Size Matters:
Choosing the Right Calathea Prayer Plant for Your Landscape

Calathea prayer plants are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor landscaping due to their unique, eye-catching foliage. These plants are native to the tropical forests of South America and are known for their large, colorful leaves that fold up at night, giving them the appearance of praying hands. With so many different varieties available, it can be difficult to know which size of Calathea prayer plant is right for your landscape. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different sizes of Calathea prayer plants and provide guidance on how to choose the right one for your space.

Small Calathea Prayer Plants

Small Calathea prayer plants typically grow up to 12 inches tall and wide. These plants are perfect for those with limited space or for those who want to add some greenery to their desk or tabletop. Some popular small Calathea varieties include the Calathea orbifolia, which has striking silver leaves with dark green stripes, and the Calathea lancifolia, which has long, narrow leaves with purple undersides.

Medium Calathea Prayer Plants

Medium Calathea prayer plants can grow up to 24 inches tall and wide. These plants are a great choice for those who want a larger plant but still have limited space. They can also be used as a focal point in a room or as part of a larger arrangement. The Calathea roseopicta is a popular medium-sized variety with dark green leaves that have pink stripes and a herringbone pattern.

Large Calathea Prayer Plants

Large Calathea prayer plants can grow up to 36 inches tall and wide or even larger. These plants are ideal for those with ample space and who want to make a bold statement with their landscaping. They can be used as standalone plants or as part of a larger grouping. The Calathea zebrina is a large variety with striking green leaves that have zebra-like stripes.

Choosing the Right Size

When choosing a Calathea prayer plant for your landscape, it’s important to consider not only the size of the plant but also the size of your space. A small plant may get lost in a large room, while a large plant may overwhelm a smaller space. It’s also important to consider the care requirements of each variety, as some may require more attention than others.

If you’re unsure which size of Calathea prayer plant is right for your space, start with a medium-sized plant and assess how it looks in your landscape before adding additional plants.

Care Requirements

Regardless of size, all Calathea prayer plants require similar care. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can become scorched if exposed to direct sunlight. They also require regular watering, but should not be overwatered as this can lead to root rot. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and try to maintain consistent humidity levels by misting the leaves or placing a humidifier nearby.

FAQ

Q: Can Calathea prayer plants be grown outdoors?

A: Yes, certain varieties of Calathea prayer plants can be grown outdoors in warm climates with high humidity levels.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Calathea prayer plant?

A: It’s recommended to fertilize Calathea prayer plants every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.

Q: Can I propagate my Calathea prayer plant?

A: Yes, Calathea prayer plants can be propagated through division or stem cuttings. However, it’s important to use sterile tools when propagating to prevent disease or infection.

Q: Why do the leaves on my Calathea prayer plant curl up at night?

A: The leaves on Calathea prayer plants curl up at night as part of their natural response to changes in light and temperature. This is known as nyctinasty and is not cause for concern.

Q: Can I prune my Calathea prayer plant?

A: Yes, you can prune your Calathea prayer plant to remove dead or damaged leaves or to control its size and shape. Use sterile pruning shears and make clean cuts just above a leaf node.