Goeppertia coccinea

Goeppertia coccinea is a tropical evergreen perennial with beautiful bicolor foliage and a patterned design native to Southern Mexico and Central America. It thrives in rainforests where it is warm and humid. It is a member of the prayer plant family (Marantaceae). 

This plant prefers partial shade to dappled shade and requires an indoor potting mix with excellent drainage. It does best in soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The plant's soil should remain slightly moist but not soggy. Water the plant with distilled water or rain water thoroughly when the soil is dry and allow the excess to drain away. This plant is humidity tolerant and prefers 60% humidity. If low humidity is a problem, use a pebble tray filled with water or humidifier. The temperature should range from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the room temperature constant and avoid cold drafts. Wipe the leaves with a clean cloth to remove dust and dirt. This plant is winter hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10b to 11. It is best propagated by division in the spring.

The plant has a mounding habit, rhizomatous root system, and grows 18 to 24 inches tall and 8 inches to 12 inches wide. The leaves are elongated, medium green to silvery green with dark green stripes that create a feather-like pattern. Flowers rarely are produced. If flowers occur, they are usually small and inconspicuous. 

Goeppertia coccinea is used as an ornamental houseplant or in terrariums because of its striking foliage. It will thrive in areas of your home such as the bathroom or kitchen where the humidity levels are higher. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Overwatering can cause root rot, and leaf spot can occur from poor air circulation or wetting the leaves during watering. Low humidity will cause the leaves to curl. Brown leaf edges can occur from low humidity and from using tap water that contains fluoride. Direct sun can cause leaf burn and fading of the leaf patterns.