“Prayer plant” is a common name for both of these plants, which is why the comparison confuses people. Both belong to the prayer plant family, Marantaceae. Both fold their leaves up at night. The plant most often sold as prayer plant is Maranta leuconeura. Calatheas are a separate group, and most of them now carry a different botanical name (NC State Extension, RHS).
The practical differences are shape, size and how strict each is about humidity and water.
Calathea, Goeppertia and the naming mix-up
NC State explains that genetic and botanical studies moved many species formerly classified as Calathea into the genus Goeppertia. Older books and most plant labels still say Calathea. The peacock plant, for example, is now Goeppertia makoyana, formerly Calathea makoyana and before that Maranta makoyana.
The RHS goes further: plants sold under the umbrella name “calathea” now belong to three genera, Goeppertia, Ctenanthe and Stromanthe. Until the new names are widely used, it suggests looking for the calathea label when buying.
The common names overlap too. NC State lists “prayer plant” among the common names for both Maranta leuconeura and Goeppertia insignis (rattlesnake plant). The RHS calls calatheas “calatheas, or prayer plants”. The ASPCA’s “prayer plant” entry gives Calathea insignis as its scientific name while listing Maranta as another common name. When a label just says “prayer plant”, identify the plant by its shape.
How to tell them apart
Maranta. NC State describes a low plant, 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall, that spreads sideways up to 61 cm (24 in). It is often grown in hanging baskets. Leaves are oval, with pale green to yellow markings along the midrib. In the red-veined form, the veins are red in a fishbone pattern. New leaves appear as a rolled tube. By day the leaves lie flat, parallel to the ground; at night they stand upright in the “prayer” position (NC State).
Calathea (Goeppertia). NC State describes clump-forming plants 23–91 cm (9 in–3 ft) tall, with leaf undersides and stems often purple or maroon. The RHS says the leaves emerge at ground level and unfurl on tall, thin stems. Patterns vary by species: feathered (G. makoyana), rattlesnake spots (G. insignis), zebra stripes (G. zebrina) or silver bands (G. orbifolia).
In short: a low, spreading plant with leaves on short stems is almost always a maranta. An upright clump of large leaves on long stalks is a calathea. See our guide to calathea leaf movement for why both fold at night.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Calathea (Goeppertia) | Maranta (Maranta leuconeura) |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Marantaceae | Marantaceae |
| Habit | Upright clump; leaves on tall stalks (RHS) | Low and spreading (NC State) |
| Size | 23–91 cm (9 in–3 ft) tall (NC State) | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall, up to 61 cm (24 in) wide (NC State) |
| Light | Bright, out of direct sun (RHS); medium to low indirect (NC State) | Bright, indirect; too much sun bleaches the leaves (NC State) |
| Low light | Weak growth (RHS); tolerated down to 75 foot-candles (UF/IFAS) | Tolerates low to medium light (NC State) |
| Water | Evenly moist in spring and summer; let the surface dry in winter, never fully (RHS) | Evenly moist in the growing season; let it dry out in winter (NC State, Illinois) |
| Water quality | Distilled or rain water advised (NC State) | Leaves burn with high fluoride (NC State) |
| Humidity | At least 60% for several species (NC State) | High; intolerant of dry air (NC State) |
| Temperature | 18–24 °C (65–75 °F) (NC State); 16–21 °C (61–70 °F) (RHS) | Warm; intolerant of cold drafts (NC State, Illinois) |
| Maintenance (NC State) | High (genus) | Not rated |
| Propagation | Division of the clump (NC State, RHS) | Division of the rhizomes (NC State) |
| Pets (ASPCA) | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
Light
Both want bright, indirect light and no direct sun. NC State says too much sun bleaches maranta’s leaf colours, and that maranta is intolerant of direct sunlight. The RHS suggests a north- or east-facing window for calatheas in summer and a south-facing windowsill in winter, when light is weaker.
Calatheas are not deep-shade plants. The RHS links poor, weak growth to low light, especially in Goeppertia species. UF/IFAS says calatheas tolerate interior light as low as 75 foot-candles, with optimal levels of 150 to 200 foot-candles.
Water and humidity
This is where calathea asks more.
Calathea. The RHS says keep the compost evenly moist in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, let the surface dry before rewatering, but never let it dry out completely. NC State’s Goeppertia pages ask for distilled or rain water, because fluoride in tap water can brown leaf tips. The RHS says calatheas tolerate tap water left to stand for 24 hours. For humidity, NC State asks for at least 60% for G. makoyana, G. orbifolia and G. zebrina. UF/IFAS says plants keep their appearance better at 40–60% relative humidity.
Maranta. NC State says keep the soil evenly moist through the growing season, then let it dry out in winter. Illinois Extension agrees, and adds that water must not stand on the crowns, because the stems rot easily. NC State says maranta needs high humidity and that its leaves burn with high fluoride or too much fertiliser.
For both, a pebble tray or a humid room helps (NC State, RHS). Our guide to calathea water quality covers tap-water problems.
Temperature
NC State gives 18–24 °C (65–75 °F) for Goeppertia. The RHS gives 16–21 °C (61–70 °F) and says avoid draughts, fires and radiators. UF/IFAS warns that temperatures below 13 °C (55 °F) may cause chilling injury. NC State says maranta is intolerant of low temperatures and cold drafts.
How hard are they?
NC State rates the Goeppertia genus as high maintenance. Iowa State Extension’s horticulturist questions why calathea appears on “easy houseplant” lists at all. NC State notes that rattlesnake plant can be difficult because of its humidity needs. Maranta’s NC State profile asks for high humidity and even moisture, but gives no humidity figure and does not ask for distilled water.
On these profiles, maranta asks for a little less than calathea. It is still not a plant to neglect.
Propagation
Both are divided. The RHS says to divide calatheas in spring, each section with several leaves, and keep the divisions warm, humid and moist until growth resumes. NC State recommends dividing maranta’s rhizomes.
Pet safety
The ASPCA lists Calathea species and prayer plant as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Both are reasonable choices in a home with pets.
Which should you choose?
- Hanging basket, shelf edge or small table: maranta.
- Upright, larger patterned leaves for a floor or table display: calathea.
- Dry, heated room: neither, unless you add a humidifier or pebble tray. NC State says maranta is intolerant of low humidity.
- Bathroom or kitchen with bright, indirect light: calathea, which the RHS suggests for humid rooms.
- Pets that chew plants: either.
For full care, read our Calathea and Goeppertia care guide and our prayer plant care guide. If leaves are rolling, see prayer plant curling leaves or calathea curling leaves.
References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Goeppertia
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Goeppertia makoyana
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Goeppertia insignis
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Maranta leuconeura
- Royal Horticultural Society: How to grow calatheas
- Royal Horticultural Society: Maranta leuconeura, prayer plant
- UF/IFAS Extension EP285, J. Chen and D. B. McConnell: Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of Interiorscape Calathea
- University of Illinois Extension: Prayer Plant
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, A. Steil: Easy low-maintenance houseplants
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Calathea
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Prayer Plant