Calathea Indoor Plants: Decorative Foliage Houseplant
Discover the vibrant beauty of Calathea at Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town, celebrated for its striking patterned leaves, bold colours, eye-catching designs, and striking foliage. Calatheas thrive in warm, humid indoor spaces with soft, filtered light, making them ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and plant shelves. These houseplants are perfect for creating a vibrant and inviting space or room, adding interesting visual appeal and a touch of the tropics to your home.
At Boma, we stock a curated selection of Calathea varieties—from Rosy and Vitata to Orbifolia and Makoyana—along with expert guidance on watering, humidity, feeding and long-term care. Our collection of Calathea houseplants offers something for every room, making it easy to enhance your indoor decor with these beautiful and interesting plants.
About Calathea Plants at Boma
Calathea is one of the most visually striking houseplant groups, renowned for its bold patterns, contrasting colours and beautifully textured foliage. There are many different Calathea species, each with unique features that make them stand out as indoor plants. At Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town, Calatheas are a customer favourite for London homes seeking colour, softness and movement without relying on flowers. With their elegant leaf markings, gentle undersides of purple or rose, and rhythmic day–night movement, Calatheas bring a living, breathing quality to interior spaces.
Native to the tropical understories of Central and South America, Calatheas naturally thrive in a warm, humid, shaded environment. This makes them perfectly suited to indoor life when given consistent moisture, filtered light and good humidity. Their leaves rise and fall with changes in light—a behaviour known as nyctinasty—giving them the nickname “prayer plant.” The distinctive daily 'praying' motion of the prayer plant is a key feature and adds to their appeal for gift-giving and interior decor. With the right conditions, they offer year-round decorative interest and complement a wide range of interior styles.
Popular Calathea Varieties
Calathea orbifolia
Known for its large, rounded leaves and wide silver-green stripes. A sophisticated, architectural choice for modern interiors.
Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant)
Celebrated for its feather-like patterns in green, cream and deep plum. Compact, elegant and visually captivating.
Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant)
Features long, wavy leaves with dark spots and purple undersides. Hardy by Calathea standards and ideal for bright, indirect light.
Calathea roseopicta ‘Rosy’
Soft pink centres surrounded by deep green margins. A standout variety that adds gentle colour and warmth.
Calathea vittata
Crisp, clean, white pinstripes on elongated green leaves. Lovely for light, minimalist décor.
Calathea medallion
A classic favourite with circular leaves and bold, painterly markings. Strong colour contrast makes it a statement piece.
Calathea white fusion
Variegated with white, green and lilac tones. Stunning but more delicate; prefers stable humidity and filtered light.
How to Care for Calathea
| Category | Care Instructions |
|---|---|
| Light | Prefers medium to bright, indirect light. Tolerates lower-light spaces but should always be kept out of direct sunlight, which can fade or scorch patterned leaves. |
| Watering | Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings. Use softened, filtered, distilled, or rainwater to avoid mineral build-up from tap water. |
| Humidity & Temperature | Thrives in 50–70% humidity and temperatures between 18–26°C. High humidity is essential to maintain vibrant foliage. Kitchens, bathrooms, pebble trays, or humidifiers help create an ideal environment. |
| Feeding | Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertiliser to promote lush, colourful foliage. |
| Repotting | Repot every 1–2 years in spring using light, airy compost. Choose a pot that supports healthy root growth. Keep roots comfortably snug but not cramped. |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | Gently wipe leaves to remove dust and preserve their patterns. Mist regularly for humidity and keep away from cold drafts or temperature fluctuations. |
| Styling | Pairs beautifully with ceramic pots, natural baskets, and soft décor palettes. The patterned leaves complement both minimalist and vibrant interior styles. |