Maranta vs Calathea: Which Is Easier & How Do They Differ?

Maranta and Calathea are popular houseplants known for their captivating and colorful foliage. If you’re fascinated with prayer plants but don’t understand the difference between Maranta vs Calathea, our guide will cover all you need to know.  

Both Maranta and Calathea are considered prayer plants because they move their leaves daily to an internal circadian rhythm (this ability is scientifically known as nyctinasty), unfolding them in the morning and folding them in the evenings. This gradual movement resembles hands folded in prayer, giving these plants their nickname. But strictly speaking, only Maranta is a true prayer plant. Although both plants share the same plant family, Calathea and Maranta don’t belong to the same genus. 

So, are Maranta and Calathea the same?

About Maranta

Maranta is a low-spreading plant with decorative, oval leaves. Their stems will trail if not pruned.

These beautiful plants are known for their colorful leaf patterns, displaying magnificent reds and dark greens, such as the classic Red Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura), or velvety lime greens, such as the Lemon Lime Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura 'Lemon Lime').

About Calathea

Calathea plants tend to have larger leaves and grow from the base of the clump.

Some varieties feature bright circular patterns, like Calathea Medallion (Calathea roseopicta 'Medallion'), while others display stripes, like the magnificent Orbit Peacock Plant (Calathea orbifolia). Calathea Rattlesnake (Calathea lancifolia) is one of the few varieties with elongated leaves, and it’s popular for its bold, picturesque pattern.

What Is the Difference Between Maranta and Calathea?

Maranta and Calathea plants are remarkably similar; they have similar-looking foliage, are both pet-friendly, and belong to the same family. Both plants are native to the rainforests of Central and South America and prefer warm indoor temperatures, only growing year-round outdoors in hardiness zones 11-12. Still, they differ in various aspects, including leaf shape, growth habit, symbolic significance, and certain growing requirements.

Keep reading to learn about the difference between Calathea and Maranta.

Maranta vs Calathea: Leaf Pattern, Shape, and Texture

Known for their stunning foliage, Maranta and Calathea differ slightly in their leaf patterns, form, and texture.

• Maranta: Maranta leaves are flat, oval, thin, soft, featuring bright, symmetrical patterns in red, purple, and green. 
• Calathea: Calathea leaf shapes can be round, oval, spiky, or elongated. The leaves are firmer and sometimes ribbed, with rounded or striped patterns in intricate, multi-layered color schemes.

Calathea vs Maranta: Growth Habit & Size

A major difference between Calathea and Maranta is their growing habit. These prayer plants also differ in size.

• Maranta: Maranta has long stems that gradually droop and trail down. It can reach about 12 inches in height and 24 inches in width.
• Calathea: Calathea varieties are upright and grow in clumps. Calatheas can reach about 1-3 ft. in height, depending on the variety.

But while they grow differently, both plants share a few care requirements. So, how do you care for Calathea and Maranta?

Care Level: Are Marantas Easier Than Calathea? 

Both Maranta and Calathea are relatively easy-going, but Maranta plants are more forgiving, adaptable, and tolerant of neglect than Calathea, which can be somewhat finicky. These gorgeous prayer plants require consistent watering and higher humidity, but Maranta can tolerate short-term changes to its environment better than Calathea plants.

Although Calathea is not that hard to care for, it can react more quickly to dry air, with leaves curling and browning at the tips. It is also much more sensitive to tap water and cold drafts. Maranta, on the other hand, gives you more room for mistakes and can handle unfavorable conditions for a short while. 

Propagation: Difference Between Maranta and Calathea

Once you get these beautiful foliage plants, you may decide to try growing new plants to expand your collection. Here’s what you need to know about Maranta plant vs Calathea propagation.

• Maranta: Maranta prayer plants are easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Place the cuttings in clear water, changing it weekly, and watch the roots form. Then, transplant the new plants in moist soil.
• Calathea: Calathea plants grow in clumps and can be propagated via division. Gently separate the root ball and plant the individual sections in pots with moist soil.

Symbolism & Meaning

Although both are prayer plants and thus often symbolize devotion, Maranta and Calathea can be associated with different symbolic meanings.  

• Maranta: Maranta symbolizes gratitude, modesty, focus, and contemplation. These plants have a balancing and calming influence, ideal for relaxation spaces, like bedrooms.
• Calathea: Calathea prayer plants stand for personal growth, renewal, and new beginnings. They are believed to bring positivity into your living space.

Maranta vs Calathea: Growing Requirements

Both Maranta and Calathea are tropical plants that grow in the rainforest in their natural habitat. Their growing requirements are quite similar, but there are also some subtle differences.  

Light 

Meeting your prayer plant’s light requirements is an important step in ensuring its health and continued growth.

• Maranta: Maranta prayer plants grow best in medium to bright indirect light. They are tolerant of low light, although their growth can be slower. Direct sunlight can burn Maranta’s thin, soft leaves.
• Calathea: Calatheas thrive in bright, indirect light. Insufficient light can cause their leaf colors to fade. Avoid scorching direct sunlight. 

Watering

While watering needs vary, depending on your home’s temperature, the season, and the plant placement, a consistent watering schedule will ensure your plant is sufficiently hydrated.  

• Maranta: Water your Maranta prayer plant when the topsoil is slightly dry. If you notice browning leaf tips, use filtered or distilled water.
• Calathea: Calathea plants need consistent moisture. They’re also much more sensitive to chemicals in tap water than Maranta, so using distilled or filtered water is best. Water with lukewarm water to prevent stress to the roots.

Temperature & Humidity

Native to the tropics, all prayer plant varieties need warm, stable temperatures and high humidity to thrive.  

• Maranta: Marantas enjoy stable temperatures of about 60°F-75°F. They adapt to slightly lower temperatures and are less fussy about humidity than Calatheas.
• Calathea: Calatheas are more sensitive to cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations. Keep them in spaces with temperatures above 65°F. High humidity is a must for Calathea plants; ideally, use a humidifier.

Soil & Repotting

Both Maranta and Calathea thrive best in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil, which is vital for good growth and healthy foliage. Repot them every 1-2 years or when your plant outgrows its pot. Note that Maranta grows slightly faster than Calathea, so watch out for signs of crowded roots.

• Maranta: With its small, spreading roots, Maranta does best in a shallow pot with good drainage. Feed your prayer plant monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
• Calathea: Calatheas can be planted in slightly deeper pots, but avoid overly large pots that drain poorly. Calatheas require monthly feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Always dilute it to half-strength to prevent burning the roots. Note that Calatheas are more prone to transplant shock.

Maranta or Calathea: Which One Should I Get?

If you’re new to plant care or this is your first prayer plant, get Maranta. It’s also the plant to choose if you want a trailing plant or have less available light in your home. 

Get Calathea if you have more space, can provide high humidity and regular care, or if you’re a seasoned indoor gardener.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Maranta Plant?

Here are some benefits of having a Maranta plant in your home:

• Easier to care for
• More tolerant of low light
• Climbing or trailing growth habit that makes it ideal for hanging baskets
• Regulates humidity
• More adaptable and less sensitive
• More compact

What Are the Benefits of Having Calathea?

The benefits of getting a Calathea include:

• More choice as there are significantly more varieties
• Wide range of leaf patterns
• Great statement plant
• Perfect bathroom plant, as it loves humidity
• Better at removing indoor air pollutants
• Stunning and impressive gift plant for experienced gardeners

Explore More Calathea Plants

Maranta vs Calathea: FAQs

Q: Are Goeppertia and Calathea the same?

A: Not entirely. Many Calathea species have recently been reclassified as Goeppertia, but Calathea remains a separate genus. That said, many plant websites still use the older name Calathea for various Goeppertia species to make them easier to find.

Q: Does Calathea purify air?

A: Yes, Calathea removes harmful toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air.

Q: Why is my Maranta not praying?

A: Prayer plants usually stop moving their leaves as if in prayer if they are under stress. Common reasons for this include too much nighttime light, direct sunlight during the day, low humidity, or incorrect watering. Check humidity and adjust your watering schedule. Providing bright, indirect light during the day and a period of darkness at night should help your Maranta return to its natural rhythm. 

Q: What is the best soil mix for Calatheas?

A: The best soil for Calatheas is airy and retains moisture. Add coco coir or bark for moisture retention and aeration, and perlite to enhance drainage.   

Q: Can I water Maranta with tap water?

A: Maranta plants are sensitive to minerals, salts, and chemicals found in tap water, so water them with distilled or filtered water. Rainwater or tap water that’s been left to sit overnight also works.

Conclusion

Maranta and Calathea plants are both known for their lovely, ornamental foliage. Maranta is easier to care for and adapts better to less-than-ideal growing requirements, which makes it a better choice for beginners. On the other hand, Calatheas are perfect for more seasoned gardeners who enjoy a challenge.

Growing either of these stunning foliage plants is a rewarding experience. Choose the plant that can adapt best to your home’s environment and watch your plants thrive, filling your space with enchanting greenery.