Introducing...
Calatheas
Botanical name: Goeppertia, Ctenanthe, Stromanthe
Common name: prayer plant, calathea
With paddle-shaped leaves in an array of striking patterns and colour combinations, these easy-to-grow houseplants are perfect for creating an urban jungle feel.
Looks
A clump-forming perennial plant with a lush, tropical appearance. Leaves emerge from rolled-up spikes, unfurling as they mature. Some plants have soft, velvet-textured leaves or tall, colourful flowers.
Likes
Grow these plants indoors in bright but indirect light. An east-facing windowsill is ideal, or behind frosted glass in a bathroom.
Dislikes
Keep out of direct sunlight in summer as this will scorch the leaves. Overwatering can also cause poor leaf development and root rot.
Did you know?
The common name of prayer plant refers to the ‘nyctinastic’ habit of these plants – in daylight the leaves open flat but at night they flex upwards and together, as though in prayer.
Growing guide
How to grow calatheas
All the information you’ll need to grow & care for calatheas in your home.
Calatheas we recommend
Goeppertia insignis
rattlesnake plant
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Goeppertia insignis
rattlesnake plant
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Houseplants for different locations
Houseplants: holiday care
How to grow houseplants
How to help a poorly houseplant
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.