Calathea

Calatheas are grown for their leaves, and the leaves are remarkable: striped, feathered and brushed in shades of green, cream and silver, often with deep purple undersides. They also move. Each evening the leaves fold upward, and each morning they open again, which is why calatheas are sometimes called prayer plants.

They have a reputation for being fussy. That is half true. A calathea is not hard to keep alive, but it is quick to show stress with brown edges or curled leaves. Give it steady conditions and it settles in well.

At a glance

• Light: medium to bright indirect light. Direct sun fades and scorches the pattern.
• Water: keep the soil lightly moist, never soggy and never bone dry.
• Humidity: higher than most homes. A bathroom or kitchen suits it well.
• Pets: non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Price: $26 for the 5-inch size.

Watering

Calatheas dislike drying out. Water when the top half inch of soil feels dry, and do not let the pot sit in water afterward. Leaves that curl inward during the day are asking for a drink. Many calatheas are sensitive to the minerals in tap water, which shows up as crisp brown leaf edges; rainwater or filtered water helps. If you travel or tend to forget, a self-watering pot keeps the moisture level steady and suits this plant better than any other we grow.

Humidity and position

Dry air from heating is the other common cause of brown edges. Keep the plant away from radiators and vents, group it with other plants, or stand it on a tray of damp pebbles. Avoid moving it once it is happy; calatheas take a few weeks to adjust to any change.

Pets

Calathea is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it one of the most colorful choices in our collection of plants that are safe around pets. As with any plant, place it where pets are not tempted to chew, and call your vet if a pet seems unwell after eating any plant.