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Calathea & Prayer Plant Care Guides

Calatheas and prayer plants want medium indirect light, evenly moist soil, high humidity and — crucially — water that is not heavily treated. Crispy brown edges on a calathea are usually tap water minerals or dry air, not underwatering. This is the fussiest common houseplant group and the one most often blamed on the owner.

The group covers Calathea and Goeppertia, Maranta, Stromanthe and Ctenanthe. All share the nyctinastic habit of raising and lowering leaves on a daily rhythm, which is why they are collectively called prayer plants. All are non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes them a common choice in pet households.

What they share

Filtered, distilled or rainwater rather than hard tap water. Humidity above roughly 50 percent. No direct sun, which bleaches the patterning they are grown for. Soil kept lightly moist but never waterlogged.

Browse calathea guides · prayer plant guides · stromanthe guides

Common problems

Crisping edges: water quality or humidity. Curling leaves: the plant is too dry or too cold. Fading pattern: too much direct light. Spider mites are common and arrive in dry air.

These are high-maintenance plants in a low-humidity Iowa winter. If you would rather not manage it, see Residential Plant Concierge.

All plant care guides

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