The Calathea Maranta, often called the Prayer Plant, is a captivating tropical houseplant known for its striking foliage and unique daily movements. Native to the rainforests of South America, this plant belongs to the Marantaceae family and has become a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts in India for its beauty and air-purifying qualities.
What makes the Calathea Maranta special is its nyctinasty - a natural phenomenon where the leaves fold up at night as if in prayer and unfurl in the morning to catch the light. This movement, combined with its stunning variegated leaves in shades of green, purple, and cream, makes it a living piece of art that adds life to any indoor space.
Easy to care (84)Healthy plant (62)Beautiful pot (41)Quick delivery (38)
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Aishwarya C.Verified buyer
★★★★★2 weeks ago · Indiranagar
Arrived overnight, looking exactly like the photos
Ordered Tuesday at 8 PM, delivered Wednesday by 9:30 AM. Plant was healthy, tall (about 16 inches), came in the charcoal pot exactly as shown. The packaging was thoughtful — wood shavings, tied stems, no soil spill. Two weeks in and it's already pushed out a new leaf.
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Rohan M.Verified buyer
★★★★★1 month ago · Whitefield
Survived me. That's a big deal.
I have killed every plant I have ever owned. Got this for the bedroom. Watered it once in 6 weeks. Still alive, still growing. The team also responded on WhatsApp within an hour when I asked if it was getting too much sun. Not paid to say this.
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Neha B.Verified buyer
★★★★☆3 weeks ago · HSR Layout
Beautiful plant, slightly smaller than expected
Plant itself is gorgeous and very healthy. Only minor gripe — I expected the medium size to be taller, but it's closer to 14 inches than 18. Still very happy with it. The Khurja ceramic pot is honestly the best part.
Buy Calathea Maranta / Zebrina in 10 Inch Brown Handi Designer Ceramic Pot (Any Design) Online | gardengro
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About the Calathea Maranta
The Calathea Maranta, commonly known as the Prayer Plant, is a tropical foliage plant celebrated for its striking leaf patterns and unique daily movements. Native to the rainforests of South America, this plant belongs to the Marantaceae family and has become a popular choice for indoor spaces in India. What makes it particularly fascinating is its nyctinasty - the natural process where its leaves fold upward at night as if in prayer and then unfurl in the morning to catch the light. This movement, combined with its beautiful variegated foliage in shades of green, purple, and cream, makes it a living piece of art that adds dynamic beauty to any room. The plant's compact size and relatively slow growth habit make it ideal for various indoor settings, from desktops to larger floor displays.
Light & Placement
Calathea Maranta plants thrive in medium to bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the delicate leaves, causing the beautiful patterns to fade. The ideal placement is near an east or north-facing window where the plant receives gentle morning light or filtered light throughout the day. In spaces with lower light conditions, the plant may survive but won't display its most vibrant colors and patterns. These plants are perfect for rooms with consistent, moderate light conditions. They can adapt to lower light environments but may grow more slowly. When placing your Calathea, consider that it appreciates stable temperatures and should be kept away from drafts, air conditioning vents, or heating sources which can cause stress to the plant.
Watering & Humidity
Proper watering is crucial for Calathea Maranta care. These plants prefer consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain completely. The plant has deep watering needs, so ensure water reaches the root zone. However, avoid letting the plant sit in water as this can lead to root rot. Calathea Maranta plants are native to tropical rainforests and naturally prefer higher humidity levels. In the drier indoor environments common in Indian homes, especially during air-conditioned summers, maintaining adequate humidity is essential. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray with water, grouping it with other plants, or using a room humidifier. Misting the leaves occasionally can also help, but avoid doing so in direct sunlight as water droplets can act as magnifying glasses and burn the leaves.
Pet Safety & Toxicity
Good news for pet owners - Calathea Maranta plants are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. While the plant is safe if ingested, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing on the leaves as it could cause mild digestive upset. The plant's safety makes it an excellent choice for homes with curious pets or children. However, like all plants, it's important to place it where it won't be easily damaged by pets playing near it. The delicate leaves can be bruised or torn by curious pets, so consider placing the plant on a higher surface or in a less trafficked area if you have particularly active animals at home.
Why Buy from gardengro
When you choose gardengro for your Calathea Maranta, you're not just buying a plant - you're investing in quality and expertise. We understand the specific needs of tropical plants like Calathea and ensure each plant is carefully nurtured before it reaches you. Our 14-day guarantee means you can shop with confidence, knowing we stand behind the health of our plants. We deliver fresh, well-packaged plants across 200+ pincodes in India, with special attention to protecting the delicate foliage during transit. At gardengro, we're more than just a plant nursery - we're your gardening partner, offering practical advice and support to help your Calathea thrive. Our selection includes plants that are well-suited to Indian indoor conditions, making your plant parenting journey more rewarding. Whether you're a beginner or experienced plant lover, you'll find the perfect Calathea Maranta at gardengro, ready to bring beauty and cleaner air to your home.
Care steps
Water properly. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch is dry, ensuring thorough drainage.
Provide indirect light. Place in medium to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the beautiful leaves.
Maintain humidity. Increase ambient humidity with pebble trays, grouping plants, or misting regularly to mimic tropical conditions.
Fertilize occasionally. Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 months during growing season to support healthy foliage.
Clean leaves gently. Wipe leaves occasionally with damp cloth to remove dust and ensure proper light absorption and photosynthesis.
Rotate regularly. Turn the plant periodically to ensure even growth and prevent it from leaning toward light sources.
Monitor for pests. Check regularly for common houseplant pests like spider mites and treat promptly if detected using appropriate methods.
Frequently asked questions
Is Calathea Maranta difficult to care for?+
Calathea Maranta can be moderately challenging due to its specific watering and humidity needs. Once you understand its requirements, it becomes easier to care for and rewards you with stunning foliage.
What kind of light does Calathea Maranta need?+
This plant prefers medium to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. An east or north-facing window with filtered light is ideal.
How often should I water my Calathea Maranta?+
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water thoroughly but allow excess to drain. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
Is Calathea Maranta safe for pets?+
Yes, Calathea Maranta is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for homes with pets. However, discourage pets from chewing on the leaves.
Does gardengro deliver Calathea plants to my area?+
We deliver fresh Calathea plants across 200+ pincodes in India. Enter your pincode on our website to check delivery availability to your location.
What size plant will I receive?+
You'll receive a healthy, well-established Calathea Maranta plant ready to thrive in your home. The exact size may vary slightly as we ship plants at their optimal growth stage.
What if my plant arrives damaged?+
gardengro offers a 14-day guarantee on all plants. If your Calathea arrives damaged, contact us immediately with photos, and we'll arrange a replacement at no extra cost.