Calathea & Maranta

Calathea & Maranta — Tropical elegance and the movement of foliage

The Calathea and Maranta are true jewels of the plant world, famous for their graphic leaves, fascinating patterns, and graceful posture. Native to the tropical forests of South America, they embody the living beauty and natural tranquility that Verdeia loves to convey through its urban jungle.

Appreciated for their vibrant foliage and their ability to “move” throughout the day, these plants, also called prayer plants, bring a discreet and hypnotic spectacle to your interior. Their refined aesthetic, combined with moderate care, makes them ideal companions to create a soothing and sophisticated tropical atmosphere.

Why adopt a Calathea or a Maranta

These decorative plants combine elegance and originality. Their unique foliage, often variegated with green, pink, silver, or purple, captures the light and transforms every space into a living painting. Their non-toxic nature also makes them perfect for homes with children or pets.

Graphic foliage: spectacular natural patterns and colorful veins.

Tropical ambiance: bring warmth and exoticism to any interior.

Non-toxic: safe for pets.

Active: their leaves rise and lower according to daylight.

Varieties with varied colors and textures

The Calathea and Maranta family is vast and offers an infinite richness of shapes and colors. Some display silvery reflections, others pink or purple tones depending on the light and season. Each variety expresses a unique personality:

Calathea medallion: a great classic, its round dark green and purple leaves make it an essential decorative plant.

Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake): long and wavy, its patterns evoke tropical reptile skin.

Calathea orbifolia: its large leaves striped with light green diffuse an elegant and contemporary softness.

Maranta leuconeura (Red Prayer Plant): red veins and leaf movement rhythm the day.

Whether placed on a sideboard, a shelf, or a shaded corner, Calathea and Maranta create a unique and natural focal point.

Ideal location

These tropical plants like dim lights, close to the natural conditions of the forest. Place them in a bright room but without direct sunlight: a living room, a bedroom, or a bathroom with a window will suit them perfectly. Ambient humidity promotes the shine of their foliage and their vitality.

Avoid direct sunlight, which burns delicate leaves.

Place them near a sheer window or a bright space facing east or north.

Regularly mist the foliage to reproduce tropical humidity.

Care tips

Calathea and Maranta are easy to live with when their needs for humidity and soft light are respected. Moderate and regular watering, combined with a slightly humid atmosphere, ensures their lasting health.

Watering: keep the substrate slightly moist without excess stagnant water.

Light: soft to medium, without direct sun exposure.

Humidity: regular misting or water saucer with clay balls.

Maintenance: gently clean the leaves to preserve their shine.

In exchange for this simple care, they will offer you foliage of rare intensity and poetic movement throughout the days.

FAQ — Calathea & Maranta

Why do the leaves of my Calathea fold at night?

It is a natural behavior. Calathea and Maranta close their leaves at dusk — hence their nickname “prayer plants.”

How to prevent leaves from browning?

Slightly increase ambient humidity and avoid hard water. Too dry air or irregular watering can cause browning of the edges.

Can they be grown in the bathroom?

Yes, provided the room is bright. They love humidity and thrive perfectly in this environment.

Do they need to be repotted often?

Every 12 to 18 months, in spring, to renew the substrate and promote healthy growth.

Are these plants safe for animals?

Yes, they are among the few indoor plants non-toxic to cats and dogs.