The common confusion between Maranta and Calathea stems from their similar tropical appearance and shared history, leading to both being sold under the collective name “Prayer Plant.” These plants share a close biological relationship and similar leaf movements, making them aesthetically interchangeable to the untrained eye. Despite these visual similarities, Maranta is not a Calathea. They represent two separate and distinct plant genera within the same botanical family, meaning they are related cousins, not the same species.
Shared Family, Separate Genera: Clarifying the Taxonomy
The biological connection is established at the family level, as both Maranta and Calathea belong to the Marantaceae family, often called the prayer plant family. This family includes many tropical plants known for their striking foliage and characteristic leaf movements. The distinction between the two plants occurs at the genus level, the classification directly below the family.
Maranta is a small genus, with the most commonly cultivated houseplant being Maranta leuconeura, widely known as the Red Prayer Plant. The genus Calathea was historically very large, containing hundreds of distinct species. Modern genetic analysis, however, led to a significant reclassification of the Calathea genus.
The majority of plants previously known as Calathea have been scientifically moved into the genus Goeppertia following genetic studies conducted around 2012. While plant enthusiasts and commercial nurseries still widely use the older name Calathea, the plants purchased today are botanically Goeppertia species. This establishes a clear biological separation, as Maranta is a distinct genus from both Calathea and Goeppertia, though all remain under the Marantaceae family.
Visual Cues: How to Distinguish Maranta from Calathea
Identifying the two groups requires observing specific differences in their growth patterns and leaf structure. Maranta species, particularly M. leuconeura, exhibit a distinct trailing or spreading growth habit, making them well-suited for hanging baskets or as ground cover. They remain relatively low to the ground and expand horizontally rather than vertically.
In contrast, Calathea (or Goeppertia) plants typically display a more upright, clumping, and bushy growth structure. Many species within this group can reach heights of up to one meter, standing much taller than the creeping Maranta. This physical distinction also extends to the leaf movement responsible for their common name.
Maranta is considered the true Prayer Plant because its leaves fold up dramatically at night, a process called nyctinasty, which is a pronounced action. While Calathea species also perform this movement, it is often less obvious or entirely absent in many popular cultivars. Leaf texture is another distinguishing factor: Maranta leaves are generally thinner and more velvety, whereas Calathea leaves are often stiffer, waxy, and sometimes more lance-shaped.
The patterns also differ. Maranta leuconeura typically displays bold, symmetrical, often striped or herringbone patterns. Calathea species boast a vast diversity of intricate foliage patterns that often look painted or feathered, with a wider range of colors and leaf shapes.
Practical Care Differences
The separate genera exhibit differences in care requirements that reflect their natural habitats, affecting their suitability for beginner plant owners. Both groups require high humidity and bright, indirect light to thrive, but Maranta is considered a more tolerant and less demanding houseplant. It can handle slightly lower light conditions without suffering adverse effects.
Calathea species are notoriously sensitive to chemicals found in municipal tap water, such as chlorine and fluoride, which frequently cause leaf edges to turn brown and crispy. Maranta plants still prefer filtered or distilled water but are often more forgiving if occasionally watered with tap water. This difference in water sensitivity makes the Calathea a more challenging plant to maintain in many household environments.
Maranta is also more resilient to slight temperature fluctuations than Calathea. Calathea can suffer damage when temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius). The ability of Maranta to endure a wider range of conditions makes it a better choice for those new to tropical houseplant care.