Calathea

Discover prayer plants with colorful foliage and spectacular patterns. This collection brings together varieties of Calathea and Maranta with fascinating graphic leaves: striped Orbifolia, marbled Medallion, elegant Lancifolia, glassy Makoyana, tricolored Maranta. Native to tropical forests, they captivate with patterns, colors (greens, purples, pinks, silvers), and movement: leaves close at night and open by day. A daily plant show guaranteed. They thrive in high humidity and indirect light. For lovers of exceptional decorative foliage.

Calathea — Tropical plants with graphic foliage

Calathea are tropical indoor plants native to South America, known for their graphic foliage with unique patterns and vibrant colors ranging from deep green to purple, including silver and pink. Each variety features distinctive veins, stripes, or spots that create fascinating natural compositions.

Unique feature: their leaves move throughout the day, rising at night in a movement called nyctinasty — a soothing plant spectacle that has earned them the nickname "prayer plants." This natural movement creates a living presence in your interior.

Which Calathea varieties are available at Verdeia?

Our collection includes more than 10 Calathea varieties, each with its distinctive characteristics:

Varieties with marbled and colorful foliage

Calathea Medallion — marbled purple and green patterns, round leaves 15-20 cm, ideal for beginners
Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant) — translucent leaves with delicate light and dark green patterns, height 30-50 cm
Calathea Orbifolia — large round leaves (up to 30 cm) with horizontal silver stripes, luxurious appearance
Calathea Warscewiczii — velvety foliage with purple veins, intense violet underside

Striped and graphic line varieties

Calathea Lancifolia (Insignis) — elongated leaves with green geometric patterns, very hardy
Calathea Ornata — delicate pink lines on dark green background, refined elegance
Calathea Majestica 'Princeps' — slender leaves with white stripes, royal bearing
Calathea Stripestar — contrasting and graphic stripes, compact growth

Rare and special varieties

Calathea Fusion White — spectacular white variegations, rare and sought-after variety
Calathea Crocata — the only variety with bright orange flowers, spectacular blooming

How to care for a Calathea? Practical guide

Light and placement

Ideal exposure: bright indirect light to partial shade. Calathea tolerate low-light spaces well, making them perfect for offices, bedrooms, or bright bathrooms. Absolutely avoid direct sunlight which burns their delicate leaves and fades their colorful patterns.

Watering and humidity

Watering frequency: 1 to 2 times per week in summer, once a week in winter. Keep the substrate slightly moist without ever soaking it. Calathea are sensitive to lime — use filtered or rainwater if possible.

Ambient humidity: minimum 60-70%. Mist the foliage 2-3 times a week or place the plant near a humidifier. Leaves browning at the edges indicate a lack of humidity.

Temperature and substrate

Temperature: 18-25°C year-round, without sudden changes or cold drafts.

Substrate: rich, light, and well-drained potting soil (tropical plant mix + perlite). Repot every 2 years in spring.

Fertilizer

Fertilization: every 3 weeks from April to September with a liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Stop fertilizing in autumn-winter.

Why choose a Calathea for your interior?

Suitable for low-light spaces: unlike most tropical plants, Calathea thrive in partial shade
Air purification: NASA-certified air-purifying plants that filter formaldehyde and benzene
Non-toxic: safe for pets and children (unlike Philodendron or Alocasia)
Natural movement: leaves that lift at night, creating a lively interaction with your space
Visual diversity: over 300 species worldwide, each with unique patterns
Zen atmosphere: perfect for bedrooms, offices, or meditation spaces

Common problems and solutions

Leaves browning at the edges?: Lack of ambient humidity. Solution: mist more often or use a humidifier.
Leaves curling?: Substrate too dry or air too dry. Solution: water and increase humidity.
Yellowing leaves?: Overwatering or hard water. Solution: let the substrate dry and use filtered water.
Loss of pattern color?: Insufficient or too direct light. Solution: adjust the location for bright indirect light.
Slow growth?: Normal in winter. In summer, check fertilization and light.

Which Calathea variety to choose according to your level?

For beginners

Calathea Lancifolia and Calathea Medallion — the most tolerant and resilient, perfect for starting with Calathea.

For intermediate level

Calathea Orbifolia, Calathea Makoyana, and Calathea Ornata — require regular attention to humidity but remain accessible.

For collectors

Calathea Fusion White, Calathea Warscewiczii, and Calathea Majestica — rare varieties that require constant humidity and careful monitoring.

How to incorporate Calathea into your decor?

With their graphic and colorful foliage, Calathea fit perfectly into several styles:

Urban jungle: combine several varieties with Monstera and Philodendron for a dense tropical effect
Bohemian: place them in natural fiber or macramé hanging baskets
Contemporary: use matte anthracite or white ceramic pots to highlight the patterns
Minimalist: a single Calathea Orbifolia is enough as a graphic centerpiece

Ideal locations: bright bathroom (natural humidity), bedroom (nighttime purification), office (tolerates partial shade), living room (decorative focal point).

Frequently asked questions about Calathea

Are Calathea difficult to care for?

Calathea have a reputation for being demanding, mainly because of their need for high ambient humidity. However, with a humidifier or regular misting, they become very accessible. Some varieties like Lancifolia are particularly tolerant.

Why do the leaves of my Calathea move?

It is a natural phenomenon called nyctinasty. The leaves rise at night and lower during the day thanks to specialized cells at the base of the leaves. This movement helps the plant optimize photosynthesis and retain moisture.

Are Calathea toxic to animals?

No, Calathea are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. This is a major advantage compared to other tropical plants like Philodendron or Alocasia.

How tall do Calathea grow indoors?

Most Calathea reach 30-60 cm in height indoors. Calathea Orbifolia can reach 80-100 cm under optimal conditions. Their growth is moderate: expect 2-4 new leaves per year.

Explore our selection of Calathea and find the variety that will transform your interior into a soothing tropical oasis.