Often called the prayer plants, Calatheas are grown for their extraordinary foliage, leaves so finely marked they look hand-painted, in intricate patterns of green, pink, silver and deep purple.
They have a reputation for being a little particular or 'high maintenance', but once you understand that they're rainforest floor dwellers craving warmth, humidity and gentle light, they become far easier to please.
As a lovely bonus, they're pet friendly. Here's your guide.
Perfect for
Lovers of interesting, decorative foliage. If it's dramatic leaves you're after rather than flowers, Calatheas are unbeatable. Their finely patterned, almost painterly foliage makes each one a living work of art, and because they're non-toxic and pet-friendly, they suit homes with cats and dogs.
Did you know?
Calatheas are known as prayer plants because many gently raise and lower their leaves through the day and night, a movement called nyctinasty. There are a huge number of types, with endlessly varied leaf shapes, colours and markings. It's easy to build a whole collection with very different personalities.
Natural Habitat
Calatheas grow on the tropical rainforest floor, in warm, shaded, humid conditions beneath the canopy. That origin explains their whole care routine: they want filtered light rather than harsh sun, steady moisture, and plenty of humidity to mimic the jungle environment they call home.
Light
Calatheas thrive in bright or medium filtered light and will also tolerate lower light. What they won't forgive is direct summer sun, which quickly scorches their beautiful leaves. A bright spot out of direct rays, or a gently lit position a little back from a window, is ideal.
Water
Water every one to two weeks, letting the top 2 inches of soil dry before watering again, and never leave water sitting in the saucer.
Some Calatheas are sensitive to the chemicals found in tap water, so if you can, use rain water or distilled water instead.
Humidity is essential: as rainforest plants, Calathea hate dry air, so keep them away from heating sources such as radiators or AC. Mist them often, or place them in a steamy bathroom that gets natural light.
Calathea dislike the cold, so keep temperatures above 15°C. Feed every two weeks from mid-April to September.
Propagation
Calatheas are propagated by division. When repotting, simply cut through the root system to separate the plant into sections, making sure each has roots and leaves, then pot each one into its own container of moisture-retaining compost such as our Houseplant Potting Mix.
Repot when the plant becomes too squished, as cramped roots lead to smaller leaves.
A little extra - reading the leaves
Calatheas are expressive plants. Wilting, curling leaves point to underwatering or low humidity, while yellow or brown leaves usually mean overwatering. Brown spots can indicate pests or a mineral buildup from tap water. Their leaves also get dusty easily, so wipe them regularly to keep them healthy and glossy, and trim away any dead or half-dead leaves.
Calathea varieties you can regularly find in The Every Space plant shop include:
