Like something straight out of a sci fi film, the Calathea Network (Calathea musaica, now reclassified as Goeppertia kegeljanii) carries an intricate, mosaic like pattern across every leaf. Fine dark green veins criss cross a paler green background in a grid so detailed it looks almost pixelated up close. Sometimes called the Network Prayer Plant, it brings a quietly futuristic, architectural feel to a shelf or side table.

It is one of the more forgiving members of the Calathea family, with thicker, hardier leaves than most of its sisters, which makes it a lovely place to start if you are new to prayer plants. Group it with other tropicals to lift the humidity, and enjoy the gentle way its foliage lifts and lowers through the day.

Care at a glance

Light: Bright, indirect. Keep out of direct sun, which can scorch the leaves

Water: Keep the soil lightly and evenly moist, watering once the top couple of centimetres feel dry. Sensitive to chlorine, so use filtered, distilled or left out tap water where you can

Humidity: Loves higher humidity. Stand on a damp pebble tray or mist regularly

Temperature: Warm and draught free, ideally 18 to 23°C, no lower than 15°C

Feed: A weak, nitrogen rich feed once or twice a month through spring and summer

Note: Sources differ on toxicity, so we suggest keeping it out of reach of curious pets and children as a sensible precaution

As a living plant, size and leaf pattern vary from one to the next, so yours will be one of a kind.