Calathea Plants (Prayer Plants)
Pet-safe, low-light “prayer plants” with show-stopping patterned foliage.
Calatheas are the houseplants you buy when you want your space to feel styled—without turning your living room into a full-time plant clinic. These pet-safe prayer plants bring the “living art” look: peacock, pinstripe, zebra, and rattlesnake—each variety features a different pattern, a different mood, and a unique way to make a shelf, desk, or bathroom vanity feel finished. And because Calatheas naturally come from the rainforest understory, they’re built for low light and gentle, indirect sun—perfect for offices, kitchens, and other rooms that don’t get consistent bright light.
Here’s the honest promise: Calatheas thrive when you give them two things most homes can absolutely provide—steady moisture (not soggy soil) and a little extra humidity. That’s why we stock Calathea plants that ship fast and arrive ready to settle in, with clear care guidance that helps you avoid the classic issues (crispy edges, dull color, curling leaves). Order with confidence—your plant journey doesn’t end at checkout. It starts there, backed by expert support and the We Grow Together Promise.
Why you’ll want Calatheas in your home
Calatheas are the rare “wow plant” that still fits real life. If you’re shopping for Calathea plants for sale because you want immediate impact, you’re in the right place: the foliage is the feature, and it looks intentional even when it’s the only plant in the room. On shelves, side tables, and entry consoles, Calatheas add color and pattern the way a piece of art does—except it’s alive, and it changes through the day.
This collection is designed for buyers who want confidence in their purchase: pet-safe houseplants, low-light-friendly performance, and varieties with distinct personalities—such as the pinstriped Ornata, rattlesnake-style lancifolia, peacock-patterned makoyana, and more. Whether you’re decorating a new home, upgrading your workspace, or sending a gift that won’t overwhelm a beginner, Calatheas deliver that “designer plant” look with a clear care playbook.
They also match how people actually live now: apartment-friendly, office-friendly, and great in humid rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. And because they’re purchased for their foliage, Calatheas give you year-round interest with zero waiting for blooms. If you’re ready to buy Calathea plants online, this is the kind of collection that makes it easy to choose one… and hard not to add a second.
The foliage patterns you can’t stop staring at.
Calatheas are famous for bold striping, halos, and brushstroke-like markings—greens, creams, silvers, and deep burgundy-purple undersides that look especially rich in indoor light. That contrast is why they photograph so well and why they’re a go-to for “plant corner” styling: they add texture without needing flowers, and they pair beautifully with modern, boho, and classic décor.
One of the most delightful “bonus features” is movement. Many Calatheas behave like true prayer plants—leaves shifting throughout the day to catch available light, and some folding upward at night. It’s subtle, but once you notice it, you’ll start looking for it—especially in the evening when the plant seems to “tuck in.”
In terms of size and form, most Calatheas stay neatly contained—upright, clumping foliage that fills a pot without taking over a room. Competitor listings commonly place them around the 1–4 ft range, depending on variety and conditions, which is exactly the sweet spot for tabletops, plant stands, and floor planters. The result: a plant that looks lush and established without demanding a huge footprint.
The best rooms to place them for quick wins.
If you want an easy success story, start where Calatheas already want to live: bright, indirect light or lower-light rooms where harsh sun won’t hit their leaves. Bathrooms and kitchens are especially good “starter rooms” because the ambient humidity supports that rainforest-understory preference. Offices are another win—Calatheas tolerate less natural light better than many trendy houseplants, and they instantly soften hard edges, such as monitors, shelves, and filing cabinets.
For styling, think in pairs and trios: one statement Calathea in a decorative pot, or a grouped set with complementary foliage (a solid-green plant next to a pinstriped Calathea makes the pattern pop). For spacing, give plants enough breathing room that leaves aren’t pressed together—roughly 12–24 inches between pots in a grouping is a clean visual rule of thumb, while still reading as a cohesive “plant moment.”
If you’re in a frost-free climate (or moving plants outdoors seasonally), Calatheas can be used in shaded patios and tropical-feel containers—just avoid wind and direct sun, and bring them back in before temperatures drop. The biggest “placement mistake” is a south-facing window with direct sunlight; that’s when leaf burn and dulling appear quickly.
Care that feels easy after you start right.
Calathea care is simple when you follow the three pillars: light, moisture, and humidity. They prefer low light to bright indirect light, and they really don’t want direct sun—especially hot southern exposure—because it can scorch foliage and fade the patterns you bought them for.
Watering is about consistency, not volume. Aim for evenly moist soil that drains well—never let the pot sit in standing water, and always use a container with drainage holes. GGD’s guidance is especially helpful here: calatheas often prefer distilled or filtered water, and a pebble tray can raise local humidity around the plant while protecting roots from excess water in the saucer.
Feed lightly during active growth: a standard houseplant fertilizer, applied in spring through early fall at half strength, supports strong foliage without overstimulating the plant. Keep temperatures comfortably “indoors warm” (about 65–80°F) and away from cold drafts—curling leaves are a common first warning sign when conditions drift off track. And when your plant starts drying too quickly or outgrows its pot, plan to repot every 12–18 months—also the perfect time to propagate by division.