Propagation
Divide the rhizome of established clumps during spring.

Culture
General cultural notes on Calathea species.
These plants require an average temperature of 10ºC (50ºF) to 15.5ºC (60ºF) avoiding sudden variations in temperature. They prefer a humid environment and respond to regular misting of the leaves. The plant dies off when temperatures fall below 13º C.

When grown indoor place in a position with bright indirect light as the colour in the leaves fades in direct light. Keep the soil moist not wet and use tepid soft water in summer and reducing during the winter period.

If the plant forms brown and dry stunted growth it normally is the result of the air being too dry. Excessive moist soils will cause rot at the base of the plant.

Botanic information
Leaf: The erect leaves are narrow to broad lanceolate with dark green markings on the undulating upper surface and the undersides are crimson. The slender petiole is up to 600mm (2ft) long.

Flower: The small irregular 3-lipped tubulate flowers have 3-sepals and a 3-parted tubular corolla with a 3-celled inferior ovary. They are arranged in a compact spike that is held above the foliage on a slender scape and appear from late spring to early summer. 

Fruit: The small capsule is not commonly seen and the plant is normally reproduced vegetatively.