Calathea (Prayer Plant)

Goeppertia ornata

Family

Marantaceae

Origin

Tropical Americas

Difficulty

Advanced

Sunlight

Low to medium indirect

Water

2-3 times per week

Temperature

18-27°C

Soil

Peat-based, well-draining

Flowering

Occasional small flowers

Height

30-60cm

Calathea, now reclassified as Goeppertia, includes some of the most beautifully patterned houseplants. Their leaves move throughout the day — folding up at night like praying hands and opening again at dawn. This movement, called nyctinasty, helps them maximize light capture.

🌱Care Guide

Use filtered or distilled water — sensitive to chlorine and fluoride. Keep soil consistently moist. Provide high humidity (50%+). Avoid direct sunlight which fades leaf patterns. Group with other plants for humidity.

🧬Evolution & History

Calathea species evolved in the understory of tropical American forests, developing light-sensitive pulvinus joints that move leaves to track available light. Many species have purple undersides that reflect light back through the leaf, maximizing photosynthesis in dim conditions.

💡Fun Facts

#1Leaves move throughout the day (nyctinasty)
#2Purple leaf undersides help capture more light
#3Sensitive to tap water chemicals
#4Over 300 species exist in the wild

❓FAQ

Why are my Calathea leaf edges turning brown?▼

Brown edges are usually caused by tap water chemicals (chlorine, fluoride), low humidity, or both. Use filtered water and increase humidity.

Why isn't my Calathea moving?▼

Reduced movement can indicate insufficient light or that the plant has adjusted to stable conditions. Ensure moderate indirect light for best movement.

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