Calatheas

A clump-forming perennial plant with a lush, tropical appearance. Leaves emerge from rolled-up spikes, unfurling as they mature. Some plants have soft, velvet-textured leaves or tall, colourful flowers.

Grow these plants indoors in bright but indirect light. An east-facing windowsill is ideal, or behind frosted glass in a bathroom.

Keep out of direct sunlight in summer as this will scorch the leaves. Overwatering can also cause poor leaf development and root rot.

The common name of prayer plant refers to the ‘nyctinastic’ habit of these plants – in daylight the leaves open flat but at night they flex upwards and together, as though in prayer.