Scientific name: calathea veitchiana (veitch's basket-plant) 'flamestar'. Common name: flamestar calathea, goeppertia, prayer plant. Origin: native to tropical areas of south and central america. The stunning foliage of the flamestar calathea, native to tropical parts of the americas, immediately draws the eye. The layers of flame-like pattern on the leaves provide a bolder-than-average leafy centrepiece or coffee-table ornament, bringing the vibrancy of the tropical jungle into your home. Location is important for this plant; it likes to be warm and humid like its tropical home, but varying light and warmth levels across the year can affect this, like humans with their central heating, calatheas like to feel just right. Light: thrives in bright, indirect light, but will tolerate some shade as the red undersides of its leaves stop too much light from escaping. Water: allow the top few inches of soil to dry out in between watering; if possible, use rainwater rather than tapwater, or at