The Calathea Roseopicta (Goeppertia roseopicta, also known as Rose Painted Calathea) is a clump-forming tropical plant that is native to the tropical areas of Brazil, Peru, and Columbia. It is a popular houseplant because of its striking foliage. The Rose Painted Calathea plant prefers moist but well-drained soil and high humidity. Though not indigenous to the Americas, it is easy to grow indoors and adapt well to different environments.
The Calathea Roseopicta is a beautiful addition to any garden or home. With its lush, green foliage with striking red and purple undersides, it is sure to bring beauty and elegance to any setting. This houseplant is primarily ornamental, particularly popular in Hawaii.
Calathea Roseopicta Plant Main Characteristics
| Common Name | Rose Painted Calathea, Black Rose, Jungle rose |
| Botanical name | Calathea Roseopicta |
| Synonyms | Calathea illustris, Maranta illustris, Maranta roseopicta, Maranta wagneri, Phyllodes roseopicta |
| Family | Marantaceae |
| Genus | Calathea |
| Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Native Range | Western South America to Western Brazil |
| Common Cultivars | Concinna, Corona, Cynthia, Eclipse, Maria, Medallion, Roseapicta, Silhouette, Picta Royale |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 11 to 12 |
| Mature Size | Height: 1-1.5 feet; Spread: 0.75-1 feet |
| Bloom Time | Seasonal bloomer |
| Foliage | Colorful, Evergreen |
| Propagation methods | Division |
| Sun | Part shade to full shade |
| Soil | Moist, Well-Drained, Fertile & Loamy |
| Toxicity | None |
Calathea Roseopicta Care
The Calathea Roseopicta is a houseplant that’s easy to care for and has beautiful foliage. It has dark green leaves with rose-colored markings that form a ring between its midribs, giving it the name “Prayer Plant” because of how they fold their leaves inwards when mature and form a unique pattern that looks a bit like praying hands. In addition, the undersides of these herbs are reddish-purple coloration, which makes them stand out even more when compared against other plants’ lighter shades!
Light and Location
These plants are aversive to intense sunlight so put them in some partial or complete shade if possible, but some time in the morning or diffused sunlight is excellent. This plant is perfect for an indoor garden or even by its lonesome in a hanging container. In the suitable climate, of course.
Watering
When it’s time for growth, moderation is the key to success. Use distilled, filtered, or rainwater for this plant as it’s sensitive and will get sick if exposed to any chemicals. Sometimes, light misting can also go a long way to maintaining humidity. In winter, be even more conservative with the water. Ensure that the soil remains moist but don’t let it get soggy, and keep proper drainage channels.
Temperature
Keep it in a room with temperatures ranging from (16–20°C/60–70 °F) since it needs warmth for growth like many other plants. Avoid rooms where there are sudden temperature fluctuations because this could kill your houseplant!
Humidity
It needs a lot of humidity constantly. So install some covers on the windows when necessary or set up an enclosure for this plant. Alternatively, you can put the houseplant in a pebble tray filled with water, so the evaporation covers its humidity needs. And remember to mist regularly if the location has dry air. Or, if all else fails, bathrooms are a safe bet.
Fertilizer
In addition to regular maintenance, you should be feeding your Rose Painted Calathea with a high-nitrogen fertilizer; three weeks in spring and summer. Then, in fall and winter, try to give the plant monthly feedings to provide it with something to combat the winter conditions.
Types (Cultivars) of Calathea Roseopicta
These are some of the named cultivars of the Goeppertia roseopicta.
- Dottie/Black Rose (The most popular cultivar, dark green leaves with pink highlights)
- Corona
- Cynthia
- Concinna
- Eclipse
- Maria
- Medallion
- Roseapicta
- Silhouette
- Picta Royale
Propagating Calathea Roseopicta
This plant propagates by division. It is a complex plant to divide, so wait until the root ball gets large and expect it’ll take some time for your new Calathea clone to grow. Though keep in mind that the process is arduous on the parent. Make sure that at least one leaf on each piece is present, which you will then plant in appropriate-sized pots.
You can purchase the plant by tissue culture, which most gardeners do. Or you can get adventurous and try for some Stem cuttings, which can also work, provided you meet some stringent conditions.
Potting and Repotting Calathea Roseopicta
Annual potting is the best way to keep your plants healthy and happy. Use a fast-draining, peat/perlite soil mix for annual repotting in spring so you can refresh their environment with new nutrients while providing some old ones. Unfortunately, they often get depleted by overgrowth or sitting on shelves for too long!
Peat-based potting soil is perfect for container growing. It can drain quickly and evenly and is lightweight in texture so that it does not harm roots or damage delicate plants during the transplanting process.
Toxicity
These plants are non-Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, horses. But they are still non-edible. So keep an eye on your pets around them if they tend to eat everything. Indigestion is no fun.
Common Pests
Red mites often take root in the leaves. Check your plant regularly for signs of infestation and try these treatments to get rid of them quickly.
Common Problems
Are the leaves getting droopy?
The wilting of leaves is a sign that you’re overwatering. Try giving it less water and move it to a warmer spot with better air movement and less sunlight exposure for a while until things get back on track.
Leaf tips or edges turning brown?
This browning could be due to several reasons.
- Dry air – mist daily or move it to a more humid location
- Hard Water – try using distilled water
- Too much feed – stop feeding it entirely
Faded or scorched leaves?
You’ve been giving it too much sunlight. Try moving it to somewhere with even less sun.
Everything You Need To Know About Calathea Roseopicta (Video)
FAQ
How to care for a Calathea roseopicta plant?
Maintain a temperature of at least 16°C. Provide it with constant humidity and avoid overwatering. While giving it high strength feed with nitrogen in spring and summer every three weeks. And standard feed in fall and winter every month.
How big does Calathea roseopicta get?
The Rose Painted Calathea is a clump-forming perennial. It reaches a height of up to 1.5 feet at its largest. And it has a spread of about 1 foot when fully grown.
How do you propagate Calathea roseopicta?
The Rose Painted Calathea propagates by division. First, wait for the plant to grow to a large enough size to handle a bit of snip and cut. Next, take a sharp knife and separate a piece off of the plant with at least one leaf on it. Finally, plant it in a fresh pot with high-nitrogen fertilizer and wait for it to grow. Take note that this might take some time.