The handsome leaves are the attraction for tropical gardeners and indoor plant lovers as well. Various types are appealing for these leaves which may be patterned with interesting colorful lines, or colorful blotches or colorful spots. Although calathea develops flowers, they are typically very small and insignificant. Exceptions include C. crocata, C. loeseneri and C. lancifolia. In your South Florida the landscape, use calathea in shaded conditions and protect from all wind and even mild cold.
Direct sunlight is likely to be harmful.
The appearance in late winter can be disturbing as the leaves take a beating in the cold. If you wish, cut off all the leaves and stems at the edge of spring, fertilize and all will be well. Indoors, calathea is tolerant of lower light conditions making it a fine houseplant. Your soil for calathea should be highly organic and well drained. Use plenty of coarse material in the soil mix to help water flow through.