Goeppertia: A Love Affair with Prayer Plants
I’ve always been drawn to the captivating beauty of foliage. The way a single leaf can unfurl with intricate patterns and vibrant colors never ceases to amaze me. But among the vast world of leafy wonders, there’s one genus that holds a special place in my heart: Goeppertia.
You might know them better by their old name, Calathea. These stunning plants, native to the tropical Americas, are famed for their striking foliage and their unique “prayer-like” movements. In fact, they’re often called “prayer plants” because their leaves fold upwards at night, resembling hands raised in prayer. Come morning, they gracefully lower their leaves, ready to soak up the sun’s rays. This mesmerizing daily ritual is just one of the many reasons I find Goeppertia so enchanting.
A Diverse Genus with Something for Everyone
What truly captivates me about Goeppertia is the sheer diversity within the genus. With over 240 recognized species, there’s a Goeppertia to suit every taste and aesthetic. Some boast bold stripes and contrasting hues, while others feature intricate patterns reminiscent of peacock feathers or stained glass windows.
Here are species:
- Goeppertia ackermannii (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia acuminata (Steyerm.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia aemula (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia affinis (Fenzl ex Regel) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia albertii (L.H.Bailey & Raffill) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia albovaginata (K.Koch & Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia allenii (Woodson) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia allouia (Aubl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia altissima (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia amazonica (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia angustifolia (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia annae (H.Kenn. & J.M.A.Braga) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia applicata (Jacob-Makoy ex É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia argyraea (Linden ex Larché) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia argyrophylla (Linden ex K.Koch) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia arrabidae (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia atropurpurea (Matuda) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia attenuata (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia bachemiana (É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia bantae (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia baraquinii (Lem.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia barbata (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia basiflora (H.Kenn.) J.M.A.Braga
- Goeppertia bellula (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia brasiliensis (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia brevipes (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia brunnescens (K.Koch) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia buchtienii (Pax) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia burle-marxii (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia cannoides (Nicolson, Steyerm. & Sivad.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia capitata (Ruiz & Pav.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia caquetensis (S.Suárez & Galeano) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia carolineae (H.Kenn.) J.M.A.Braga
- Goeppertia cataractarum (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia chimboracensis (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia chrysoleuca (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia cinerea (Regel) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia cleistantha (Standl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia clivorum (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia coccinea (Standl. & Steyerm.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia colombiana (L.B.Sm. & Idrobo) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia colorata (Hook.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia communis (Wand. & S.Vieira) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia comosa (L.f.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia compacta (S.Suárez & Galeano) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia concinna (W.Bull) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia concolor (Eichler ex Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia contrafenestra (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia coriacea (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia crocata (É.Morren & Joriss.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia cuneata (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia curaraya (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia cyclophora (Baker) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia cylindrica (Roscoe) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia densa (K.Koch & Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia dicephala (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia dilabens (L.Andersson & H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia dodsonii (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia donnell-smithii (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia dorothyae (J.M.A.Braga & H.Kenn.) J.M.A.Braga
- Goeppertia dressleri (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia dryadica (J.M.A.Braga) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia eburnea (Linden & André) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia ecuadoriana (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia effusa Saka & Lombardi
- Goeppertia eichleri (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia elegans (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia elliptica (Roscoe) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia enclitica (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia erecta (L.Andersson & H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia eximia (K.Koch & C.D.Bouché) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia exscapa (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia fasciata (Linden ex K.Koch) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia fatimae (H.Kenn. & J.M.A.Braga) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia flavescens (Lindl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia foliosa (Rowlee ex Woodson & Schery) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia fragilis (Gleason) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia fucata (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia gandersii (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia gardneri (Baker) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia gloriana (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia gordonii (H.Kenn.) F.Silva & J.M.A.Braga
- Goeppertia grandis (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia granvillei (L.Andersson & H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia grazielae (H.Kenn. & J.M.A.Braga) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia guianensis (Klotzsch ex Benth. & Hook.f.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia gymnocarpa (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia hammelii (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia hieroglyphica (Linden & André) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia humilis (S.Moore) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia hylaeanthoides (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia incompta (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia indecora (Woodson) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia inocephala (Kuntze) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia insignis (W.Bull ex W.E.Marshall) J.M.A.Braga, L.J.T.Cardoso & R.Couto
- Goeppertia jagoriana (Regel) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia jocosa (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia joffilyana (J.M.A.Braga) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia kappleriana (Körn. ex Horan.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia kegeljanii (É.Morren) Saka
- Goeppertia killipii (L.B.Sm. & Idrobo) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia koernickeana (Regel) J.M.A.Braga
- Goeppertia kummeriana (É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia laetevirens (Huber) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia lagoagriana (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia lanata (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia lasiophylla (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia lasseriana (Steyerm.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia latifolia (Willd. ex Link) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia legrelleana (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia leonae (Sander) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia leonoriae (Lascur., H.Oliva & Avendaño) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia leucostachys (Hook.f.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia libbyana (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia liesneri (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia lietzei (É.Morren) Saka
- Goeppertia lindbergii (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia lindeniana (Wallis) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia lindmanii (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia littoralis (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia loeseneri (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia longibracteata (Lindl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia longiflora (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia longipetiolata (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia louisae (Gagnep.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia luciani (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia maasiorum (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia macilenta (Lindl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia macrosepala (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia majestica (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia makoyana (É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia mandioccae (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia mansoi (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia marantifolia (Standl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia martinicensis (Urb.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia matudae (H.Kenn. & Ganders) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia mediopicta (Jacob-Makoy ex É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia mendesiana Saka & Popovkin
- Goeppertia metallica (Planch. & Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia micans (L.Mathieu) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia microcephala (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia mirabilis (Jacob-Makoy ex É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia misantlensis (Lascur.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia mishuyacu (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia modesta (Brongn. ex Gris) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia monophylla (Vell.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia multicincta (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia neblinensis (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia neoviedii (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia nidulans (L.B.Sm. & Idrobo) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia nigricans (Gagnep.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia nigrocostata (Linden & André) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia nitidifolia (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia nobilis (K.Koch) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia oblonga (Mart.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia orbifolia (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia ornata (Lem.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia ovandensis (Matuda) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia ovata (Nees & Mart.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia pachystachya (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia pacifica (Linden & André) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia pallidicosta (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia panamensis (Rowlee) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia paucifolia (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia pavonii (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia pavonina (K.Koch & Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia pearcei (Rusby) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia peregrina (H.Kenn.) J.M.A.Braga
- Goeppertia peruviana (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia petersenii (Eggers) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia picturata (K.Koch & Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia pittieri (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia plicata (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia poeppigiana (Loes. ex H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia polytricha (Baker) Saka
- Goeppertia porphyrocaulis (W.Bull) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia portobelensis (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia praecox (S.Moore) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia prolifera (Vell.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia propinqua (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia pruinata (W.Bull) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia pseudoveitchiana (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia pulchella Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia pumila (Vell.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia regalis (Rollison ex Lem.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia reginae (J.M.A.Braga) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia rhizanthoides (H.Kenn.) J.M.A.Braga
- Goeppertia robin-fosteri (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia robiniae (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia rodeckiana (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia roseobracteata (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia roseopicta (Linden ex Lem.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia rossii (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia rufibarba (Fenzl) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia sanderiana (Sander) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia saxicola (Hoehne) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia schunkei (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia sciuroides (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia selbyana (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia sellowii (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia silvicola (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia silvosa (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia singularis (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia soconuscum (Matuda) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia sophiae (Huber) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia sousandradeana (H.Kenn. & Ganders) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia sphaerocephala (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia splendida (Lem.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia squarrosa (L.Andersson & H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia standleyi (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia steyermarkii (H.Kenn. & Nagata) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia straminea (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia stromanthifolia (Rusby) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia subtilis (S.Moore) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia tinalandia (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia trichoneura (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia truncata (Link ex A.Dietr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia tuberosa (Vell.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia ucayalina (Huber) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia ulotricha (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia umbrosa (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia undulata (Linden & André) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia ursina (Standl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia vaginata (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia varians (K.Koch & L.Mathieu) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia variegata (K.Koch) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia veitchiana (Veitch ex Hook.f.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia velutina (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia venusta (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia verapax (Donn.Sm.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia verecunda (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia villosa (Lindl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia vinosa (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia violacea (Lindl.) J.M.A.Braga & F.Silva
- Goeppertia virginalis (Linden ex Regel) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia wallisii (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia warszewiczii (Lem.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia whitei (Rusby) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia widgrenii (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia williamsii (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia wiotii (É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
- Goeppertia yoshida-arnsiae N.Luna & Saka
- Goeppertia zebrina (Sims) Nees
- Goeppertia zingiberina (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
More Than Just a Pretty Face
But Goeppertia offers more than just aesthetic appeal. These plants are also believed to have air-purifying qualities, helping to create a healthier indoor environment. Plus, they’re non-toxic to both humans and pets, making them a safe and beautiful addition to any home.
Caring for Your Goeppertia
While Goeppertia can be a bit more demanding than some houseplants, the rewards are well worth the effort. They thrive in humid environments with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Regular watering and occasional misting will help keep them happy and healthy.
I’ve found that paying close attention to their needs is key. If the leaves start to curl or brown, it’s a sign that something is amiss. Perhaps they need more humidity, less direct sunlight, or a different watering schedule. Each plant is unique, and learning to understand their individual needs is part of the joy of growing Goeppertia.
In the end, my fascination with Goeppertia goes beyond their striking beauty and captivating movements. It’s about the connection I feel with these living works of art, the joy of nurturing them, and the sense of tranquility they bring to my surroundings. Each new leaf that unfurls is a small miracle, a reminder of the resilience and beauty of the natural world.