How to Care for Your Prayer Plants (Calathea)
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Calathea Prayer Plants get their name from their leaves rolling upwards like arms praying at night through a process called nyctinasty where the changes in water pressure cause their leaves to temporarily curl back. Although they’re a moderate care level houseplant because they need humidity and more attention to watering schedules, they’re reasonably easy to keep healthy.
Collectors love their variegation (the color patterns) and plant parents enjoy the lush, tropical foliage that brings life and pops of texture and color to their homes. Unlike some tropical plants with pure green foliage, the underside of Prayer Plant leaves range from maroon to pink colors due to their anthocyanin pigments. This is an evolutionary way for the plant to absorb reflected light off the rainforest floor so they can produce food through photosynthesis.
Fun fact: In 2012 a molecular phylogeny research study was done and reclassified a majority of the 285 species of Calathea to the genus Goeppertia leaving about 60 Calathea in the existing Genus.
Another interesting evolution for Calathea is their leaf growth which is phyllotaxy or counterclockwise around the stem. This may help them to maximize sunlight exposure just like the coloring on the underside of the leaves as more light may be able to pass through to lower leaves from the upper ones. Both are adaptations so they can thrive in their natural environment under the tree canopy of tropical rainforests.
And knowing this is how you can care for your Prayer Plants to keep their coloring vibrant and growth consistent.
Table of Contents
Where Calathea Prayer Plants Originate
Calathea originate and grow naturally in the rainforests of West Africa, and span from Central America to South America, with only a few species growing naturally as far north as Mexico like Calathea crotalifera. In their natural habitat they live under large trees that reduce the amount of sunlight they can get.
A few of the species are hemiepiphytes like Monstera meaning they climb trees without damaging them to get sunlight, while also using soil to get nutrients and water. The soil in the rainforest is well draining to keep the heavy rainfalls from waterlogging roots, and is highly acidic (a lower PH level.) This means Calathea will need similar conditions to thrive in a home.
Fun fact: One nickname for Calathea is the Rattlesnake plant, but Snake Plants are Sansevieria and a completely different species known as Asparagaceae.
While bright colors and striking patterns are normally a sign of toxicity in nature, Prayer Plants are considered non-toxic and pet safe, making them extra appealing to homes with pets. Click here to learn more about pet safe tropical plants and click here to see which pet friendly plants we have in stock.
Now that you know where Prayer Plants grow naturally and what they need, here’s their classification and care instructions.
Classification and Details About Calathea Prayer Plants
With roughly 60 species of Calathea, each one offers a unique look and style from round leaves to ovals and spades. Just because their leaves and variegation may change, their needs stay the same.
Names |
Calathea, Prayer plants, Peacock plant, Zebra plant, Rattlesnake plant, Pinstripe plant |
Family |
Marantaceae |
Genus |
Calathea |
Leaf colors |
Green with white, pink, red, and silver stripes or spots. |
Variegation |
Yes |
Fenestration |
No |
Root type |
Rhizomes |
Height grown indoors |
1’ - 3’ |
Height grown outdoors |
1’ - 16’ |
Width |
12” - 25” |
Time to maturity |
1 year |
Soil PH |
6.0 - 6.5 |
Soil type |
Well draining and aerating |
Blooming |
Yes, but rarely |
Flower type and color |
Bracts in orange, yellow, and white |
Pet safe |
Yes |
Total species |
60 |
Propagation techniques |
Root division and Seeds |
Prayer Plant Care Instructions
Prayer plants need a bit more attention than other species of houseplants, but they are worth it when you get to enjoy their stunning leaf colors and patterns each day. Here’s how to keep their foliage vibrant and lush.
Watering
Prayer plants need a consistently moist potting mix so check it every three to five days and add a bit of water (ideally distilled) if the top part feels dry. Make sure the bottom holes are open to allow excess water to drain through as a way to help prevent waterlogging.
Sunlight
Allow your Calathea to get 3 to 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day by placing it in a room with windows, but not directly in the sunbeams.
Humidity and Temperature
Calathea needs a lot of humidity at levels between 50% and 70%, so use a pebble tray, a humidifier, or group it with similar plants like Stromanthe (including the Triostar) to help keep humidity levels up. While they can survive at 40%, they may suffer stress which causes their leaves to curl and get crispy. If this happens you’ll need to increase the humidity or risk the plant dying.
The good news is that Prayer Plants love normal temperatures in your home ranging from 65° to 80° Fahrenheit or 18° to 27° centigrade.
Health Issues to Look For
Calathea are susceptible to the same issues as most tropical plants, root rot from waterlogging and trapped moisture, leaf burn from too much sun exposure, and pests like spider mites and mealy bugs. If you see discoloration, wilting, browning or crispy leaves, and cotton like fibers on the leaves, your Calathea Prayer Plant may be sick.
Discoloration
Discoloration can be faded variegation (coloring) or the greens aren’t as lush and vibrant. This can be a sign of too little or too much sunlight, over or under watering, or root rot. If the potting mix is normally moist try letting it dry out slightly before watering again.
If you notice your Prayer Plant is getting direct sunlight and the leaves have brown tips or crispy edges, move it further away from the direct sunlight and trim the crispy brown parts off with disinfected shears.
If you see wilting or faded colors, and the potting mix has a musky smell, the cause may be root rot.
Carefully remove the Prayer Plant from its pot, rinse with clean water, and check the rhizome for yellow or brown and mushy rhizomes. There may also be an earthy or musky, foul odor.
Cut any mushy and rotting roots off of the plant.
Clean the pot with a fungicide and place new well draining and aerating potting mix in the pot.
Replant the Calathea in the pot.
Pest Infestations
If you see cotton-like fibers or spider web types of buildups on the leaves (the top, underside, or stem) you may have pests. Wipe the leaves with a clean and dry cloth. Now use an insecticide either directly on the spots where the pests live or in the watering cycles every 10 to 14 days.
Potting Mix and Nutrition
Prayer plants need a well draining potting mix with plenty of materials to keep air pockets open like perlite or vermiculite. Our Dirt Bag is a perfect option if you’re looking for which one to buy.
The Types of Calathea Prayer Plants
With 60 species to choose from, it can be hard to pick between the variations of Prayer Plants. Don’t worry, we have you covered! Here’s a few staff favorites and why we think you’ll love them!
Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant)
This variety features long, wavy leaves with deep green markings and a rich purple underside. It’s a standout for its bold pattern and slightly easier care compared to other Calatheas. Great for adding movement and texture to well-lit indoor spaces.
Calathea white fusion
White Fusion is one of the most visually striking Calatheas, with creamy white, lavender, and green variegation across its marbled leaves. It’s more sensitive to care than others and thrives with stable humidity and filtered light. A true collector plant.
Calathea orbifolia
Orbifolia is known for its oversized, round leaves with soft silver and green striping. Its broad foliage creates a lush, tropical feel and pairs beautifully with neutral interiors or grouped with darker plants for contrast.
Maranta leuconeura ‘Red Prayer’
This classic Maranta features soft green leaves with bold red veins and a herringbone pattern down the center. Its low, spreading habit makes it great for tabletop displays or small hanging planters. Easygoing and pet-safe, it’s a great intro to prayer plants.
Calathea roseopicta ‘Medallion’
With its deep green leaf margins, silvery centers, and burgundy undersides, ‘Medallion’ is one of the most iconic Calatheas. Its bold coloring and round leaf shape make it a go-to for adding color to shelves or plant corners.
Maranta leuconeura ‘Lemon Lime’
A more vibrant Maranta with light green leaves and electric yellow-green veining. It’s a favorite for its color and soft texture, and grows well in hanging baskets or wide pots where it can sprawl gently outward.
