This rhizomatous perennial has upright foliage and forms a clump. It has long stalked dark green oblong leaves with reddish mid rib and silvery-pink, red markings on the margins. The small tube-shaped purplish flowers appear in summer in a spike.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Calathea roseopictais naturally found South America from Brazil to Amazonian Peru growing in tropical forests in moist organic rich, sandy loams that are well drained. It prefers a semi-shaded protected position and is frost and drought tender.

This perennial is grown for its foliage and is planted in tropical gardens as a front border plant or amougest shrubs. It establishes from division in 2 to 3 years and is commonly grown as a potted plant for both indoors and in courtyards. The flowers rarely occur under cultivation and the plant can be used as a small ground cover in a tropical setting. ID 1780

Calathea(ka-LAY-thee-a) roseopicta(ro`-zee-o-PIK-ta)

Marantaceae (MAR-an-TAY-see-ee)
Arrowroot