Plant comparison
Monstera vs Calathea
Two big-leaf tropicals shoppers weigh up for a pet home — one is mildly toxic, the other ASPCA non-toxic.
| Monstera | Calathea | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Monstera deliciosa | Calathea (Goeppertia) spp. |
| Light | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) |
| Water | When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days | When the top 1-2 cm of soil is just dry, every 4-7 days |
| Soil | Chunky aroid mix | Moisture-retentive aroid mix |
| Humidity | 50-60% | 60-80% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C (65-80°F) | 18-24°C (65-75°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) | 11-12 (indoor-only) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b (heated greenhouse / indoor only) | H1b |
| Mature size | Indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat | 40-60 cm tall and wide |
| Growth habit | Climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support | Clumping rhizomatous evergreen |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Mildly toxic to pets | Pet-safe |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Monstera — Monstera if you prefer its climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support habit at indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat indoors.
- Choose Calathea — Calathea if pets share your home — it is non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), while Monstera is mildly toxic to pets.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Monstera care and Calathea care. For pet-safety detail see Monstera and Calathea.
Monstera vs Calathea — frequently asked questions
Is Monstera the same as Calathea?
No — Monstera is Monstera deliciosa and Calathea is Calathea (Goeppertia) spp.. Two big-leaf tropicals shoppers weigh up for a pet home — one is mildly toxic, the other ASPCA non-toxic. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, monstera or calathea?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Monstera wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and to be watered when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days. Calathea wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and watering when the top 1-2 cm of soil is just dry, every 4-7 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 monstera or calathea safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Monstera is mildly toxic to pets and Calathea is pet-safe. Calathea is the pet-safer choice.
How big do monstera and calathea get indoors?
Monstera matures to indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat, with a climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support habit. Calathea reaches 40-60 cm tall and wide, clumping rhizomatous evergreen. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can monstera and calathea 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. Monstera needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window); Calathea 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.