ornamentalFamily: MarantaceaeGenus: Calathea

Cultivar

Calathea Crocata

Calathea

Often called the Eternal Flame plant, Calathea crocata stands out with its dark, metallic-green foliage and striking, vibrant orange-yellow bracts. This tropical perennial adds lush texture and color to indoor environments, thriving in warm, humid conditions with filtered light. It is an excellent choice for adding architectural interest to collections of shade-loving houseplants.

Calathea crocata is a unique tropical foliage plant prized for its attractive, wavy-edged leaves and distinctive, long-lasting bright orange flower spikes.

Marketplace packs coming soon

Current nursery inventory and 18 / 36 / 72 pricing will appear here when available.

Cultivar Story

Start with Inspiration. Grow Your Aspiration.

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Growing Inspiration

Inspiration for future Agardeni growing environments.

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Marketplace Plant

A realistic representation of the starter plants offered in 18, 36, and 72 plant quantities.

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Aspirational Garden

Grow your aspirational plan into an inspirational garden.

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Plant Detail

A closer look at the fruit, flower, foliage, or mature defining characteristics of this cultivar.

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Repotting / Start Growing

Begin with a starter plant and establish it in a larger pot using quality potting soil with beneficials and fertilizer.

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Start · Plan · Grow

Start with real plants. Plan with current marketplace availability. Grow your aspirational garden.

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See this cultivar from starter plant to aspirational garden.

Plant Profile

Grow Calathea Crocata with confidence

Key growing information first, with the complete reviewed cultivar profile available when you want it.

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Sun

Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, harsh sun which can scorch the foliage.

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Water

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use filtered or distilled water if possible, as these plants can be sensitive to minerals found in tap water.

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Mature size

Approximately 12-24 inches tall and wide.

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Hardiness

Typically grown as a houseplant in zones 11-12; not hardy in most North American climates.

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Growth habit

Clumping perennial with an upright to spreading rosette form.

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Plant type

tropical foliage plant

View Plant Data

Care, size, flowering, climate, soil, health, and additional reviewed data.

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Good to know

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Growing note

Maintains best color and health in consistent humidity above 50% and stable room temperatures. Avoid cold drafts or direct blasting air from vents.

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Climate note

Thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. Sensitive to temperatures below 60°F.

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Flower / fruit

Produces striking, long-lasting bright orange-yellow flower bracts that resemble flames above the dark foliage.

Growing & Care

Everyday care, growth, feeding, and pruning guidance.

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Sun / light

Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, harsh sun which can scorch the foliage.

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Growth rate

Moderate.

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Fertilizer

Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength during the active growing season, typically spring through summer.

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Pruning

Remove older, yellowing, or damaged leaves at the base to maintain a clean appearance and encourage new growth.

Care notes

Maintains best color and health in consistent humidity above 50% and stable room temperatures. Avoid cold drafts or direct blasting air from vents.

Size & Habit

How the plant grows and the space it needs at maturity.

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Mature size

Approximately 12-24 inches tall and wide.

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Growth habit

Clumping perennial with an upright to spreading rosette form.

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Spacing

18-24 inches for display groupings.

Flower / Fruit

Flowering, fruiting, pollination, bloom, and harvest behavior.

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Flowering / fruiting

Produces striking, long-lasting bright orange-yellow flower bracts that resemble flames above the dark foliage.

Climate & Hardiness

Cold, heat, chill, and regional growing considerations.

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Hardiness zones

Typically grown as a houseplant in zones 11-12; not hardy in most North American climates.

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Temperature

Thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. Sensitive to temperatures below 60°F.

Soil & Water

Moisture, drainage, soil, and pH preferences.

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Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use filtered or distilled water if possible, as these plants can be sensitive to minerals found in tap water.

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Soil

Well-draining, peat-based potting mix that retains some moisture while allowing for aeration.

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Soil pH

6.0-7.0

More Plant Data

19 additional reviewed fields from this Plant.id.

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Container Growing

Perfect for indoor containers. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes and use a moisture-retentive, high-quality potting medium.

Family

Marantaceae

Foliage Look

Deep dark green, slightly metallic foliage, ovate, wavy margins, reddish-purple underside.

Foliage Rules

Leaves are broadly lanceolate with wavy edges. Leaf color should be deep metallic green above and a purplish or reddish-bronze underneath.

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Fruit Flower Look

Vibrant, upright, orange-yellow bracts that hold small flowers, resembling a flame.

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Fruit Flower Rules

Flowers should only be present on mature specimens. Bracts are prominent, flame-like, and orange-yellow.

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Growth Habit Rules

Maintain a low-growing, clumping, rosette-like habit. Avoid excessively tall or leggy branching.

Mature Plant Look

A lush, clumping tropical foliage plant with upright, dark, wavy leaves and tall, vibrant orange flame-like flower spikes.

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Mature Stage Morphology

Upright, leathery leaves with a deep green color, contrasting against prominent, showy orange-yellow bracts.

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Morphology Rules

Focus on the rosette structure and the upright nature of the floral stalks. Ensure the contrast between leaf color and bract color is preserved.

Plant Faqs

How much light does Calathea crocata need? It prefers bright, indirect light; direct sun can burn the leaves. Why are my leaves turning yellow? Overwatering or low humidity are common causes; ensure the soil remains moist but not saturated. Is this plant safe for pets? Calathea species are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. How often should I water? Keep the soil evenly moist, typically watering when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry.

Root Look

Healthy white to light tan fibrous roots in a starter plug configuration.

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Soil Look

Dark, rich, well-draining organic potting soil.

Starter Stage

Compact, multi-leafed plug with small, dark green, oval-shaped leaves.

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Starter Stage Morphology

Leaves are dark green with a slightly metallic sheen, developing a wavy margin. Roots are fine and fibrous.

Video Voiceover Script

Welcome to Agardeni, where inspiration for gardening helps us imagine how and where we will grow Calathea Crocata. This is Calathea Crocata, available as 18, 36, and 72 plant starter trays through the Agardeni Marketplace. Let this beautiful tropical foliage become part of your aspirational plan, helping you imagine the vibrant indoor space you want to create. Its defining feature is the stunning, flame-like orange flower bracts that rise high above deep, metallic-green foliage. To start, move your starter plug into a four-inch pot with quality, well-draining potting mix, then move it to its final container once established. Find your inspiration with Agardeni. Explore real plants and real availability. Start. Plan. Grow.

Youtube Tags

Calathea Calathea crocata tropical houseplant indoor gardening Agardeni starter plant plant care foliage plants Calathea care houseplant tips

Youtube Video Summary

Discover the beauty of Calathea crocata, an exceptional tropical plant known for its striking orange flower bracts and dark, wavy foliage. Learn how to successfully establish and care for this vibrant houseplant in your home.

Youtube Video Title

Growing Calathea Crocata: Care and Tips

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Future Buyer Brand Sellers

Possible future seller options for 2.5-inch, 4-inch, and 1-gallon finished plants.