SafePlants

Calathea: The Houseplant with Personality

Calathea, a genus within the Marantaceae family, boasts dozens of species admired for their vibrant and patterned foliage. Often grown as houseplants, they are known by various common names, including Peacock Plant, Zebra Plant, Rattlesnake Plant, and Cathedral Windows.

Considerations for Pets

• Calathea lancifolia is noted as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Considerations for Children

• Many Calathea species display their leaves in a "prayer" position, folding them at night, which may be of interest to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calathea
• Family: Marantaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Genus
• Synonyms: The text lists "calathea English" as a synonym, though this seems more like a common name usage within the English language.

Common Names

• Peacock Plant
• Zebra Plant
• Rattlesnake Plant
• Cathedral Windows

Distribution and Habitat

• Calathea species are native to the tropical Americas, including Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
• One species, Calathea warscewiczii, is specifically mentioned as native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Calathea zebrina (Zebra Plant) is described as a perennial foliage plant with large ovate leaves on long stalks.
• Calathea insignis (Rattlesnake Plant) is described as a bushy species.
• The Rose painted calathea exhibits a clump-forming habit and is well-suited for indoor display.
• Calathea warscewiczii is an evergreen perennial herbaceous plant that produces lanceolate leaves.
• One species features large, corrugated, paddle-like leaves, reaching 2 feet long and 12 inches wide, on a 4-6 foot plant.

Ecological Role

• Calathea dryadica and Calathea reginaeare are described, indicating an ongoing effort to understand species diversity within specific regions like Brazil.

Quirky Facts

• Calathea leaves open up in the morning to receive light and close in the evening. This is also referred to as the "prayer plant" because the leaves fold at night.
• The blue and white flower of some Calathea species has been likened to a "small vertical football of glacial ice."

Uses

• Calathea allouia (Guinea arrowroot or sweet corn root) is an oleiferous species cultivated by indigenous peoples.

Specific Species Mentioned

• Calathea zebrina (Zebra Plant)
• Calathea insignis (Rattlesnake Plant)
• Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant)
• Calathea warscewiczii
• Calathea allouia (Guinea arrowroot or sweet corn root)
• Calathea carolineae
• Calathea misantlensis
• Calathea dryadica
• Calathea reginaeare
• Calathea ornata
• Calathea crocata
• Calathea Rosea Picta

Further Information

• HousePlant411.com provides information on identifying and caring for Calathea houseplants.
• Martha Stewart offers insights into Calathea varieties and transplanting tips.
• The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) offers help and information on Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant).