Thai Beauty Goeppertia louisae

The Thai beauty is an attractive tropical evergreen perennial that is native to the rainforests of Southeastern Brazil and is a rare ornamental houseplant. The plant has gorgeous foliage with feather-like markings. The leaves are variegated with shades of dark green, light green or creamy yellow, and purple. This plant is a member of the prayer plant family (Marantaceae). The Thai beauty like other members of this family fold their leaves in the evening and reopen them at sunrise. This occurs in response to the change of light and change in temperature in the evening.  An organ known as a pulvinus is located at the base of the leaf blades is responsible for this action.

This plant prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade and moist, well-drained, potting mix designed for African Violets. Adding perlite will encourage good drainage. Water the plant regular using distilled water or rain water. The fluoride in tap water can cause the leaves to develop brown edges. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Temperatures need to be maintained between 60 to 85 degrees with moderately high humidity. Place the plant on a tray of wet pebbles or use a humidifier to increase the humidity in your home. Dust that collects on the leaves can slow photosynthesis. It is best to clean the leaves gently with a clean cloth. The Thai beauty has a rhizomatous root system and is best propagated by division.

The Thai beauty grows from 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide with an erect and clumping habit. The leaves are shiny, oblong, deep green with brush-like strokes of creamy yellow or pale green stripes, and dark green margins on the upper surface. The undersides are velvety purple, and the leaf margins are wavy. As a houseplant, it rarely flowers. In the wild, the flowers have an inflorescence that measures 4 inches tall and is a spike of small white blooms.

The Thai beauty will brighten any indoor space whether in your home or office. Its unique foliage with its brush stroke-like pattern will add interest to your houseplant collection.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Potential insects include mealybugs, spider mites, fungus gnats, and scale insects. Overwatering can cause root rot, and leaf spot can occur from poor air circulation or inadvertently wetting the leaves when watering. Leaf curling indicates inadequate water.