Calatheas (often called the Prayer Plant) are loved for their bold, eye-catching leaves, making them a favourite in Aussie homes. With so many stunning Calathea varieties in Australia, it’s tough to choose just one. Here are five of the best Calathea plants to add a lush, tropical touch to your space.
From Sydney apartments to Melbourne offices, Calatheas bring a lush tropical touch to any Australian home or indoor space.
In this guide, I’ll introduce you to the 5 best Calathea varieties for Australian homes, along with care tips
Why Are Calatheas So Popular in Australia?
Calatheas are among the most popular indoor plants in Australia, and for good reason. They’re relatively easy to care for once you understand their needs, and they’re perfect for Australian homes where lighting can be inconsistent. Here’s why they’re so loved:
- Tropical Vibes: Their lush, tropical leaves instantly add an exotic touch to your space.
- Low Light Tolerance: Ideal for homes and offices with limited natural light.
- Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs, so safe for families with furry companions.
- Air-Purifying: They help improve indoor air quality, making them a great choice for health-conscious Aussies.
Top 5 Calathea Varieties for Australian Homes
Calatheas come in many shapes, sizes, and colours. Here are five of the stunning Calathea varieties in Australia you can bring into your home:
1. Calathea Orbifolia (Round-Leaved Calathea)
Why it’s perfect for Aussie homes:
The Calathea Orbifolia stands out with its large, round, pale green leaves and striking silver stripes. This variety is perfect for adding elegance and texture to living rooms or bedrooms. It’s also one of the easiest Calatheas to grow in Australian homes.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can scorch its leaves.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Let the top 2 cm dry out before watering again.
- Humidity: Thrives in high humidity, so it’s perfect for bathrooms or kitchens.
- Temperature: Keep between 18°C and 26°C, away from cold drafts.
2. Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant)
Why it’s perfect for Aussie homes:
The Peacock Plant has a beautiful feather-like pattern on its leaves, which are a mix of dark green, light green, and purple undersides. It’s one of the most eye-catching varieties, making it perfect for anyone wanting a statement plant.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light. Keep it out of direct sunlight.
- Water: Water regularly, but let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
- Humidity: Prefers a humid environment, so mist leaves or use a humidity tray.
- Temperature: Keep between 18°C and 24°C.
3. Calathea Roseopicta (Pink Beauty)
Why it’s perfect for Aussie homes:
The Calathea Roseopicta is known for its stunning pink hues and vibrant green leaves. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking to add a pop of colour to your indoor plant collection. The Pink Beauty thrives in low light, which is ideal for apartments or offices in cities like Brisbane and Sydney.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers low to medium indirect light.
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not wet. Water when the top layer feels dry.
- Humidity: Needs higher humidity levels to thrive. Mist regularly or place in a humid area.
- Temperature: Calathea Roseopicta thrives in temperatures between 20°C and 25°C.
4. Calathea Zebrina (Zebra Plant)
Why it’s perfect for Aussie homes:
The Calathea Zebrina, also known as the Zebra Plant, features bold, dark green leaves with light green zebra-like stripes. It’s perfect for creating a tropical atmosphere in any living room or office space.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can cause yellowing.
- Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top 2 cm feels dry.
- Humidity: Calathea Zebrina loves humidity, so ensure your home’s humidity stays above 50%.
- Temperature: Keep in temperatures between 18°C and 25°C.
5. Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant)
Why it’s perfect for Aussie homes:
The Rattlesnake Plant has long, wavy leaves with a unique green and purple pattern. This variety is great for adding texture and drama to any indoor plant collection. It’s a bit more compact than the others, making it perfect for smaller spaces.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers low to medium light. Avoid direct sun, which can cause leaf burn.
- Water: Keep the soil slightly moist. Water when the top layer is dry to the touch.
- Humidity: Needs high humidity. Use a humidity tray or place near other plants.
- Temperature: Best kept in temperatures between 18°C and 26°C.
General Calathea Care Tips for Australian Homes
While each Calathea variety has its unique traits, they all share similar care requirements. Here’s a quick rundown of what your Calathea needs to thrive in Australian homes:
Light & Temperature
- Indirect light is key for Calatheas. Too much sun will cause burnt leaves, while too little will stunt their growth.
- Keep the temperature between 18°C and 26°C. They are sensitive to temperature changes, so avoid cold drafts and keep them away from air conditioners or heaters.
Watering
- Consistent moisture is vital for Calatheas. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water once a week in summer and less in winter.
- Always use filtered or rainwater. Calatheas are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine found in tap water.
Humidity
- Calatheas love high humidity — ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or rooms with humidifiers.
- Misting once a week can help maintain moisture, but be careful not to overdo it.
Repotting & Fertilising
- Repot your Calathea every 1–2 years to refresh the soil and give it room to grow.
- Use a balanced, liquid fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to summer). Avoid over-fertilising, as it can damage the roots.
FAQs – Stunning Calathea varieties in Australia
Q1: Are Calatheas hard to grow in Australia?
No, Calatheas are fairly easy once you get the right light, watering, and humidity conditions. They do best in indoor environments with indirect light and high humidity.
Q2: What is the best Calathea for low light?
Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant) and Calathea Roseopicta (Pink Beauty) are great for low to medium light conditions, making them perfect for apartments or offices with limited sunlight.
Q3: How often should I water my Calathea in Australia?
Water your Calathea once a week during the growing season, and less frequently in winter. Always check the soil moisture before watering.
Q4: Can I keep my Calathea in the bathroom?
Yes, Calatheas thrive in humid environments, so bathrooms with indirect light are ideal. Just make sure the room isn’t too dark.
Q5: How do I increase humidity for my Calathea in winter?
Use a humidifier, mist the leaves, or place your Calathea on a humidity tray with water and pebbles to boost moisture levels.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose the Calathea Orbifolia for its elegant silver stripes or the Rattlesnake Plant for its bold, wavy leaves, there are stunning Calathea varieties in Australia. With the right care, these stunning plants will thrive in your indoor space, bringing a bit of the tropics indoors.
