Plant comparison
Calathea vs Fittonia
Two humidity-loving, patterned tropicals for a terrarium or bathroom — which drama is worth it?
| Calathea | Fittonia | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Calathea (Goeppertia) spp. | Fittonia albivenis |
| Light | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) |
| Water | When the top 1-2 cm of soil is just dry, every 4-7 days | When the top 1 cm of soil is dry, every 3-5 days |
| Soil | Moisture-retentive aroid mix | Moisture-retentive houseplant mix |
| Humidity | 60-80% | 60-80% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C (65-75°F) | 18-26°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 11-12 (indoor-only) | 10-11 (indoor-only) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1b |
| Mature size | 40-60 cm tall and wide | 10-15 cm tall, spreading |
| Growth habit | Clumping rhizomatous evergreen | Low-growing creeping perennial |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Pet-safe | Pet-safe |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Calathea — Calathea if you prefer its clumping rhizomatous evergreen habit at 40-60 cm tall and wide indoors.
- Choose Fittonia — Fittonia if you prefer its low-growing creeping perennial habit at 10-15 cm tall, spreading indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Calathea care and Fittonia care. For pet-safety detail see Calathea and Fittonia.
Calathea vs Fittonia — frequently asked questions
Is Calathea the same as Fittonia?
No — Calathea is Calathea (Goeppertia) spp. and Fittonia is Fittonia albivenis. Two humidity-loving, patterned tropicals for a terrarium or bathroom — which drama is worth it? The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, calathea or fittonia?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Calathea wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and to be watered when the top 1-2 cm of soil is just dry, every 4-7 days. Fittonia wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and watering when the top 1 cm of soil is dry, every 3-5 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is calathea or fittonia safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Calathea is pet-safe and Fittonia is pet-safe. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do calathea and fittonia get indoors?
Calathea matures to 40-60 cm tall and wide, with a clumping rhizomatous evergreen habit. Fittonia reaches 10-15 cm tall, spreading, low-growing creeping perennial. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can calathea and fittonia live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Calathea needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window); Fittonia needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.