© RHS/Georgi Mabee

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

Calatheas we recommend

Useful advice

Choosing the best houseplants

Choosing the best houseplants

Houseplants: holiday care

Houseplants: holiday care

How to grow houseplants

How to grow houseplants

How to help a poorly houseplant

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.