Propagation
Divide established clumps (rhizome) during early spring. 

Botanic information
Leaf: The leaves are oblong to broad-ovate and up to 150mm (6in) wide with an obtuse apex. The purplish petiole is up to 150mm (6in) long and the upper surface is dark green with a silvery midrib and the underside is reddish purple. 

Flower: The paired irregular tubulate flower has 3-sepals and a 3-parted tubular corolla with a 3-celled inferior ovary. The flowers are arranged in dense cylindrical spike that is accompanied by sheathed bracts up to 90mm (3½in) long and appears during early summer.

Fruit: The small capsule contains 3-seeds that are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively. 

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. 

When grown indoor place in a position with bright indirect light as the colours in the leaves fades in direct light. 
Keep the soil moist not wet and use tepid soft water, 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.