Habitat:
Goeppertia fucata is native to the western Amazon basin, with confirmed native populations in southern Colombia (Amazonas, Caquetá, Putumayo, Vaupés), eastern Ecuador, and northern Peru. It inhabits lowland terra firme rainforest, growing at elevations of 260–400 metres. The species is restricted to shaded, humid forest understory conditions, where it grows on moist but well-drained soil rich in leaf litter and organic material. It is never found in swampy or flooded areas, instead favouring stable moisture regimes under dense canopy cover.
Description:
Goeppertia fucata is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant, typically reaching 30–60 cm tall. It forms a tight clump of upright stems bearing ovate to narrowly elliptic leaves that measure 8–15 cm in length and 3–6 cm in width. The upper surface is mid- to deep green with distinctive lighter green longitudinal striping along the main veins, creating a feathered pattern. The leaf undersides are a uniform purplish-violet, especially vivid in lower light conditions. Petioles are slender, often slightly pubescent, and range from 10 to 20 cm long. Inflorescences are axillary, short-stalked, and rarely seen in cultivation. Flowers are white to pale lavender, tubular, and emerge between greenish bracts, typically only a few per spike and less than 2 cm long.
Cultivation:
Grow Goeppertia fucata in shade, filtered light, avoiding direct sun, which will bleach or burn the leaves. Maintain daytime temperatures between 20–28 °C, with nighttime lows no lower than 15 °C. This species thrives in high humidity, ideally above 60–70%, and benefits from a humid microclimate such as a terrarium or pebble tray. Water regularly with soft or filtered water, keeping the soil consistently moist but never soggy. It prefers a slightly acidic substrate (pH 5.5–6.5), rich in organic matter—such as a mix of fine bark, coco coir, compost, and perlite. Feed monthly with a dilute balanced fertiliser during the active growing season. This species is sensitive to chlorine and fluoride salts, so rainwater or dechlorinated tap water is ideal.
Specifications:
Plant Size: established plants in pots. As pictured.
Plant Family: Marantaceae
Plant Passport: Goeppertia fucata B 140084 C [user input] D GB