Calathea Loeseneri Plant Care

Goeppertia loeseneri (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Goeppertia loeseneri, the Brazilian star calathea, is a species of plant belonging to the Marantaceae family. It is native to Peru, northern Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador.

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Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Calathea Loeseneri?

Water Calathea Loeseneri 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 Calathea Loeseneri Native To?

Native range4 countries

What Is the Calathea Loeseneri?

Calathea Loeseneri (Goeppertia loeseneri) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Goeppertia genus. Calathea Loeseneri is native to Peru, northern Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador.

Calathea Loeseneri displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Calathea Loeseneri produces showy bracts in various colors with small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 10 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Calathea Loeseneri?

Goeppertia loeseneri 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 Calathea Loeseneri Need?

Calathea Loeseneri thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Calathea Loeseneri in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Calathea Loeseneri Prefer?

Goeppertia loeseneri grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Calathea Loeseneri 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 Calathea Loeseneri?

Rich, well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Calathea Loeseneri to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Calathea Loeseneri?

Feed Calathea Loeseneri 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 Calathea Loeseneri?

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 Calathea Loeseneri?

Calathea Loeseneri 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 Calathea Loeseneri Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Calathea Loeseneri, 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 Calathea Loeseneri?

Calathea Loeseneri 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 Calathea Loeseneri Need?

Calathea Loeseneri grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Calathea Loeseneri is native to Peru, northern Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Calathea Loeseneri as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Calathea Loeseneri 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.

Calathea Loeseneri 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 loeseneri (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez, family Marantaceae (first published in Syst. Bot. 37: 632 (2012)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Calathea Loeseneri, 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.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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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