Goeppertia picturata
variegated prayer plant
A clump-forming, tender evergreen perennial to 40cm high, with large, oval leaves held on long purple stems. Leaves are dark green, with silvery white stripes along the midrib and parallel with the leaf margins, and deep purple coloured underneath. Sometimes produces white flowers with purple tinted bracts on short stems in summer, though it rarely flowers in cultivation
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Purple | Green Grey Silver Purple | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver Purple | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver Purple |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Marantaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Goeppertia are evergreen rhizomatous perennials forming clumps of elliptic leaves, often attractively-patterned; racemes of small tubular flowers are seldom produced in cultivation. Previously included within the genus Calathea
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown under glass as it requires a constant temperature of at least 16°C. Grow in peat-free potting compost, with bright indirect or filtered light and high humidity, keep away from draughts. Water moderately when in growth and keep just moist in winter. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly
Propagation
Propagate by division in late spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Love gardening
Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more
View our Privacy Policy
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.