How to Propagate Goeppertia elliptica (Calathea vittata) in 2 Easy Ways

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Goeppertia elliptica or Calathea vittata is propagated by plant division at the beginning of the growing season. Propagation can be done either in water or in soil.

Goeppertia elliptica also called Calathea elliptica is a stunning plant which bears elliptical, bright-green leaves with distinctive white stripes and burgundy-purple undersides.

Calathea vittata is one of the favorite Calathea varieties that has become a popular houseplants on account of its striking foliage.

Goeppertia elliptica thrives in medium to bright indirect light, warmth of 18-28⁰C, humidity of 55-80% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Learn how to grow and care for Calathea vittata.

Goeppertia elliptica is easy to propagate. We have herebelow outlined 2 methods by which you can multiply your plants.

1. Propagating Goeppertia elliptica by plant division in soil

1. Water the plant thoroughly at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment; a well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.


2. Slip the plant out of its pot and divide it into several sections. Ensure each sections has adequate roots and at least 2-3 stems.


3. Select a 6 or 8 inches pot that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.


4. Fill the pot with free-draining, potting medium and make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the section.


5. Place the section in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base. Take care not to bury it too deep; maintain the section at the same soil level it was in the previous pot.


6. Liberally wet the soil until water comes out through the drainage holes.


7. Cover the pots with clear polythene to create a greenhouse effect to maintain warm, humid conditions which hasten establishment of the plants.


8. Place the pots in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight until new growth has emerged on the sections.


9. Gradually remove the polythene over a period of two weeks to acclimate the new plants.


10. Maintain the soil moist until the new plants are well established after which you can begin routine care.

2. Propagating Goeppertia elliptica by plant division in water

1. Water the plant thoroughly at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment as a well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.


2. Slip the plant out of its pot. Thoroughly wash the roots with plenty of water and divide it into several sections. Ensure each sections has adequate roots and at least 2-3 stems.


3. Place each division in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station.


4. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight to prevent sunburn.


5. Change the water every 5-7 days to prevent fungal growth.


6. When a good amount of new roots have formed on the sections, transfer the sections into individual pots in moist, rooting soil.


7. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching.


8. Keep the soil moist until when new growth emerges and substantial growth is observed.


9. Transfer the new plant into a pot 1 size larger in well-drained soil and begin routine care.

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