Calathea Varieties
A comparison of the most popular Calathea varieties — learn which one is right for your space and skill level.
| Variety | Key Feature | Care Difficulty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calathea Ornata (Pinstripe) | Dark green leaves with thin pink pinstripes; purple undersides | Easy | Varies |
| Calathea Makoyana (Peacock) | Oval leaves with feather-like green and cream patterns; thinner leaves than Ornata | Easy | Varies |
| Calathea Medallion | Round, broad leaves with dark green medallion patterns on light green; large leaf size | Easy | Varies |
| Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake) | Long, wavy, lance-shaped leaves with dark green spots; purple undersides | Easy | Varies |
Variety Details
Calathea Ornata (Pinstripe)
The classic Calathea with dark green leaves adorned with delicate pink stripes that look hand-painted. The undersides are a rich purple, and the leaves fold up at night to reveal them.
Distinguishing feature: Dark green leaves with thin pink pinstripes; purple undersides
Care notes: The most humidity-demanding of the common Calatheas. Crispy edges appear quickly in dry air. Use distilled water to keep the pink stripes vibrant.
Calathea Makoyana (Peacock)
Known as the Peacock Calathea for its dramatic oval leaves with feather-like patterns in shades of green and cream. The design looks painted on, with a translucent quality that catches the light beautifully.
Distinguishing feature: Oval leaves with feather-like green and cream patterns; thinner leaves than Ornata
Care notes: Slightly more tolerant of average humidity than Ornata, but still needs 50%+ to thrive. More prone to spider mites — check undersides of leaves regularly.
Calathea Medallion
A bold variety with large, round leaves featuring dark green medallion-like patterns radiating from the center on a light green background. The purple undersides make the nighttime fold-up display especially striking.
Distinguishing feature: Round, broad leaves with dark green medallion patterns on light green; large leaf size
Care notes: Larger leaves mean more surface area for moisture loss — needs consistent high humidity. Leaves can get crispy edges faster than smaller-leafed varieties if conditions are dry.
Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake)
One of the easier Calatheas to grow, with long, wavy, lance-shaped leaves spotted with dark green markings on a lighter green background. The purple undersides add to the visual interest when leaves fold at night.
Distinguishing feature: Long, wavy, lance-shaped leaves with dark green spots; purple undersides
Care notes: The most forgiving Calathea for beginners. Tolerates slightly lower humidity and occasional drying better than other varieties. A good starter Calathea before moving to more demanding types.