Goeppertia loeseneri, formerly Calathea loeseneri, is a South American prayer plant with elongated lance-shaped leaves and star-shaped white-pink flowers that earn it the Brazilian star trade name. It is one of the more flower-forward calatheas and one of the easier ones to bring to bloom indoors. Care follows the standard calathea regime.
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
- Rainforests of Peru and Bolivia.
- Mature size
- 45 to 60 cm tall.
Overview
Goeppertia loeseneri is one of the few prayer plants that flowers reliably indoors. The white-pink star inflorescences emerge from tall stalks and last for several weeks.
Care Priorities
- Soft filtered light.
- Filtered or rain water.
- Keep evenly moist; calatheas wilt fast and recover slowly from drought.
- Trim spent flower stalks at the base.
Common Problems
Crispy edges are tap water or dry air. Yellow leaves are overwatering. No flowers usually means too little light.
Sources & further reading (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
- toxicity-database — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
Will it really flower indoors?
Yes — loeseneri is one of the more reliable bloomers in the genus, with white-pink star flowers on tall stalks.
Easier than orbifolia?
Slightly — loeseneri tolerates ordinary indoor humidity a touch better. Both still require filtered water.
How often to repot?
Every 18 to 24 months. Calatheas dislike being root-bound.
