The Most Beautiful Calathea, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Calathea you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 11, 2024 06:17

Many enthusiasts of houseplants cherish Calatheas for their unique, attractive foliage, which can transform any living space into a vivid display of nature's artistry. However, with so many varieties, it can be a challenge to identify which Calathea stands out as the most striking. Creating a ranked list through community votes offers a fun and interactive way to engage with other enthusiasts while determining which varieties are considered the most beautiful. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a dynamic and constantly updated list that reflects the collective opinion of a diverse community. This not only helps new enthusiasts make informed decisions when choosing their own plants but also fosters a sense of community among plant lovers. Votes are tabulated in real-time, ensuring that the ranking accurately captures current trends and preferences in the world of Calathea enthusiasts.

What Is the Most Beautiful Calathea?

1

27
votes
Chhe (talk) · Public domain

Calathea ornata

Cultivated by horticulturists

This plant has large, dark green leaves with pink stripes that give it a unique and striking appearance.
Calathea ornata, also known as Pinstripe Plant, is a stunning tropical plant prized for its distinctive dark green leaves with pink stripes or veins. It is a member of the Marantaceae family, native to the rainforests of Brazil. The bold contrast between the dark green and pink markings makes it a favorite among plant enthusiasts and interior decorators.

Botanical Name: Calathea ornata

Common Name: Pinstripe Plant

Family: Marantaceae

Origin: Brazil

Foliage: Dark green with contrasting pink stripes or veins
2

25
votes
Chhe (talk) · Public domain

Calathea lancifolia

Also known as the Rattlesnake Plant, this Calathea has long, narrow leaves with a beautiful pattern of dark green spots and stripes.
Calathea lancifolia, also known as Rattlesnake Plant, is a stunning and popular Calathea variety appreciated for its striking foliage pattern. Its lance-shaped leaves feature vibrant dark green hues with light green stripes resembling a rattlesnake's skin, hence the name. This plant is a perfect addition to any indoor setting, adding an exotic touch and a touch of nature's beauty.

Common Name: Rattlesnake Plant

Scientific Name: Calathea lancifolia

Leaf Pattern: Lance-shaped leaves with dark green hues and light green stripes

Foliage Texture: Smooth and glossy

Plant Height: Approximately 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall
3

16
votes
Chhe (talk) · Public domain

Calathea zebrina

The Zebra Plant has elongated leaves with bold, white stripes that make it stand out in any room.
Calathea zebrina, also known as the Zebra plant, is a stunning tropical plant known for its unique striped leaves. Native to Brazil, this plant belongs to the Maranta family and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its beautiful foliage.

Common Name: Zebra plant

Scientific Name: Calathea zebrina

Family: Marantaceae

Native To: Brazil

Foliage: Large, elongated leaves with distinct green stripes that resemble a zebra's pattern, purplish undersides
4

14
votes
Jerzy Opioła · CC BY-SA 4.0

Calathea roseopicta

This plant has gorgeous, deep green leaves with pink veins that create a stunning contrast.
Calathea roseopicta, also known as the Rose Painted Calathea, is a stunning tropical plant highly valued for its striking foliage. It is native to the rainforests of South America and is famous for its vibrant and colorful leaves.

Common Name: Calathea roseopicta

Scientific Name: Calathea roseopicta

Family: Marantaceae

Native Habitat: South America

Leaf Color: Variegated (dark green to burgundy)
5

13
votes
Calathea makoyana

Known as the Peacock Plant, this Calathea has unique, feather-like leaves with green and silver patterns.
Calathea makoyana, commonly known as the Peacock Plant or Cathedral Windows, is a stunning tropical plant favored for its eye-catching foliage. It is indigenous to the rainforests of Brazil. The plant features large, ovate leaves with striking patterns of silver-green and deep green hues, resembling intricate peacock feathers, hence its name. The undersides of the leaves exhibit a rich purple color, adding to its visual appeal.

Scientific Name: Calathea makoyana

Common Names: Peacock Plant, Cathedral Windows

Native To: Brazil

Foliage: Large, ovate leaves with silver-green and deep green patterns

Leaf Undersides: Purple color
6

8
votes
Calathea medallion

With bold, rounded leaves in shades of green and purple, this Calathea is a true showstopper.
Calathea medallion is an exquisite and stunning variety of Calathea plant. It is renowned for its striking foliage and vibrant colors, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. The large, oval-shaped leaves feature a beautiful combination of dark green tones with intricate patterns of creamy white or light green lines, creating a medallion-like appearance.

Scientific Name: Calathea roseopicta

Family: Marantaceae

Native to: Brazil

Foliage Color: Dark green with creamy white or light green lines

Leaf Shape: Oval
7

16
votes
KENPEI · CC BY 3.0

Calathea orbifolia

This plant has large, round leaves with delicate, silver stripes that catch the light beautifully.
Calathea orbifolia is a stunning tropical plant known for its large, round leaves with pronounced stripes. The leaves have a velvety texture and a silver-green color that adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space. This plant is highly sought after for its striking foliage and is often used as a statement piece in interior design.

Scientific Name: Calathea orbifolia

Common Name: Round-leaved Calathea

Family: Marantaceae

Native to: South America (Bolivia)

Leaf Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide
8

12
votes
Cliff from Arlington, Virginia, USA · CC BY 2.0

Calathea rufibarba

The Velvet Calathea has soft, fuzzy leaves in a deep, rich green that add texture and depth to any space.
Calathea rufibarba, also known as Furry Feather Calathea or Velvet Calathea, is a stunning plant native to Brazil. Its leaves are long and lance-shaped, with a prominent purplish-brown velvety underside that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant green top. The foliage emerges from a central clump, creating an elegant and lush display. This Calathea variety is cherished for its unique texture and striking appearance.

Common Name: Furry Feather Calathea / Velvet Calathea

Scientific Name: Calathea rufibarba

Native To: Brazil

Leaf Shape: Lance-shaped

Leaf Color: Vibrant Green (top) and Purplish-Brown (underside)
9

15
votes
Daderot · CC0

Calathea warscewiczii

This plant has large, velvety leaves in a deep shade of green with striking, silver veins.
Calathea warscewiczii, commonly known as the Calathea Jungle Velvet, is a stunning tropical plant that belongs to the Marantaceae family. It is highly sought after for its striking foliage and unique beauty. This Calathea species is native to Costa Rica and Nicaragua, where it thrives in the floor of tropical rainforests.

Foliage: Large, elongated leaves with velvety texture and stunning dark green coloration on the top side. The underside is deep purple.

Patterns: The leaves exhibit striking patterns of silver-green markings, resembling intricate fishbone patterns.

Size: Grows up to 2-3 feet in height and can spread about 2 feet wide.

Light Requirements: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Keep away from drafts and sudden temperature changes.
10

3
votes
Feloidea · CC BY-SA 3.0

Calathea crocata

Known as the Eternal Flame, this Calathea has vibrant orange flowers that bloom for weeks and add a pop of color to any collection.
Calathea crocata, commonly known as the Eternal Flame plant, is a stunning tropical perennial native to the rainforests of Brazil. It is highly sought after for its vibrant orange flowers that resemble flickering flames, thus earning its evocative name. The plant is a member of the Marantaceae family and is prized for its attractive foliage and exquisite blooms.

Family: Marantaceae

Common Name: Eternal Flame plant

Origin: Brazil

Flower Color: Orange

Foliage: Green, patterned

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Ranking factors for beautiful Calathea

Leaf Shape and Texture

The shape of the leaves can also be a determining factor, as some Calathea species have round, oval, or elongated leaves. Additionally, some leaves may be smooth while others are wavy or have a velvety texture.
Overall Plant Health

A healthy Calathea plant will have lush, vibrant foliage and should be free of pests or diseases. A beautiful plant should be well-cared for and should display healthy growth.
Rare or Unique Varieties

Some Calathea varieties might be more coveted or sought-after due to their rarity or unique characteristics. These plants might be considered more beautiful due to their exclusivity and distinctiveness.
Adaptability and Ease of Care

A beautiful Calathea might also be one that is easy to care for and adapts well to various environments. A plant that is low-maintenance and can thrive in different settings may be considered more attractive to some people.
Flowering

While Calatheas are primarily grown for their foliage, some species also produce flowers. If a Calathea plant boasts attractive flowers in addition to stunning foliage, it might be considered more beautiful.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful Calathea. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Calathea is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1246 views
148 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Calathea once every 24 hours. The rank of each Calathea is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful calathea

Calatheas are a popular type of tropical indoor plant that are known for their unique and intricate foliage patterns. With dozens of different species and cultivars to choose from, it's no wonder that plant enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the most beautiful Calathea. One of the defining features of Calatheas is their ability to move their leaves in response to changes in light and humidity. This dynamic quality, combined with their striking patterns and colors, makes them a popular choice for adding a touch of exotic beauty to any room. When it comes to choosing the most beautiful Calathea, there are several factors to consider. Some of the most popular varieties include the Calathea orbifolia, with its large, round leaves and silver stripes, and the Calathea medallion, which features a stunning medallion-like pattern on its leaves. Whether you prefer bold and dramatic patterns or more subtle and sophisticated designs, there is sure to be a Calathea that will catch your eye and add a touch of natural beauty to your home.