With their eye-catching stripes and veining in a dazzling array of colors, it is not surprising that plants in the Calathea genus are popular houseplants. Native to Central and South America ...

The new leaves look like trumpets before they unfurl into cream and green striped leaves. Depending on the size of the pot it can grow into a sizeable plant, about 1m high and with 30cm wide leaves.

The leaves are often green or silver with splashes of color and geometric designs. In many types of Calathea, the undersides of the leaves feature maroon or purple coloring.

Green leafy plants are at home everywhere but if the look is a little bland, add plants with striped and patterned leaves. They add texture and contrast, especially when arranged with other green ...

THE GREEN GUIDE: Calathea in a ceramic pot, £25. £25, marksandspencer.com How sustainable are your houseplants? Alice Robertson challenges horticulture’s eco credentials ...