Leopardina Prayer Plant

The Calathea Leopardina is commonly referred to as the shadow plant. Growing in the dense tropical rainforests of South America, it only grows to a mere 60cm tall. While it may have been quite literally overshadowed by its tall plant friends, the Calathea doesn't let that get in the way of its success. This beautiful little house plant thrives indoors and is one of our shade-tolerant plants, ideal for those who are new to plant parenthood.

Calathea Leopardina care is simple: they don't mind the shade and are best kept in bright, indirect sunlight. It can also handle temperatures as low as 12°C, although it likes it best around 15-23°C. They need watering little and often, only when the soil has dried out completely. Mist your Calathea regularly if they aren't in a humid room, especially if you notice its leaves curling. If the leaves are dropping, give it a good drink of water, but when you see some yellow spots on the leaves, lay off as it's overhydrated. Calathea leaves are brown for one of 3 reasons: you need to filter its water, it needs more humidity, or it needs more water.

Your shadow plant will throw a tantrum if you try to propagate it, so the best way to do this is to divide the roots in two and repot the separate plants in spring.

At Prickle, we are always here to hear you! Send us your Shadow Plant questions @Prickleplantsuk.