Plant Care - Calathea (Prayer Plant)

Plant Care - Calathea (Prayer Plant)

The prayer plant, also known as Calathea, is a species of the genus Maranta in the Marantaceae family. It is often referred to as Calathea, but scientifically named after the Italian botanist Bartolomeo Maranta. The name comes from its physical transformation: as the sun sets and night falls, the plant takes on an appearance resembling the hands of a person in prayer. With its delicately drawn leaves, the prayer plant resembles a work of art and adds a refreshing touch to living spaces. Discovered by the Italian botanist, this plant has 20 recognized subspecies, all of which undergo the same physical transformation.

• The Most Popular Varieties of Prayer Plant (Calcis siliquastrum)

Calathea Makoyana

Calathea Roseopicta

Calathea Lancifolia

Calathea Ornata

Calathea Orbifolia    

Calathea Louisae

Calathea Ecuadoriana

Calathea Warscewiczii

Calathea Veitchiana

• How to Water?:

Prayer plants are quite easy to care for, but they need plenty of moisture. Therefore, it's important to check the soil at regular intervals, water evenly before it dries out completely, and moisten the leaves with a spray bottle. When the leaves lose moisture, they will curl and develop brown spots.

• How Should Light and Heat Be?:

In Türkiye, due to regional climate differences, it is preferred as an indoor plant. The prayer plant, which does not need direct sunlight, thrives in areas with partial sun and partial shade. If it receives light from only one side, changing its direction every few weeks will ensure its leaves receive an equal amount of sunlight. The prayer plant cannot tolerate very cold weather; the ideal temperature during its growth period is 20-23 degrees Celsius. In places where the temperature drops below 5 degrees Celsius, its leaves and stem will begin to dry out.

• How to Change Pots and Soil?:

Prayer plants prefer warm and airy soil. Soil rich in humus, vitamins, and minerals is ideal. Because of their large and showy leaves, using overly large pots is not good for the roots. Wide but not too deep pots are preferable, and repotting every 2-3 years is sufficient.

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