Jungle Rose Goeppertia roseopicta

Rose-painted Calathea is a colorful evergreen perennial native to the tropical rainforests of Western South America and Western Brazil where it thrives as an understory plant in a warm and moist climate. It is commonly used as a houseplant and has very attractive foliage with unique patterns. The leaves have a deep green background and a brush stroke-like design of pink and creamy-white patterns. It is a member of the prayer plant family (Marantaceae). The specific epithet, roseopicta, means "zebra-striped" and refers to the leaves appearance.

The rose-painted Calathea prefers bright, indirect light and moist, well-drained peaty potting mix with slightly acidic pH.  Add vermiculite or perlite to improve  the soils drainage since the soil should be moist but not soggy or wet. Water the plant with rain water or distilled water. Avoid tap water since it contains fluoride and will cause the foliage to turn brown. Maintain the room temperature between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity level should be above 60%. Remember you are trying to mimic its native tropical environment so that it will thrive and grow. You may need to invest in a humidifier or place the plant on a wet pebble tray to increase the humidity. Fertilize the plant once a month during its growing season, spring through summer. Dust can collect on the leaves and will slow down photosynthesis. Wipe the leaves gently with a clean damp cloth to remove any dust. The best method of propagation is division of its rhizomatous roots. 

This species has a clump-forming, compact, bushy habit and grows 1 to 2 feet tall and wide. The leaves are glossy, elliptical, deep green on the upper surface and is a soft reddish-purple on the underside. Stripes of creamy white or pink appear to be painted along the midrib and veins while the edge of the leaves have a feathery-like appearance. When grown as a houseplant, it rarely flowers. If flowers occur, they are small white or light purple. This plant, like many others in the prayer plant family, folds its leaves in the evening and reopens them in the morning. This phenomenon is the result of the change in air temperature and light.

The rose-painted Calathea is a stunning and vibrant houseplant. Its attractive leaves will give you year-round enjoyment in your home or office providing all of its needs are met. Perfect for tabletops or shelves.

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 inadvertently wetting the leaves while watering or from poor air circulation. Brown leaves and tips can result from low humidity or fluoride in the tap water. Curling of the leaves results from low humidity or inadequate watering. The leaves bright coloring will fade if the plant receives inadequate light, but direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch.