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Names: Geogenanthus poeppigii (Miq.) Faden, Seersucker Plan Classification: Plantae > Magnoliophyta > Liliopsida > Commelinales > Commelinaceae > Geogenanthus > Geogenanthus poeppigii.

Origin

*****Calathea is a genus of plants belonging to the family Marantaceae. There are several dozen species in this genus. Native to the tropical Americas, many of the species are popular as pot plants due to their decorative leaves and, in some species, colorful inflorescences. They are commonly called calatheas or (like their relatives) prayer plants.*** original article

Cultivars

The genus Calathea is expansive and is not short of many cultivars. Each cultivar is unique in the way it looks but they all require the same care. Such cultivars of Calathea are but not limited to: Calathea 'Beauty Star', Calathea roseopicta 'Corona', Calathea roseopicta 'Dottie', Calathea 'Eclipse', Calathea 'Freddie', Calathea roseopicta 'Medallion, Calathea 'Misto', Calathea makoyana, Calathea ornata, Calathea lancifolia, Calathea orbifolia .

Native Use

***In its native range, the large and tough leaves are popular for holding small items. Sometimes, they are used unprocessed, e.g. to wrap fish for transport in parts of Brazil, such as the Benevides region of Pará. In other places, the leaves are used in handicraft to produce containers, such as the quivers of the Nukak people of Colombia. Most famous, perhaps, are the decorative Calathea-leaf rice containers produced in some villages of Thailand, especially in Ban Huak (Amphoe Si Bun Rueang) where they are an important source of income and sold to locals and tourists alike.

Calathea foliage is of importance to some herbivores, such as the caterpillars of the purple owl (Caligo beltrao) which feed on C. zebrina. For a list of Calathea diseases, see List of foliage plant diseases (Maranthaceae).

Calathea bachemiana

Due to habitat destruction, several species are threatened with extinction.**** (original article)

Cultivation

Since Calathea's are native to tropical lands, their care is a bit different. Like the shady floors of the tropical canopies, this Genus prefers low to medium light . Too much direct sunlight can damage their fragile leaves. Signs of too much sun exposer may result in sunburn or dullness in the color of the leaves. Along with light preferences, these plants require high humidity to mimic their natural habitat. Though, high humidity does not necessarily equate to a lot of water. Calathea's should be kept moist, but not wet. Over or under watering these finicky plants can lead to brown dry leaves. With tropical plants, temperature is a very important part. Calathea's prefer temperatures 60 F and above to support healthy growth. In ample conditions, Calathea's can grow up to three feet in hight with nice wide leaves. Though they are slow growers, once they reach their ultimate height they will stop growing .

Growing Medium

Since Calathea's are susceptible to many outside factors, it is important to have them in the right soil. Ideal soil conditions for Calathea should be porous and well draining . Drainage is very important for Calathea's due to root rot. Root rot is a common problem with many house plants that do not have effective drainage which ultimately kills the plant. A light porous soil will ensure that the plant's delicate root system is not "drowning".

Houseplants

Calathea's soil should be light and porous.

A flower from a wild Calathea marantifolia.

Over the years, Calathea's have become a very popular houseplant for many. Their attractive leaves grab the attention of many plant owners. With so many species to chose from (Calathea lancifolia, Calathea ornata, Calathea Orbifoli, Calathea Makoyana , and much more) it is easy to see why this tropical wonder has risen to the top as one of the most popular houseplants to own. When growing Calathea's indoors, even some of the most experienced plant owners find them difficult. That is why it is important to be mindful of where they are native from and what care they require. Unlike their wild counterparts, many if not most indoor kept Calathea will not flower . When choosing the right pot for a Calathea, It is important to mindful of how they do not like to be kept too wet for too long. A pot with a wide drainage hole and porous soil would be ideal.

Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating an offspring of a plant through a mother plant. A very common way of propagation is through taking a cutting of a plant that exposes a node. Unlike Philodendrons or Pothos who can propagate from just cuttings, Calathea achieve propagation through division . In order to successfully propagate a Calathea, one needs to have a healthy established mother plant. Calathea's shoot out new leaves all the time that are waiting to unfurl their beauty. Therefore, upon un-potting a mother plant it is evident that you can gently separate the plant into smaller parts . Once the Calathea has been successfully divided, each new grouping needs to be potting in its own (well draining) pot. The newly established Calathea will soon shoot out new leaves and continue to grow.

Foliage

When looking at a Calathea's leaves, it's hard to ignore their unique patterns and colors. Each different species bears it's own unique design with a deep Burgundy color on the underneath of the foliage. Besides the look of their stunning leaves, their leaves play a different role as well. During the night, their leaves will fold up . In the morning hour, their leaves will unfurl in search of the morning sun. This phenomenon is made possible by a small "joint". The plant possess between the stem and leaf.

Calathea zebrina exhibiting its nightly foliage curl