About
This tender, evergreen perennial, to around 40cm high, with large, oval to elliptic dark green leaves, brushed with fresh green either side of the midribs, with scattered fine lines of pink and silver. Sometimes produces white flowers on short stems in summer, though these plants are usually grown for their foliage and rarely flower in cultivation. Leaves are reddish-purple underneath.
About the genus
Goeppertia are evergreen rhizomatous perennials forming clumps of elliptic leaves, often attractively-patterned; racemes of small tubular flowers are seldom produced in cultivation. Previously included within the genus Calathea
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming, Bushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow indoors, in peat-free potting compost, with bright indirect light or light shade. Provide high humidity, and keep at a constant temperature (above 16°C) and away from draughts. Water moderately when in growth, avoiding the foliage, and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep just moist in winter. See houseplant cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in late spring, keep plants in warm, humid conditions until re-established
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free