'Dottie' calathea guide
Goeppertia roseopicta 'Dottie', also called Calathea 'Dottie', black calathea
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Medium
- Water
- When the top 2 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Never let it dry out.
- Humidity
- High. Dry winter air crisps the leaf edges.
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 15°C (60°F).
- Soil
- Light, airy houseplant mix that holds some moisture
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Fussy
- Mature size
- 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Divide the clump when you repot
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes 'Dottie' calathea different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the calathea care guide.
What it is
‘Dottie’ is a calathea with round, near-black leaves outlined in hot pink. A pink line also runs around the center of the leaf, near the midrib. The undersides are deep purple. It is a form of Goeppertia roseopicta, the same species as ‘Medallion’.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Dottie’ | Near-black with hot pink outline | Pink lines on a black background |
| ‘Medallion’ calathea | Dark green with feathered silver | Silver, not pink |
| ‘Rosy’ calathea | Pink center, dark edges | Big pink center, not a thin line |
Care differences
Care is the same as any calathea. The pink fades in low light and scorches in sun. Medium to bright indirect light keeps it bright.
Grow it by division
Divide the clump in spring. Each piece needs leaves and roots.
Buying it
‘Dottie’ shows up at plant shops and some garden centers. Look for crisp pink lines and black leaves with no brown edges.