Marantaceae
Calathea / Prayer Plant (Genus): Complete Care Guide
Calathea
Keep in bright indirect light, water every 5-7 days with filtered or rainwater, and maintain humidity above 60%. Avoid cold drafts and direct sunlight.
Every 6 days
Partial shade
16° - 29°C
60% - 80%
Categories
What is Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus)?
Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus) (Calathea) is a hard-care plant from the Marantaceae family. Calathea is a genus of tropical foliage plants in the family Marantaceae, native to the tropical forests of South America. They are prized for their strikingly patterned leaves in shades of green, purple, and silver. Many species were reclassified into the genus Goeppertia in 2012, but Calathea rema...
Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus) grows up to 60cm, with spread of 60cm, watering every 6 days, 16°C â 29°C, 60â80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike easy-care plants, Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus) demands constant attention to humidity and light. Not recommended for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus) is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 12 days.
How to Care for Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus)?
TLDR: Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus) needs Partial shade, watering every 6 days, and temperatures between 16-29°C with 60-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus)?
Water every 5-7 days when the top third of the soil is dry. Always use filtered, distilled, or rainwater â Calatheas are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tap water.
How Much Light Does Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus) Need?
Bright indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun, which fades the intricate leaf patterns. An east- or north-facing window is perfect.
What Is the Best Soil for Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus)?
Use a light, well-draining mix rich in organic matter. A blend of potting soil, perlite, and coco coir works well. Ideal pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
What Pot Should You Use for Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus)?
Ceramic or plastic pots with drainage holes. Avoid oversized pots â Calatheas prefer moderately sized containers.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 2 days
Rotate
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus) and Where Does It Come From?
Calathea is a genus of tropical foliage plants in the family Marantaceae, native to the tropical forests of South America. They are prized for their strikingly patterned leaves in shades of green, purple, and silver. Many species were reclassified into the genus Goeppertia in 2012, but Calathea remains the widely used common name.
How to Propagate Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus)?
Root Division
Divide during repotting in spring. Keep roots moist throughout the process.
- 1 Carefully remove the plant from its pot
- 2 Gently separate side shoots that have their own roots
- 3 Plant each division in an individual pot with fresh soil
- 4 Keep moist and in a humid spot until established
Materials needed:
How Big Does Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus) Grow?
TLDR: Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus) can reach up to 60cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus)?
TLDR: Calathea / Prayer Plant (genus) is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Low Humidity Stress
Low humidity stress occurs when indoor air becomes too dry, causing plants to lose moisture faster than they can absorb it through their roots. This is especially common during winter heating periods, near radiators and heating vents, or in air-conditioned spaces. Tropical plants are particularly susceptible to low humidity damage.
Meaning & Symbolism
Calathea leaves fold upward at night and unfurl at dawn, symbolizing renewal, protection, and new beginnings.
Fun Facts
Calathea leaves fold upward at night in a behavior called nyctinasty, as if the plant is going to sleep.
Many Calathea species were reclassified into the genus Goeppertia in 2012, though the popular name Calathea persists.
In their native South American rainforests, Calatheas grow on the forest floor beneath the canopy of taller trees.
Calatheas prefer distilled or rainwater because they are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine found in most tap water.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Calathea?
Why are the edges of my Calathea leaves turning brown?
Is Calathea toxic to pets?
Why do Calathea leaves move at night?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiddle Leaf Fig | Hard | Bright indirect | 10d | â ïļ |
| Round-leaf Calathea | Hard | Partial shade | 7d | â |
| African Mask Plant | Hard | Partial shade | 5d | â ïļ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
