Calathea Sanderiana

Ok, so the first time I saw these, I gasped and tried to run away with one, only to be told that they'd already been sold to someone else.. grr.. 

These stunning calatheas are pretty rare but so utterly, breath-takingly stunning, particularly in the larger one of the straight cement pots.  It looks like the pink stripes have been painted onto the dark green leaves by hand. Their scientific name is calathea ornata sanderiana and they are relatives of the prayer plant. 

Native to the South American tropics, this plant likes to live in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. They like to be warm and humid, so keep them happy with the plant mister. During the winter months it is important to keep the plant watered but do allow the top soil to dry out in between waterings.