🌿 Comparison
🦚 Marantaceae
🦚 In brief — Calathea vs Maranta
Common points: Marantaceae family, decorative foliage, nyctinasty · Calathea: larger, more varied, filtered water required · Maranta: compact, easy, tolerates tap water · Ctenanthe: robustness of the Maranta, size of the Calathea · To start with: Maranta Fascinator or Ctenanthe Setosa
Calathea and Maranta — two often confused names, two often exchanged plants. They share the same botanical family, the same remarkable decorative foliage, and the same leaf movements. But their care requirements differ considerably. This guide compares the two families in detail, presents all the varieties in the catalog, and helps you choose according to your experience and space.
Botany and renaming — why it is so confusing
The confusion around Calathea and Maranta partly comes from a recent taxonomic revision. In 2012, most species of the genus Calathea were reclassified into the genus Goeppertia by botanists. Result: in recent books and scientific labels, Calathea Orbifolia became Goeppertia orbifolia, Calathea Ornata became Goeppertia ornata, etc.
In commercial practice and among enthusiasts, the name "Calathea" remains universally used — it is this name that appears in shops, online searches, and conversations among enthusiasts. This guide uses the commercial name "Calathea" for all species, regardless of their current botanical classification.
The Maranta, for their part, have not been renamed — they remain in the genus Maranta. The Ctenanthe are a distinct but close genus, often sold with Calathea and Maranta for their similarities in appearance and care.
Nyctinasty — the movement of the leaves
It is the most fascinating feature of the Marantaceae. The phenomenon is called nyctinasty — the leaves stand vertically in the evening, like hands joined in prayer, and flatten horizontally in the morning to maximize the surface exposed to the light.
This movement is triggered by variations in osmotic pressure in specialized cells located at the junction of the leaves and stems — the pulvinus. The decreasing light in the evening causes an influx of the water into these cells, which makes the leaves stand up. The movement is visible to the naked eye and can sometimes be slightly heard in the quiet of the evening.
💡 When the movements stop
If your Calathea or Maranta stops moving its leaves, it is usually a sign of stress — lack of water, air too dry, or weakened plant. A healthy plant moves its leaves every day. This behavior is an excellent indicator of the plant's overall condition.
Key differences
🦚 Calathea
- Larger size (30–80 cm)
- More spectacular and varied foliage
- Filtered or rain Water mandatory
- 60–70% humidity required
- Sensitive to drafts and variations
- More demanding care
- Very many varieties
🌿 Maranta
- Compact size (20–35 cm)
- More discreet decorative foliage
- Tolerates tap water
- Standard humidity tolerated
- Robust to variations
- Easy — ideal for beginners
- Only a few varieties
| Criterion | Calathea | Maranta | Ctenanthe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 30–80 cm | 20–35 cm | 25–70 cm |
| Tap Water | No | Yes | Possible |
| Required humidity | High 60–70% | Moderate | Moderate-high |
| Tolerance to mistakes | Low | Good | Good |
| Available varieties | Very many | Some | Some |
| Nyctinasty | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| For beginners | No | Yes | Yes |
Calathea varieties
🦚 Calathea — the most spectacular foliage there is
The Verdeia catalog offers one of the most complete selections of Calathea — from compact varieties to large architectural sizes, from geometric patterns to delicate stripes. See the complete Calathea collection.
The most popular — large round leaves striped silver and light green, very graphic. One of the most tolerant in the family. Ideal for starting with Calathea.
See the Orbifolia →
The most elegant — fine pink brush-painted stripes on a dark green background, burgundy-purple backs. One of the most sought after for sophisticated interiors.
See the Ornata →
The cream white version of Ornata — its white stripes on a dark green background create a softer and brighter contrast than the pink stripes. Highly appreciated in contemporary interiors with neutral tones.
See the Whitestar →
Nicknamed "rattlesnake plant" — long elongated leaves decorated with alternating dark green oval spots. One of the most tolerant Calathea to imperfect conditions. A very good choice for beginners.
See the Lancifolia →
One of the most complex patterns — symmetrical dark green, light green, and cream arabesques, bright burgundy backs. A true living painting on each leaf. Large size up to H75 cm.
See the Medallion →
The "cathedral plant" — its pale green areas seem translucent backlit like stained glass. Oval spot pattern on a cream background absolutely unique. One of the most original in the family.
See the Makoyana →
The Warscewiczii stands out for its velvety dark green leaves with a silky touch — a unique texture among Calathea. Its large size H70 cm and white cone-shaped flowers make it a very architectural plant. Its velvety aspect brings it closer to the aesthetic of Alocasia.
See the Warscewiczii →
The Crocata is unique — it is the only Calathea known for its spectacular flowering: bright orange spike flowers emerging from the velvety dark green foliage. Its flowering lasts several weeks. It needs a short period of short days to bloom again.
See the Crocata →
Very graphic large size — long dark green leaves with silver stripes radiating from the central vein like stars. Very effective as an accent plant in a living room or entrance.
See the Stripestar →
The Bluegrass stands out for its unusual bluish green shade — its large oval leaves have very particular slightly glaucous reflections. Large size H65 cm with a very architectural shape. Its unique cool tone sets it apart from all other varieties in the family.
See the Bluegrass →
The Flamestar is the most spectacular large size in the selection — H75 cm, wide leaves with very dynamic contrasting patterns. For large spaces seeking a strong and immediate plant presence.
See the Flamestar →
The Fusion White is the most variegated Calathea — its leaves blend green and cream white in very decorative irregular marbling. It is also one of the most demanding in the family — the white areas are very sensitive to the water and variations. Reserved for experienced enthusiasts.
See the Fusion White →
The Fasciata features wide and regular light green stripes on a dark green background — a simple but very harmonious pattern. Its medium size H50 cm makes it versatile — shelf, low furniture, desk. One of the lesser-known but very decorative varieties.
See the Fasciata →Maranta varieties
🌿 Maranta — compact, easy, for all levels
Maranta are less varied than Calathea but clearly more accessible. Their compactness and robustness make them ideal plants for beginners or for spaces where conditions are not perfect. See the complete Maranta collection.
The Fascinator is the reference Maranta — very decorative bright red veins, very pronounced nyctinastic movements, tolerates tap the water. The best introduction to prayer plants. Ideal for all levels.
See the Fascinator →
The "rabbit plant" — pairs of oval chocolate-brown spots on a light green background. The most robust and easiest of the entire Marantaceae family. Perfect for difficult spaces or people with little time for care.
See the Kerchoveana →
The bright version of the Fascinator — same leaves, same movements, but yellow-green veins instead of bright red. Softer and brighter effect, particularly suited to bright interiors with natural tones.
See the Lemon Lime →Ctenanthe — the robust alternative
✨ Ctenanthe — Maranta robustness, Calathea size
Often sold among Calathea, Ctenanthe deserve their own category. They offer the best compromise: large decorative foliage, but robustness and tolerance close to Maranta. See the complete Ctenanthe collection.
The most compact — elongated striped green-gray leaves on a dark green background, burgundy underside. Delivered in a white ceramic pot ready to place. Much more tolerant of tap the water and humidity variations than Calathea.
See the Burle-Marxii →
The large robust size of the family — spectacular large bicolor silver and dark green leaves at H60 cm. Clearly more tolerant than Calathea of the same size. Ideal for those who want large decorative foliage without the constraints of Calathea.
See the Setosa →Complete care
The water — the main point of divergence
This is the most important practical difference. Calathea are very sensitive to lime — tap water causes brown spots on the leaves and dry tips. Use filtered water, rainwater, or low-lime mineral water. Maranta and Ctenanthe tolerate tap water, which greatly simplifies care. Always use the finger test — water when the top 2 cm are dry. See the complete watering guide.
Humidity
Calathea require 60–70% ambient humidity — mist the leaves 2 to 3 times a week with filtered water. Maranta and Ctenanthe tolerate standard humidity. In any case, keep away from any radiator or dry heat source. See the light and humidity guide.
Light
The whole family prefers indirect light — no direct sun that burns the leaves. Calathea thrive in moderate to good indirect light. Maranta and Ctenanthe tolerate partial shade better. In any case, avoid too dark north-facing exposures — nyctinastic movements weaken and colors fade.
Substrate, fertilization, repotting
Light, slightly acidic substrate — universal potting soil + perlite (20–30%). Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer diluted by half once a month from May to September. Repot every 2 years in spring. See the repotting guide.
Division and propagation
Calathea, Maranta, and Ctenanthe are not propagated by stem cuttings like Pothos or Syngonium — they are divided by clump during repotting.
Division by clump — method
- Remove the plant from its pot and gently shake the substrate from the roots
- Identify the natural clumps — each clump must have its own roots and at least 2 to 3 leaves
- Separate the clumps gently by hand or cut with a clean knife
- Repot each clump in a pot suitable for its size with fresh substrate
- Water lightly and place in a bright spot without direct sun
- Wait 2 to 4 weeks before resuming fertilization
💡 The best time to divide
Spring is the ideal time — the plant resumes growth and new roots develop quickly. Avoid dividing in winter when the plant is dormant. See the guide propagating your plants.
Common problems and solutions
| Symptom | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves curling | Lack of humidity or hard water | Spray, switch to filtered water, move away from the radiator |
| Brown tips and edges | Air too dry or hard water (Calathea) | Increase humidity, filtered water is essential for Calathea |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering | Let the substrate dry, reduce watering. See yellow leaves: 5 causes |
| Pale, washed-out leaves | Too much direct light | Move away from the window or add a sheer curtain |
| Movements stop | Stressed or weakened plant | Check watering, humidity, and temperature |
| Red spider mites | Air too dry | Increase humidity, treat with neem oil. See diagnostic guide |
| Mealybugs | General stress | 70° alcohol on cotton, then neem oil |
| Leaves that no longer open in the morning | Lack of light | Place near a light source — movements require light |
Decoration and pairings
In what interior style?
Marantaceae fit into almost all interior styles thanks to the diversity of their foliage. Large Calathea (Orbifolia, Stripestar, Flamestar) are perfect in contemporary and minimalist interiors where their geometric graphic design acts as a plant sculpture. Maranta and varieties with colorful patterns (Ornata, Medallion) fit into bohemian, tropical, and eclectic styles. See the guide choosing plants according to your interior style.
Which plants to pair them with?
- Texture contrast: Calathea Orbifolia + Monstera — the striped round leaves contrast with the cut leaves
- Deep green palette: Velvety Calathea Warscewiczii + red Anthurium — same intensity, different textures
- Partial shade composition: Maranta Fascinator + Spathiphyllum + Boston Fern — all three tolerate indirect light well
- Japandi style: Calathea Orbifolia alone in a simple ceramic pot — its circular shape fits perfectly into the clean aesthetic
For plant combinations: guide combining plants in pot.
Verdeia Collection
Calathea, Maranta, Ctenanthe
The whole family of prayer plants — from compact size for beginners to spectacular large size.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — it’s nyctinasty. The leaves rise in the evening and flatten in the morning according to the light. This movement is produced by specialized cells (pulvinus) at the base of the petioles. It is visible to the naked eye and sometimes can be slightly heard. If the movements stop, it is often a sign of stress — check watering and humidity.
Almost always a lack of humidity or the water is too hard. Switch to filtered the water, mist the leaves 2–3 times a week, and keep away from any radiator. For Maranta and Ctenanthe, the problem is more often just lack of humidity.
The Maranta Kerchoveana is the easiest in the whole family — tolerates tap the water, resistant to variations. The Fascinator is just behind. For an easy Calathea, start with the Orbifolia or the Lancifolia.
Not by stem — they divide by clump when repotting in spring. Separate the natural clumps with their roots and repot them individually. Wait 2 to 4 weeks before resuming fertilization. See the guide propagating your plants.
Verdeia Shop
Find your ideal Marantaceae
Calathea for show, Maranta for ease, Ctenanthe for the best of both.
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