Calathea crocata is a tropical houseplant valued for its dark foliage and, above all, the vivid orange flower heads that rise above its leaves. More floriferous than most ornamental calatheas, it combines attractive foliage with a warm, bright display of flowers.
Before you buy: provide bright indirect light, lightly moist potting mix, low-mineral water, consistent humidity and a stable temperature. NATURA offers plants approximately 30 to 50 cm tall, depending on the variant.
Description
Goeppertia crocata, still widely sold as Calathea crocata, belongs to the Marantaceae family. It has dark green leaves, sometimes with a slightly purple underside, and highly decorative orange bracts surrounding the small flowers.
Like other members of the Marantaceae family, its leaves may change angle between day and night. Sufficient light is particularly important to support flowering.
Key features
- Current botanical name: Goeppertia crocata
- Horticultural name: Calathea crocata
- Family: Marantaceae
- Habit: compact and clump-forming
- Foliage: dark green
- Flowering: vivid orange bracts
- Light: bright indirect light
- Watering: regular, without waterlogging
- Potting mix: rich in organic matter, loose and well drained
- Care level: intermediate
- NATURA sizes: approximately 30 or 50 cm depending on the variant, pot 14/12
Care and watering
Keep the potting mix lightly moist without soaking it. Water when the surface begins to dry, and use low-mineral water if your tap water is very hard.
Remove faded flower stems at their base. Light feeding during the growing season can support new foliage and flowering.
Planting, potting mix and repotting
Use a rich but airy mix based on good-quality potting compost or coconut fibre, with added perlite or pumice. Repot when the roots have filled the container.
Light and position
Bright filtered light encourages flowering. Avoid intense direct sun, radiators, direct air conditioning and cold draughts.
NATURA tips
To encourage orange flowers: provide plenty of indirect light. To reduce dry leaf tips: pay attention to water quality and ambient humidity.
After flowering: cut away spent flower stems to keep the plant looking tidy.
Delivery and dispatch
The foliage, flower stems and root ball are carefully protected for transport. NATURA avoids dispatching plants at weekends and may adjust dispatch dates during extreme temperatures.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Calathea crocata not flowering again?
Insufficient light or slower growth can limit flowering.
Can it grow in direct sunlight?
No. Bright indirect light is preferable.
Why do the leaves move?
This is a natural response to the day and night cycle in the Marantaceae family.
Is the decorative pot included?
Unless stated otherwise, the plant is supplied in its nursery pot.
