differences, similarities explained – ISPUZZLE

Did you know that Calathea and Stromanthe houseplants are generally considered the same houseplant? Calathea and Stromanthe houseplants belong to the Marantaceae family.

Calatheas, also called prayer plants, are great to grow because their beautifully patterned leaves are often pleasing to the eye and have other uses that make them versatile. Stromanthe houseplants are highly sought after houseplants; their wide fringe of pink patterns make them an attractive plant.

Although they belong to the same family, the two houseplants have great differences and similarities. Confusion in distinguishing plants arises when houseplant breeders are deciding which plant to grow because these houseplants, although similar, still differ.

In case the distinction between Calathea and Stromanthe has proven to be a major problem, this article provides information on how to identify Calathea and Stromanthe houseplants, tips to look for when identifying, their similarities and their differences.

How to recognize a Calathea?

Image: Calathea Rattlesnake // The Threshold

Identifying the Calathea houseplant is not as difficult as it seems. Observing the basic characteristics of the Calathea plant will help you identify the plant without stress.

The houseplant Calathea has an oval shape with large patterns on the leaves. The main colors of the Calathea are green, white and pink. Sometimes these colors together form large patterns on the leaves. They are considered prayer plants because as night falls the leaves rise to form a prayer pose and as the sun sets the leaves snap back into place.

How to recognize a Stromanthe?

Although similar to Calathea, Stromanthe is a slightly oval plant with long striped patterns of green, pink, white and red. The Stromanthe is a beautiful houseplant due to the lovely pink and red streaks the plant radiates when it blooms.

What are the differences?

The following tips would help distinguish the Calathea from the houseplant Stromanthe:

1. Stromanthe leaves are not as oval as those of Calathea. The Calathea has a larger oval shape than the Stromanthe; while Stromanthe appears to have a slimmer oval shape, Calathea’s oval shape is much wider.
2. In length and width, the Calathea is wider and longer than the Stromanthe.
3. The Stromanthe is more attractive than the houseplant Calathea. Its attractive patterns of pink, red, white and green make it a favorable choice among indoor growers. For home growers with a taste for aesthetics, Stromanthe would still beat Calathea
4. The Calathea has more green than the Stromanthe while the Stromanthe has more pink than the Calathea. The Calathea combines different shades of green, ranging from dark green to silver. The lines of the Calathea plant are also very dark, unlike the Stromanthe which is lighter and paler.
5. The Stromanthe houseplant is rarer to find or sell and more expensive than the Calathea houseplant.
6. When the Stromanthe plant assumes the prayer position, the pink patterns are always hidden so that only the green parts are visible.

What are the similarities?

Image: Triostar Stromanthus

Both are considered prayer plants because they both have the same characteristic of falling at sunrise and rising at sunset during a prayer. Another big similarity is that they spread in the same way and also share basic requirements for survival. Caring for both Stromanthe and Calathea is stress-free, so far houseplant growers are knowledgeable. To provide Stromanthe and Calathea, the following must be provided:

a. Humidity

Calathea and Stromanthe both require a low humidity environment to survive and would not thrive in environments with extreme weather conditions, both hot and cold. Stromanthe and Calathea would grow in an area with warm climatic conditions. In winter, it is best to move the plants indoors or to a greenhouse.

If it is difficult to give the plants the perfect humidity, it would be useful to mist them regularly. Growing them among other plants would also increase humidity. Humidifiers are helpful.

of them. Relief

Stromanthe and Calathea thrive in bright but indirect light. Bright but indirect sunlight is the perfect light for both plants, although some care should be taken, especially when growing outdoors. If grown outdoors, provide shade so they are not exposed to direct sunlight. With prolonged exposure to the sun, the appearance of the leaf is affected and the colors begin to fade.

Image: Envato Elements

Conversely, if the plant is exposed to low light for too long, the leaf color will change from light to dull. Also, the leaves may turn yellow or brown. You may also find that the plant is wilting; these are signs that the plants are not getting enough light. If grown indoors, place the plants where they can receive sunlight or use artificial lighting, such as incandescent or fluorescent lights.

3. Water

Both plants need enough water to survive. The soil for both plants should never dry out before watering them; this reduces the rate of plant growth. Irrigation problems attributed to both plants are due to under- or over-irrigation. Overwatering usually draws moisture from the soil, which is terrible for the roots of houseplants.

Four. flower pot

When selecting pots or containers for Stromanthe or Calathea, make sure they have good drainage pots. Perforated pots or containers are best for these houseplants, as they provide good drainage and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. Also, never use aluminum containers because aluminum contains harmful elements that can leach into the ground.

5. potting soil

The perfect soil moisture for both houseplants is organic soil, soil that is a significant combination of plant and animal decomposition. Make sure the soil is never soggy after watering.

disabledlast remark:

The intention to buy a Stromanthe and end up with a Calathea or vice versa can be very disappointing. Studying the differences and similarities in this article will put you in a better position to identify the two plants.

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