Maranta Vs Calathea: Which Plant is the Best for Your Home?Conclusion

Oleh Holly Harris May 26, 2023 Post a Comment

Are you looking for a houseplant that’s easy to care for and adds color to your home? Maranta and Calathea are two popular choices among indoor plant enthusiasts. While they may look similar, they have distinct differences that can affect their growth and maintenance.

In this blog post, we’ll compare Maranta Vs Calathea in terms of appearance, care requirements, and benefits. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which plant is best suited for your home.

Appearance

Both Maranta and Calathea belong to the Marantaceae family and are known for their vibrant foliage. However, there are some noticeable differences in their appearance.

Maranta

Maranta has oval-shaped leaves that are dark green with striking patterns of red, pink, or white veins. The leaves fold up at night, giving it the nickname “prayer plant”. It grows up to 12 inches tall and wide, making it ideal for small spaces.

Maranta needs bright, indirect light to maintain its color and pattern. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. It also prefers warm and humid conditions, so keep it away from drafts and heaters.

Calathea

Calathea has larger, rounder leaves than Maranta. Its leaves are also known for their striking patterns of stripes or spots in shades of green, purple, and pink. Some varieties have leaves that curl up at night, earning them the nickname “living plant”. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, so it’s perfect for larger spaces.

Calathea needs moderate to bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant colors. It also thrives in humid conditions, so misting the leaves regularly or placing a humidifier nearby can help.

Care Requirements

While Maranta and Calathea have similar care requirements, there are some differences that you need to keep in mind.

Watering

Both plants require consistent moisture, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Water them when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Use room temperature water and avoid getting it on the leaves as it can cause spotting.

Soil

Maranta and Calathea prefer well-draining soil that’s rich in nutrients. You can use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Avoid using heavy potting soil as it can retain too much moisture, leading to fungal growth.

Fertilizing

Maranta and Calathea benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month or a slow-release granular fertilizer every 3 months.

Humidity

As mentioned earlier, both plants thrive in humid conditions. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly or placing a tray of water nearby. You can also group them together to create a microclimate.

Repotting

Maranta and Calathea prefer being slightly root-bound, so you don’t need to repot them often. Repot them only when the roots to grow out of the drainage holes or when the plant becomes top-heavy.

Benefits

Apart from their aesthetic appeal, Maranta and Calathea have several benefits that make them ideal houseplants.

Air Purification

Both plants have been shown to effectively purify indoor air by removing toxins and pollutants. They absorb harmful gases like formaldehyde and benzene, making your home safer and healthier.

Stress Reduction

The vibrant colors and patterns of Maranta and Calathea have a calming effect on the mind and body. They help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, making them perfect for bedrooms and living rooms.

Easy to Propagate

Maranta and Calathea are easy to propagate through division. Simply remove the plant from its pot, separate the roots, and replant them in fresh soil. You can also propagate them through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Maranta and Calathea be grown together?

Yes, you can grow Maranta and Calathea together as they have similar care requirements. However, make sure to give them enough space to grow and thrive.

Q: How often should I mist my Maranta and Calathea?

You can mist your Maranta and Calathea once a day or every other day during the growing season (spring and summer). During the winter months, you can reduce it to once a week.

Q: Can Maranta and Calathea tolerate direct sunlight?

No, Maranta and Calathea prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause damage.

Q: Do Maranta and Calathea need to be fertilized?

Yes, Maranta and Calathea benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month or a slow-release granular fertilizer every 3 months.

Q: Can Maranta and Calathea survive in low light conditions?

While Maranta and Calathea prefer bright, indirect light, they can tolerate low light conditions. However, their growth may slow down, and their colors may fade.

Q: How often do I need to repot my Maranta and Calathea?

Maranta and Calathea prefer being slightly root-bound, so you don’t need to repot them often. Repot them only when the roots to grow out of the drainage holes or when the plant becomes top-heavy.

Q: Can Maranta and Calathea survive in dry conditions?

No, Maranta and Calathea thrive in humid conditions. Dry air can cause the leaves to curl up or brown at the edges.

Q: Can Maranta and Calathea be propagated through stem cuttings?

Yes, you can propagate Maranta and Calathea through stem cuttings. Simply take a stem that has at least two nodes and place it in water until roots appear. Then, plant it in fresh soil.

Q: How often should I water my Maranta and Calathea?

Water your Maranta and Calathea when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.

Q: Can Maranta and Calathea be grown outdoors?

Maranta and Calathea are tropical plants and prefer warm and humid conditions. They are best suited for indoor environments with moderate to bright, indirect light.

In conclusion, both Maranta and Calathea are great options for indoor plants. They have similar care requirements and provide numerous benefits. However, Maranta is better suited for smaller spaces, while Calathea is ideal for larger areas.

Regardless of which plant you choose, make sure to give it enough love and attention. With proper care, your Maranta or Calathea will thrive and add color to your home.