Elegant Striped Beauty

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Calathea Vittata, distinguished among calathea types for its elegant, clean stripes, is a striking addition to any plant collection. This variety, known for its fussy nature, demands specific care to maintain its beauty​​. 

Calathea Vittata prefers medium indirect light, thriving in conditions where it is protected from direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves​​. Regular watering is essential, as the plant should not be allowed to dry out between waterings. However, care must be taken to avoid overwatering, as indicated by yellow leaves, or underwatering, shown by leaves curling in on themselves​​.

7. Calathea Roseopicta: The Rosy Beauty

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The Calathea Roseopicta, distinguished by its deep green foliage and rosy centers, adds a romantic touch to your collection. This calathea variety enjoys a warm, humid environment and is perfect for brightening up shaded areas of your home.

8. Calathea Rufibarba: The Furry Feather

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Last but not least, Calathea Rufibarba, also known as the Furry Feather, is unique for its textured, feather-like leaves. Its soft, furry underleaf texture is a delight to touch, and its air-purifying qualities make it as beneficial as it is beautiful.

Calathea plants, with their diverse patterns and colors, offer a fantastic way to enhance your indoor plant collection. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of the Medallion or the unique bloom of the Eternal Flame, there's a calathea type for every plant parent. Remember to provide them with the right care and attention, and these calathea varieties will thrive, adding beauty and vibrancy to your indoor spaces

Fern's Leafy Learnings

  • Calathea Medallion, one of the types of calathea, with its medallion-like leaves, is a classic and elegant choice for any indoor plant collection.
  • The Pinstripe Plant, or Calathea Ornata, features striking pinstriped patterns, making it a delicate and detailed addition.
  • Calathea Lancifolia, known as the Rattlesnake Plant, offers both visual appeal and air-purifying properties.
  • The Calathea Warscewiczii adds a touch of luxury with its velvety texture and cream patterns.
  • Calathea Crocata, the Eternal Flame, is unique for its vivid orange blooms, adding a rare color splash among calatheas.

Embark on a flourishing journey with plants that aren’t just decor, but companions. 

At Flora, we not only bring you a vibrant selection of locally sourced, rare, and delightful plants, but we also serve as your continuous guide in your plant parenting voyage, ensuring every leaf in your sanctuary thrives. With our Flora Pod™ technology and a nurturing community of over 250,000 plant lovers, we cultivate a space where every plant parent - novice or expert - can blossom.

We propagate with a commitment to sustainability, connection, and ceaseless growth, fostering a community where each member, and their plants, are cherished and nurtured.

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