Photo: fern WildtruthCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Inocephala Calathea Plant Care
Goeppertia inocephala (Kuntze) Borchs. & S.Suárez
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is characterized by its striking purple undersides of its leaves, adding a pop of color to any indoor space. Originating from Brazil, Goeppertia inocephala is highly sought after by plant collectors for its colorful foliage and low maintenance care requirements.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Inocephala Calathea?
Water Inocephala Calathea every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Inocephala Calathea Native To?
What Is the Inocephala Calathea?
Inocephala Calathea (Goeppertia inocephala) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Goeppertia genus. Inocephala Calathea is native to Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela, northern Brazil, and southeastern Mexico.
Inocephala Calathea displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Inocephala Calathea produces showy bracts in various colors with small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 10 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Inocephala Calathea?
Goeppertia inocephala requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Inocephala Calathea Need?
Inocephala Calathea thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Inocephala Calathea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Inocephala Calathea Prefer?
Goeppertia inocephala grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Inocephala Calathea prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Inocephala Calathea?
Rich, well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Inocephala Calathea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Inocephala Calathea?
Feed Inocephala Calathea every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Inocephala Calathea?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Inocephala Calathea?
Inocephala Calathea can be propagated through division of rhizomes, root division, or stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to peacock plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Inocephala Calathea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Inocephala Calathea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Inocephala Calathea?
Inocephala Calathea is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Inocephala Calathea Need?
Inocephala Calathea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Inocephala Calathea is native to Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela, northern Brazil, and southeastern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Inocephala Calathea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Inocephala Calathea is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Goeppertia genus — compare its care with other Goeppertia species on PlantoScan.
Goeppertia is part of the Marantaceae plant family — browse all Marantaceae genera and species.
Inocephala Calathea thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Goeppertia Species
Other Goeppertia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Goeppertia inocephala (Kuntze) Borchs. & S.Suárez, family Marantaceae (first published in Syst. Bot. 37: 631 (2012)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Inocephala Calathea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: fern Wildtruth, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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