Calathea · Goeppertia sp.

Botanical name

Goeppertia sp.

Plant family

Marantaceae

Identification

Genus

Growth and life cycle

You get an evergreen perennial foliage plant that grows in clumps from its base. The leaves change angle between day and night. This is a natural movement. Leaf patterns and colors vary between species and varieties.

Choosing a pot

Choose a pot with drainage holes. Move to a slightly wider pot only when the roots fill the current one. If you use a decorative container, make sure you can take the pot out and empty any collected water.

Light

Bright, indirect light

When to water

Check the top centimeter or two of the potting mix with your finger. Water when it starts to dry out but is still slightly moist inside. Water until it runs out of the drainage holes, then empty the saucer. If brown tips appear, try clean rainwater or filtered water low in salts. Curled leaves with dry potting mix can indicate thirst. Yellowing with potting mix that stays wet for a long time can indicate too much water.

Potting mix and drainage

Choose a houseplant potting mix that holds a little moisture, with perlite for aeration. Make sure there are drainage holes and that the mix does not stay waterlogged.

Feeding

Fertilize lightly when you see new leaves and active growth. When growth stops, or the plant is stressed by dryness or overwatering, hold off on fertilizing.

Pruning and tidying

Remove fully dried leaves with a clean cut near the base, and leave any leaves that still have green areas. Wipe off dust with a soft, damp cloth, without leaf-shine products.

The first few days at home

Remove the wrapping and check for drainage holes. Choose a permanent spot with filtered light, away from the air conditioner’s airflow, and check the potting mix before watering. Keep the plant in its current pot as long as water drains and there is no clear root crowding.

What to watch for

If you see brown tips, check for dry potting mix, dry air and salt buildup before adding water. Pale spots and fine webs on the undersides of leaves are a reason to check for spider mites.

Placement and climate

Indoors, choose a bright spot without direct summer sun or airflow from the air conditioner. In dry air, a humidifier can help; in coastal humidity, keep gentle air circulation. On a balcony, only a shaded, sheltered spot is suitable during the warm season. In winter, bring the plant indoors to protect it from cold and prolonged rain.

Propagation

You can propagate an established plant by dividing it when repotting, keeping roots and leaves on each section.

Around pets

We haven’t verified whether this plant is safe around pets. Ask us before choosing.

Care level

Needs regular attention

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