244 Species in Genus Goeppertia

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:

  1. Goeppertia ackermannii (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  2. Goeppertia acuminata (Steyerm.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  3. Goeppertia aemula (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  4. Goeppertia affinis (Fenzl ex Regel) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  5. Goeppertia albertii (L.H.Bailey & Raffill) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  6. Goeppertia albovaginata (K.Koch & Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  7. Goeppertia allenii (Woodson) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  8. Goeppertia allouia (Aubl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  9. Goeppertia altissima (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  10. Goeppertia amazonica (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  11. Goeppertia angustifolia (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  12. Goeppertia annae (H.Kenn. & J.M.A.Braga) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  13. Goeppertia applicata (Jacob-Makoy ex É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  14. Goeppertia argyraea (Linden ex Larché) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  15. Goeppertia argyrophylla (Linden ex K.Koch) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  16. Goeppertia arrabidae (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  17. Goeppertia atropurpurea (Matuda) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  18. Goeppertia attenuata (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  19. Goeppertia bachemiana (É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  20. Goeppertia bantae (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  21. Goeppertia baraquinii (Lem.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  22. Goeppertia barbata (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  23. Goeppertia basiflora (H.Kenn.) J.M.A.Braga
  24. Goeppertia bellula (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  25. Goeppertia brasiliensis (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  26. Goeppertia brevipes (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  27. Goeppertia brunnescens (K.Koch) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  28. Goeppertia buchtienii (Pax) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  29. Goeppertia burle-marxii (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  30. Goeppertia cannoides (Nicolson, Steyerm. & Sivad.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  31. Goeppertia capitata (Ruiz & Pav.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  32. Goeppertia caquetensis (S.Suárez & Galeano) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  33. Goeppertia carolineae (H.Kenn.) J.M.A.Braga
  34. Goeppertia cataractarum (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  35. Goeppertia chimboracensis (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  36. Goeppertia chrysoleuca (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  37. Goeppertia cinerea (Regel) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  38. Goeppertia cleistantha (Standl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  39. Goeppertia clivorum (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  40. Goeppertia coccinea (Standl. & Steyerm.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  41. Goeppertia colombiana (L.B.Sm. & Idrobo) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  42. Goeppertia colorata (Hook.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  43. Goeppertia communis (Wand. & S.Vieira) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  44. Goeppertia comosa (L.f.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  45. Goeppertia compacta (S.Suárez & Galeano) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  46. Goeppertia concinna (W.Bull) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  47. Goeppertia concolor (Eichler ex Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  48. Goeppertia contrafenestra (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  49. Goeppertia coriacea (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  50. Goeppertia crocata (É.Morren & Joriss.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  51. Goeppertia cuneata (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  52. Goeppertia curaraya (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  53. Goeppertia cyclophora (Baker) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  54. Goeppertia cylindrica (Roscoe) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  55. Goeppertia densa (K.Koch & Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  56. Goeppertia dicephala (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  57. Goeppertia dilabens (L.Andersson & H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  58. Goeppertia dodsonii (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  59. Goeppertia donnell-smithii (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  60. Goeppertia dorothyae (J.M.A.Braga & H.Kenn.) J.M.A.Braga
  61. Goeppertia dressleri (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  62. Goeppertia dryadica (J.M.A.Braga) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  63. Goeppertia eburnea (Linden & André) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  64. Goeppertia ecuadoriana (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  65. Goeppertia effusa Saka & Lombardi
  66. Goeppertia eichleri (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  67. Goeppertia elegans (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  68. Goeppertia elliptica (Roscoe) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  69. Goeppertia enclitica (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  70. Goeppertia erecta (L.Andersson & H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  71. Goeppertia eximia (K.Koch & C.D.Bouché) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  72. Goeppertia exscapa (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  73. Goeppertia fasciata (Linden ex K.Koch) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  74. Goeppertia fatimae (H.Kenn. & J.M.A.Braga) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  75. Goeppertia flavescens (Lindl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  76. Goeppertia foliosa (Rowlee ex Woodson & Schery) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  77. Goeppertia fragilis (Gleason) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  78. Goeppertia fucata (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  79. Goeppertia gandersii (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  80. Goeppertia gardneri (Baker) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  81. Goeppertia gloriana (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  82. Goeppertia gordonii (H.Kenn.) F.Silva & J.M.A.Braga
  83. Goeppertia grandis (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  84. Goeppertia granvillei (L.Andersson & H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  85. Goeppertia grazielae (H.Kenn. & J.M.A.Braga) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  86. Goeppertia guianensis (Klotzsch ex Benth. & Hook.f.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  87. Goeppertia gymnocarpa (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  88. Goeppertia hammelii (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  89. Goeppertia hieroglyphica (Linden & André) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  90. Goeppertia humilis (S.Moore) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  91. Goeppertia hylaeanthoides (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  92. Goeppertia incompta (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  93. Goeppertia indecora (Woodson) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  94. Goeppertia inocephala (Kuntze) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  95. Goeppertia insignis (W.Bull ex W.E.Marshall) J.M.A.Braga, L.J.T.Cardoso & R.Couto
  96. Goeppertia jagoriana (Regel) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  97. Goeppertia jocosa (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  98. Goeppertia joffilyana (J.M.A.Braga) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  99. Goeppertia kappleriana (Körn. ex Horan.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  100. Goeppertia kegeljanii (É.Morren) Saka
  101. Goeppertia killipii (L.B.Sm. & Idrobo) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  102. Goeppertia koernickeana (Regel) J.M.A.Braga
  103. Goeppertia kummeriana (É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  104. Goeppertia laetevirens (Huber) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  105. Goeppertia lagoagriana (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  106. Goeppertia lanata (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  107. Goeppertia lasiophylla (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  108. Goeppertia lasseriana (Steyerm.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  109. Goeppertia latifolia (Willd. ex Link) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  110. Goeppertia legrelleana (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  111. Goeppertia leonae (Sander) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  112. Goeppertia leonoriae (Lascur., H.Oliva & Avendaño) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  113. Goeppertia leucostachys (Hook.f.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  114. Goeppertia libbyana (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  115. Goeppertia liesneri (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  116. Goeppertia lietzei (É.Morren) Saka
  117. Goeppertia lindbergii (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  118. Goeppertia lindeniana (Wallis) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  119. Goeppertia lindmanii (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  120. Goeppertia littoralis (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  121. Goeppertia loeseneri (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  122. Goeppertia longibracteata (Lindl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  123. Goeppertia longiflora (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  124. Goeppertia longipetiolata (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  125. Goeppertia louisae (Gagnep.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  126. Goeppertia luciani (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  127. Goeppertia maasiorum (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  128. Goeppertia macilenta (Lindl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  129. Goeppertia macrosepala (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  130. Goeppertia majestica (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  131. Goeppertia makoyana (É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  132. Goeppertia mandioccae (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  133. Goeppertia mansoi (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  134. Goeppertia marantifolia (Standl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  135. Goeppertia martinicensis (Urb.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  136. Goeppertia matudae (H.Kenn. & Ganders) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  137. Goeppertia mediopicta (Jacob-Makoy ex É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  138. Goeppertia mendesiana Saka & Popovkin
  139. Goeppertia metallica (Planch. & Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  140. Goeppertia micans (L.Mathieu) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  141. Goeppertia microcephala (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  142. Goeppertia mirabilis (Jacob-Makoy ex É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  143. Goeppertia misantlensis (Lascur.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  144. Goeppertia mishuyacu (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  145. Goeppertia modesta (Brongn. ex Gris) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  146. Goeppertia monophylla (Vell.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  147. Goeppertia multicincta (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  148. Goeppertia neblinensis (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  149. Goeppertia neoviedii (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  150. Goeppertia nidulans (L.B.Sm. & Idrobo) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  151. Goeppertia nigricans (Gagnep.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  152. Goeppertia nigrocostata (Linden & André) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  153. Goeppertia nitidifolia (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  154. Goeppertia nobilis (K.Koch) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  155. Goeppertia oblonga (Mart.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  156. Goeppertia orbifolia (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  157. Goeppertia ornata (Lem.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  158. Goeppertia ovandensis (Matuda) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  159. Goeppertia ovata (Nees & Mart.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  160. Goeppertia pachystachya (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  161. Goeppertia pacifica (Linden & André) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  162. Goeppertia pallidicosta (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  163. Goeppertia panamensis (Rowlee) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  164. Goeppertia paucifolia (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  165. Goeppertia pavonii (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  166. Goeppertia pavonina (K.Koch & Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  167. Goeppertia pearcei (Rusby) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  168. Goeppertia peregrina (H.Kenn.) J.M.A.Braga
  169. Goeppertia peruviana (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  170. Goeppertia petersenii (Eggers) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  171. Goeppertia picturata (K.Koch & Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  172. Goeppertia pittieri (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  173. Goeppertia plicata (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  174. Goeppertia poeppigiana (Loes. ex H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  175. Goeppertia polytricha (Baker) Saka
  176. Goeppertia porphyrocaulis (W.Bull) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  177. Goeppertia portobelensis (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  178. Goeppertia praecox (S.Moore) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  179. Goeppertia prolifera (Vell.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  180. Goeppertia propinqua (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  181. Goeppertia pruinata (W.Bull) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  182. Goeppertia pseudoveitchiana (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  183. Goeppertia pulchella Borchs. & S.Suárez
  184. Goeppertia pumila (Vell.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  185. Goeppertia regalis (Rollison ex Lem.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  186. Goeppertia reginae (J.M.A.Braga) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  187. Goeppertia rhizanthoides (H.Kenn.) J.M.A.Braga
  188. Goeppertia robin-fosteri (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  189. Goeppertia robiniae (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  190. Goeppertia rodeckiana (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  191. Goeppertia roseobracteata (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  192. Goeppertia roseopicta (Linden ex Lem.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  193. Goeppertia rossii (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  194. Goeppertia rufibarba (Fenzl) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  195. Goeppertia sanderiana (Sander) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  196. Goeppertia saxicola (Hoehne) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  197. Goeppertia schunkei (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  198. Goeppertia sciuroides (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  199. Goeppertia selbyana (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  200. Goeppertia sellowii (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  201. Goeppertia silvicola (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  202. Goeppertia silvosa (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  203. Goeppertia singularis (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  204. Goeppertia soconuscum (Matuda) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  205. Goeppertia sophiae (Huber) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  206. Goeppertia sousandradeana (H.Kenn. & Ganders) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  207. Goeppertia sphaerocephala (K.Schum.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  208. Goeppertia splendida (Lem.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  209. Goeppertia squarrosa (L.Andersson & H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  210. Goeppertia standleyi (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  211. Goeppertia steyermarkii (H.Kenn. & Nagata) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  212. Goeppertia straminea (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  213. Goeppertia stromanthifolia (Rusby) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  214. Goeppertia subtilis (S.Moore) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  215. Goeppertia tinalandia (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  216. Goeppertia trichoneura (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  217. Goeppertia truncata (Link ex A.Dietr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  218. Goeppertia tuberosa (Vell.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  219. Goeppertia ucayalina (Huber) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  220. Goeppertia ulotricha (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  221. Goeppertia umbrosa (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  222. Goeppertia undulata (Linden & André) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  223. Goeppertia ursina (Standl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  224. Goeppertia vaginata (Petersen) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  225. Goeppertia varians (K.Koch & L.Mathieu) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  226. Goeppertia variegata (K.Koch) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  227. Goeppertia veitchiana (Veitch ex Hook.f.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  228. Goeppertia velutina (Poepp. & Endl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  229. Goeppertia venusta (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  230. Goeppertia verapax (Donn.Sm.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  231. Goeppertia verecunda (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  232. Goeppertia villosa (Lindl.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  233. Goeppertia vinosa (H.Kenn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  234. Goeppertia violacea (Lindl.) J.M.A.Braga & F.Silva
  235. Goeppertia virginalis (Linden ex Regel) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  236. Goeppertia wallisii (Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  237. Goeppertia warszewiczii (Lem.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  238. Goeppertia whitei (Rusby) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  239. Goeppertia widgrenii (Körn.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  240. Goeppertia williamsii (J.F.Macbr.) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  241. Goeppertia wiotii (É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
  242. Goeppertia yoshida-arnsiae N.Luna & Saka
  243. Goeppertia zebrina (Sims) Nees
  244. 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.

Scroll to Top