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Calathea
IntermediateCalathea
Interior plant with beautifully patterned leaves. Characteristic nyctinastic movement (leaves close at night). Prefers humidity.
About
Calathea is a genus of about 60 flowering plants in the family Marantaceae, native to the tropical Americas. Prized as some of the most ornamentally beautiful foliage plants available, they display intricate patterns — peacock feather motifs, bold stripes, and wave-like markings — on their leaf surfaces. A distinctive characteristic is nyctinasty: leaves fold upward at night, earning these plants the nickname 'prayer plants'. They thrive in bright shade and are sensitive to direct sunlight, which causes leaf scorch. The soil should be kept consistently moist, as drought causes leaves to curl and develop brown tips. Calatheas are sensitive to chlorine and fluoride in tap water, making filtered or rainwater preferable. Their living artistry and gentle leaf movements make them a captivating addition to any interior.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Calathea
The Calathea lives 5+ years.
Size of the Calathea
The Calathea grows to 30-80cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Calathea
The ideal temperature for the Calathea is 15〜28℃. Ideal humidity is 50〜80%.
High humidity (50–70%) is essential; regular misting helps maintain healthy foliage.
Basic Info
Origin
Tropical Americas
Lifespan
5+ years
Size
30-80cm
Temperature
15〜28℃
Humidity
50〜80%
Growing Tips
Placement
Bright shade. Direct sun causes leaf burn
Watering
Keep the soil slightly moist at all times. Leaves curl and tips brown when dry, and use rested or filtered water instead of straight tap water.
Temperature & Overwintering
Ideal range is 15-28°C and it is cold-sensitive. In winter keep it in a room that stays above 15°C, away from direct heater air.
Soil & Repotting
Use a mix that balances drainage and moisture retention. It likes high humidity (50-70%), so mist often to keep the air moist.
Notes
Leaf tips dry easily. Avoid dry air and chlorinated water
Calathea FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Calathea?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Calathea?
The ideal temperature for Calathea is 15〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 50〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Calathea?
The average lifespan of Calathea is 5+ years. With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.
QHow large does Calathea get?
The mature size of Calathea is 30-80cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QWhat is the typical price for Calathea?
The price of Calathea varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
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