Goeppertia ‘Freddie’

‘Freddie’ background

Goeppertia comes from tropical America, with many species growing beneath forest cover in humid air.

Caring for ‘Freddie’

• Water: Keep the mix evenly moist during active growth, watering as the surface begins to lose its damp feel. Let excess water drain fully and empty any water that collects beneath the pot.
• Humidity: High humidity suits the slender foliage, especially while new leaves are opening. Strong heating and air-conditioning can dry the leaf edges quickly.
• Light: Place ‘Freddie’ in bright indirect light or light shade. Filter direct sun before it reaches the pale patterned leaves.
• Temperature: Keep the plant above 16 °C with fairly steady room temperatures. Cold draughts can curl or mark fresh leaves.
• Potting mix: Use a moisture-holding, airy peat-free houseplant mix that drains freely.
• Feeding: Give a balanced liquid fertiliser about monthly while the plant is making new leaves, using the label rate. Feed less often once new leaf production slows.
• Repotting and propagation: Move to a larger pot once the root ball is crowded and new leaves are coming through. Divide mature clumps during active growth.

Common ‘Freddie’ problems

• Dry brown tips: Low humidity, inconsistent moisture or hard tap water can affect the leaf tips first. Keep humidity and watering more consistent; if browning continues, try rain, filtered or distilled water.
• Rolled or limp leaves: Check whether the root ball has dried too far or the plant is sitting in a hot or cold draught. Water if needed and move it to a more stable position.
• Soft yellow lower leaves: A mix that stays wet for too long can damage the roots. If roots are black or mushy, remove the damaged parts with cleaned, disinfected tools, cutting back to firm, healthy tissue. Discard the damaged material and repot into fresh airy mix.
• Fine pale speckles or webbing: Look closely beneath the narrow leaves for spider mites. Separate the plant from neighbouring pots and rinse the leaves well. If treatment is necessary, use a product whose label covers spider mites and repeat treatment only as often as the label says.

Need help? Send us clear photos of the whole plant, the affected area and the potting mix, and we’ll help you work out the next step.

Goeppertia ‘Freddie’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

How did Goeppertia get its name?

The genus name Goeppertia honours Heinrich Göppert.

Christian Gottfried Daniel Nees von Esenbeck established the genus Goeppertia in 1831 in Linnaea, volume 6, page 337.

Many plants in this genus are still sold as Calathea. Finn Borchsenius, Luz Stella Suárez and Linda M. Prince restored Goeppertia for this group in 2012 in Systematic Botany, volume 37.