foliage
DecorativeCalathea (Prayer Plant)
Goeppertia orbifolia
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (source: ASPCA).
Some direct sun — an east or west window, or a few hours of direct light.
Likes consistently moist soil; don’t let it dry out.
Needs a little consistency, but nothing fancy.
Calathea is a pet-safe foliage plant grown for its boldly patterned leaves that fold up at night. It is fussy about humidity and water quality, so it suits growers who enjoy a little fuss.
About Calathea (Prayer Plant)
Calathea (Goeppertia orbifolia), one of the prayer plants, is grown for its large round leaves marked with bold silvery stripes that fold upward at night. It comes from the humid forest floors of tropical South America, where it sits in warm shade rather than sun. Indoors it forms a clump around half a metre tall and wide. It is pet-safe and happy in medium light, which suits a rental, though it does ask for more attention to humidity and water than the average foliage plant.
Use distilled, filtered, or rainwater, because it reacts to fluoride and minerals with crispy brown edges. Keep the soil lightly moist and the air humid, since it dislikes drying out, and give it medium indirect light rather than direct sun, which fades the patterns. It's not a beginner's set-and-forget plant, but for someone who enjoys a bit of fuss it's rewarding and safe around pets.
What it’s like to grow
Calathea is the expressive one, quick to register dry air or hard water. Crispy brown leaf edges point to low humidity or mineral-heavy tap water, so switch to filtered water and raise the humidity. Curling or fading leaves mean the light is wrong, either too dim or too strong. Best kept by people who like tending a plant closely rather than leaving it alone. It is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe bold-leaved choice for homes with animals.
What to expect
It asks for a little consistency, but nothing fancy. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Grow it alongside
Houseplants that want the same light, water and humidity are happy sharing a spot. See what thrives with Calathea (Prayer Plant) →
Tips
- Use distilled, filtered, or rainwater; it reacts to fluoride and minerals with crispy edges.
- Keep the soil lightly moist and the air humid; it dislikes drying out.
- Give it medium indirect light, not direct sun, which fades the patterns.
Common problems
- Crispy brown leaf edges from dry air or hard tap water.
- Curling or fading leaves in too little or too much light.
Common questions
Is Calathea (Prayer Plant) toxic to cats and dogs?
Calathea (Prayer Plant) is non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a safe pick if you have pets. Source: ASPCA.
How much light does Calathea (Prayer Plant) need?
Calathea (Prayer Plant) does best in medium, indirect light: near an east or west window, or a little back from a bright one. Direct midday sun can scorch it.
How often should I water Calathea (Prayer Plant)?
Keep Calathea (Prayer Plant)'s soil consistently moist. It likes regular water and dislikes drying out, so check it often in warm or dry rooms.
What temperature does Calathea (Prayer Plant) need?
Calathea (Prayer Plant) is happiest around 18–27 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 13 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
Does Calathea (Prayer Plant) need high humidity?
Calathea (Prayer Plant) prefers humid air. Group it with other plants, stand it on a pebble tray, or run a humidifier — dry indoor air tends to brown the leaf tips.
Can I grow Calathea (Prayer Plant) without a sunny window?
Yes. Calathea (Prayer Plant) does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Calathea (Prayer Plant) get?
A clumping plant ~0.4–0.6 m tall and wide with large round patterned leaves.
How do I propagate Calathea (Prayer Plant)?
Separate the rooted clumps at repotting and pot each section into moist mix.
What pests affect Calathea (Prayer Plant)?
Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, thrips and fungus gnats. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Calathea (Prayer Plant) easy to grow?
Calathea (Prayer Plant) is moderately easy. It asks for some consistency with light and water, but nothing advanced.
Gear for Calathea (Prayer Plant)
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice. Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.