Calathea vs Prayer Plant (Maranta)
Quick answer
Both fold their leaves up at dusk, both have striking patterned foliage, and both are native to the rainforest floor of the Americas. Their care is almost the same. The differences are in the leaf pattern, how strongly the leaves move and how much tap water bothers them.
Side by side
| Calathea (Pinstripe) | Prayer Plant (Maranta) | |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf pattern | Thin pink stripes on dark green | Red or light veins with dark blotches |
| Tap water | Very sensitive: rainwater or distilled water is best | Sensitive: rainwater or distilled water is best |
| Difficulty | Moderate: fussier than most | |
| Leaf movement | Folds up at night (nyctinasty) | Folds up at night (more pronounced) |
| Origin | South America | Brazil |
| Humidity needs | High: a humidifier or pebble tray can help | |
| Light | Bright, indirect light | |
| Watering | Every 6 to 8 days (summer), every 11 to 17 days (winter) | Every 6 to 8 days (summer), every 10 to 14 days (winter) |
| Pet safety | Pet-safe (non-toxic) | Not confirmed pet-safe |
Tap water
Difficulty
Origin
Humidity needs
Light
Pet safetyWhich should you choose?
Calathea (Pinstripe)
Choose Calathea if you want the pinstripe look: thin pink stripes on dark green leaves. Rainwater or distilled water suits it best, because minerals in tap water bother it more than the Maranta.
Prayer Plant (Maranta)
Choose Maranta (Prayer Plant) if you want to watch the leaves fold up every evening, and a plant that is a little less fussy about tap water.
Still unsure? Take the Maranta. Both are fussy about humidity and water quality, but the Maranta minds tap water a little less.
More plant comparisons
Common questions
Why does my Calathea or Maranta fold its leaves at night?
Both plants practice nyctinasty, a circadian rhythm that causes the leaves to fold upward at dusk, like hands in prayer, and open again at dawn. It’s a natural response, not a sign of stress. If leaves stay folded during the day, that can indicate low light or underwatering.
Are Calathea and Maranta safe for cats and dogs?
Calathea, yes. Maranta, we cannot confirm. The ASPCA lists the whole Calathea genus (Calathea spp.) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Maranta leuconeura is not in its database, and the ASPCA pages carrying the name prayer plant describe other species. Keep the Maranta out of reach of pets, and call your vet if a pet chews either plant and seems unwell.
Why is my Calathea or Maranta developing crispy edges?
Crispy edges have several possible causes: dry air, mineral or fluoride build-up from tap water, drafts, or compost that dried out too far. Check the potting mix first and water evenly if it has dried out. Then try rainwater or distilled water, raise the humidity, and move the plant away from heating and cooling vents.
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