Plant comparison
Calathea vs Prayer plant
Both belong to the Marantaceae family with patterned leaves that fold at night — the question is which is forgiving enough for you.
| Calathea | Prayer plant | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Calathea (Goeppertia) spp. | Maranta leuconeura |
| 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 just dry, every 4-6 days |
| Soil | Moisture-retentive aroid mix | Moisture-retentive but free-draining mix |
| Humidity | 60-80% | 60-70% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C (65-75°F) | 18-24°C (65-75°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 11-12 (indoor-only) | 11-12 (indoor-only) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1b |
| Mature size | 40-60 cm tall and wide | 20-30 cm tall, spreading wider |
| Growth habit | Clumping rhizomatous evergreen | Low-growing rhizomatous evergreen |
| 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 Prayer plant — Prayer plant if you prefer its low-growing rhizomatous evergreen habit at 20-30 cm tall, spreading wider indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Calathea care and Prayer plant care. For pet-safety detail see Calathea and Prayer plant.
Calathea vs Prayer plant — frequently asked questions
Is Calathea the same as Prayer plant?
No — Calathea is Calathea (Goeppertia) spp. and Prayer plant is Maranta leuconeura. Both belong to the Marantaceae family with patterned leaves that fold at night — the question is which is forgiving enough for you. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, calathea or prayer plant?
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. Prayer plant wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and watering when the top 1 cm of soil is just dry, every 4-6 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 prayer plant safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Calathea is pet-safe and Prayer plant is pet-safe. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do calathea and prayer plant get indoors?
Calathea matures to 40-60 cm tall and wide, with a clumping rhizomatous evergreen habit. Prayer plant reaches 20-30 cm tall, spreading wider, low-growing rhizomatous evergreen. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can calathea and prayer plant 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); Prayer plant 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.