Goeppertia picturata

Goeppertia picturata is a evergreen herbaceous perennial that forms 14 to 16 inch high clumps of dramatically colored leaves and is typically grown as a houseplant. It is native to Northern Brazil and found in its humid forests. It is a member of the prayer plant family (Marantaceae), and the specific epithet, picturata, is Latin meaning, "painted', and references the unique variegations of its leaves. 

This species is typically grown indoors under medium to bright indirect light and moist, well-drained potting mix. The plant is not tolerant of temperatures below 61 degrees Fahrenheit.. When grown as a house plant, keep the plant moist by spraying the leaves several times a week. Water the plant with distilled water or rain water since the fluoride contained in tap water can cause browning of the plant's leaves. Keep the soil consistently moist but not wet or soggy. This plant prefers moderate to high humidity of about 60 to 70%. If needed, consider sitting the potted plant on a layer of wet pebbles or invest in a humidifier. Light applications of a diluted fertilizer during the growing season will help the plant thrive. Clean the foliage with a clean damp cloth to remove any dust. Dust can decrease photosynthesis. If grown in the garden, Goeppertia picturata prefers moisture and shade, similar to conditions in its native Brazil. Propagate by division of its rhizomatous roots. 

The plant has busy habit and measures 16 to 24 inches tall and wide. Its petioles are long, purple, and 8 inches long,. The leaves are shiny, oblong to elliptical, medium green with three light green or grayish-silver stripes that narrowly follow the central vein and two wide stripes that run parallel to the leaf margins. The underside of the leaf is purple. The leaves measure 7 to 10 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide. The flowers bloom in the spring and summer on a reddish peduncle. They have a 4 inch long spike, greenish to pale purple bracts that enclose the the flower that consists of 3 greenish-white sepals and a 3-lobed white tubular corolla. The fruit is a pink capsule that contains three seeds. Plants of the prayer plant family, fold their leaves in the evening and reopen at sunrise in response to changes in light and temperature. 

Consider this plant or one of its cultivars for its striking leaves in an array of colors for your home or office. Keep this plant happy by providing warm temperatures, high humidity, and bright, indirect light.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for mealy bugs and spider mites. Overwatering can cause root rot. Yellow leaves indicate overwatering while leaf curling s indicates underwatering. It can be sensitive to fluoride, so filtered water may be best.