Maranta Vs Calathea

If you’ve ever stood in the houseplant aisle, captivated by stunning leaves but confused by similar-looking plants, you’re not alone. The comparison of maranta vs calathea is a common puzzle for indoor gardeners. Both are famous for their incredible foliage, but they have distinct differences that affect how you care for them. Knowing these can help you choose the right plant and keep it thriving in your home.

Let’s clear up the confusion right away. While they are close cousins in the Marantaceae family, Maranta and Calathea are two separate genera. Think of them like siblings with different personalities. Their care is similar, but their looks and some key traits set them apart. This guide will help you spot the differences and give you the simple care tips you need.

At first glance, these plants look nearly identical. They both have beautifully patterned leaves that often close up at night, a movement called nyctinasty. This is why they share the common name “prayer plants.” However, this nickname technically belongs to the Maranta genus. Calatheas are sometimes called “prayer plants” too, but more accurately, they are known as “cathedral plants” or “peacock plants.” The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking closely at their leaf patterns and growth habits.

Key Differences in Appearance

Here’s a simple breakdown of what to look for when you’re trying to identify your plant.

Leaf Patterns: Maranta leaves often have bold, painterly splotches of color—like deep red veins or herringbone patterns. Calathea patterns are usually more precise, featuring intricate stripes, delicate pinstripes, or feather-like designs that look almost stamped on.
Leaf Shape and Texture: Maranta leaves are typically more oval or rounded with a slight ripple. They feel softer and thinner. Calathea leaves are often larger, more elongated (lance-shaped), and have a thicker, almost leathery feel.
Growth Habit: Maranta plants tend to grow lower and spread out, with stems that trail or crawl. They are excellent for hanging baskets. Calatheas grow more upright, with leaves emerging directly from a central root clump, forming a tall, bushy appearance.
Underside Color: This is a great clue. Maranta leaf undersides are usually a consistent, plain color, often a pale green or grey. Calathea leaf undersides frequently show off a striking contrasting color, like a deep burgundy or purple.

Popular Varieties to Recognize

Seeing specific examples makes identification much easier.

Common Maranta Varieties

Maranta leuconeura ‘Erythroneura’ (Red Prayer Plant): Has stunning olive green leaves with bright red veins and a herringbone pattern. The undersides are a muted grey-green.
Maranta leuconeura ‘Kerchoveana’ (Rabbit’s Tracks): Features light green leaves with two rows of darker green splotches that resemble rabbit footprints.
Maranta leuconeura ‘Lemon Lime’: Shows off vibrant, neon green and yellow patterning on a darker green background.

Common Calathea Varieties

Calathea roseopicta ‘Dottie’: Has almost black leaves with a hot pink feathering pattern along the center and edges. The leaf underside is a rich burgundy.
Calathea orbifolia: Known for its large, almost round leaves with wide, silvery-green stripes. It’s a standout for its bold, minimalist look.
Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant): Features long, wavy leaves with dark green blotches and a purple underside, resembling a snake’s skin.
Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant): Showcases thin, oval leaves with a stunning pattern that looks like painted peacock feathers on both sides.

Side-by-Side Care Guide

Their care requirements overlap significantly, but paying attention to the subtle differences can prevent problems. Both plants originate from the tropical forest floors of South America, so they crave similar conditions.

Light Requirements

Both plants need bright, indirect light. Direct sun will scorch their beautiful leaves, causing faded colors or brown spots.

Maranta: Can tolerate slightly lower light conditions than Calathea, but its colors will be most vibrant in bright, filtered light.
Calathea: Needs consistent bright, indirect light to maintain its intricate patterns. In too low light, its growth will slow and markings may fade.

Watering and Humidity

This is where many people run into trouble. Both are moisture-loving but hate soggy soil.

Use your finger to check the top inch of soil. Water only when it feels dry.
Water thoroughly with lukewarm, filtered, or distilled water. They are sensitive to chemicals and salts in tap water, which can cause brown leaf edges.
Let excess water drain completely. Never let them sit in a saucer of water.

Humidity is crucial. Aim for 60% or higher. You can:
– Use a humidifier (most effective).
– Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
– Group plants together to create a microclimate.

Calatheas are often slightly more demanding when it comes to humidity and water quality. They are quick to develop crispy edges if the air is to dry.

Soil and Fertilizing

A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is perfect. You can use an African violet mix or make your own with two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part potting soil.

Feed your plant during the growing season (spring and summer).

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Fertilize every 4 weeks. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter when growth slows.
Over-fertilizing can burn the roots and damage the leaves, so less is more.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with great care, you might see an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Brown Leaf Edges or Tips

This is the most common complaint. It’s usually caused by one of three things:
– Low humidity.
– Chemicals in tap water (fluoride, chlorine).
– Underwatering or, less commonly, overwatering.
Fix: Increase humidity, switch to filtered/rain water, and check your watering routine.

Leaves Curling or Drooping

This is typically a sign of thirst. The soil is to dry. Give the plant a thorough drink and it should perk up within a few hours. If the soil is wet and leaves are curling, you may have root rot from overwatering.

Faded Leaf Color or Loss of Pattern

This means the plant is getting to much direct sunlight. Move it to a spot with gentler, filtered light.

Yellowing Leaves

A few old leaves yellowing is normal. Many yellow leaves often indicates overwatering. Check the soil moisture and ensure the pot drains well.

Propagation: How to Make More Plants

The best way to propagate both Maranta and Calathea is by division during repotting in spring.

Gently remove the plant from its pot.
Carefully separate the root clump into smaller sections, ensuring each section has several healthy stems and roots. You may need to tease them apart or use a clean knife.
Pot each new section into a small container with fresh potting mix.
Water lightly, keep them warm and humid, and they should establish themselves in a few weeks.

Maranta can also be propagated by stem cuttings placed in water, but division is more reliable for both genera.

FAQ Section

Are Calathea and Maranta the same thing?

No, they are different genera within the same plant family. They have similar care needs but different visual characteristics and growth habits.

Which is easier to care for, Maranta or Calathea?

Many gardeners find Maranta to be a bit more forgiving, especially regarding humidity fluctuations. Calatheas have a reputation for being slightly more fussy, particularly about water quality and consistent moisture.

Why do the leaves move up at night?

This nightly movement, called nyctinasty, is believed to help the plant conserve moisture or channel rainwater to its roots in its native habitat. It’s a fascinating natural rhythm to observe.

Can I put my prayer plant in a bathroom?

Yes, if the bathroom receives adequate bright, indirect light. The naturally higher humidity from showers is beneficial for both Maranta and Calathea plants.

What’s the best pot for these plants?

Use a pot with excellent drainage holes. Plastic or glazed ceramic pots retain moisture better than terracotta, which can dry out to quickly for these moisture-lovers.

Choosing between a Maranta and a Calathea ultimately comes down to your aesthetic preference and your home’s conditions. If you like trailing plants with bold, artistic leaves, a Maranta might be your perfect match. If you prefer upright, architectural plants with precise, detailed patterns, a Calathea could be the one. Whichever you choose, you’re bringing a piece of the tropical forest’s beauty into your space. With the right light, consistent moisture, and plenty of humidity, you can enjoy their spectacular foliage for years to come.