Calathea belong to the Marantaceae plant family and there are some beautiful species and cultivars with various patterns and colours on the leaves, reminiscent of gorgeously patterned feathers in some cases. Some are a bit marginal in Sydney, preferring a warmer climate than ours; but I have had success with what may be Calathea lancifolia (pictured above, ht 40 cm) with decorative slim leaves with dark markings and purple undersides. It comes from Brazil and is sometimes known as rattlesnake plant. I like to partner my Calathea with dark-leaved plants to echo its markings. In the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, it is used in combination with other members of the Marantaceae family as massed groundcover under a large tree, and it looks fabulous. They also look good in pots. Like all Calathea, it thrives in part or heavy shade, tolerating dryness and steadily making a sizable clump. Propagation is by division of the rhizomatous roots. The flowers are unexciting.
One which always elicits comments from garden visitors is quite outstanding, with purple undersides to its elegant long leaves, the top bright green sides of which look as if they have been adorned by someone painting a picture of a leaf frond with two shades of dark green! However, this may be a different species.
According to some authorities, Calathea lancifolia should now be called Goeppertia insignis.