Goeppertia elliptica
Goeppertia elliptica (Vittata) Care Guide
Featured photogoeppertia-elliptica.jpgGoeppertia elliptica, formerly Calathea vittata, is a Brazilian prayer plant with bright white pinstripes over deep green elliptical leaves. The Vittata cultivar is the most common form and is sometimes confused with G. ornata, which has narrower stripes. It follows standard calathea care with filtered water and steady humidity.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Water when the top 1 to 2 cm of mix has dried.
- Humidity
- 60–80 %
- Temperature
- 18–27 °C
- Soil
- Peat-rich, well-draining mix with perlite.
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic. (humans) · Non-toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA Calathea listing. (pets)
- Origin
- Forests of Brazil.
- Mature size
- 30 to 45 cm tall.
Overview
Goeppertia elliptica was sold for years as Calathea vittata and the cultivar name persists in trade. The wider, more rounded leaves and bolder white stripes distinguish it from G. ornata.
Care Priorities
- Soft filtered light keeps the white stripes vivid.
- Filtered or rain water.
- Keep evenly moist.
- Avoid temperature swings.
Common Problems
Crispy edges are tap-water salts or dry air. Faded white stripes are too little light. Yellow leaves are overwatering.
Sources & further reading (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
- toxicity-database — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
Vittata or elliptica?
Botanically Goeppertia elliptica with the cultivar name Vittata. Trade still uses Calathea vittata frequently.
Vittata vs ornata?
Both have white pinstripes; vittata stripes are wider and the leaves are more rounded. Ornata has thinner stripes on more elongated leaves.
Why are the stripes browning?
Tap-water minerals concentrate at leaf margins and stripes over time. Switch to filtered water for new clean growth.
