Plant care guide

Prayer Plant and Peacock Plant Care

Prayer plants and peacock plants (a calathea) belong to the same plant family and need the same things: steady moisture, indirect light and humid air.

Both are safe for cats and dogs, which makes them great picks for pet owners.

  • 28free guides
  • 4topics
  • Nov 2026last updated

New to prayer plants? Start here

Read these first. They cover the basics that solve most problems.

  1. How to Grow and Care for Peacock Plant?The full care routine in one guide.
  2. How Often To Water Prayer PlantHow much and how often to water.
  3. How Much Light Does a Peacock Plant Need?The light it needs to grow well.
  4. When Should You Repot a Prayer Plant?When and how to move it to a new pot.
  5. Prayer Plant Propagation [4 Methods]Grow new plants for free.
  6. Why Is My Prayer Plant Turning Yellow [Causes & What to Do]The most common problem, and the fix.

Care basics: water, light and soil7

How much to water, how much light, which soil and when to feed.

Propagation, repotting and pruning4

Make new plants, move to a bigger pot, prune and shape.

Leaf problems and fixes15

Yellow, brown, curling or drooping leaves: what each sign means and the fix.

Pets and people: safety2

What happens if a cat, dog or child chews it, and what to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my prayer plant move?

Prayer plants fold their leaves upward at night and open them again in the morning. This natural daily movement is how the plant got its name.

Why are my prayer plant’s leaves curling?

Curling usually means the plant is thirsty or the air is too dry. Check the soil, water when the top inch is dry, and raise humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier.

Are prayer plants and calatheas safe for pets?

Yes. The ASPCA lists prayer plant and peacock plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

What water is best for prayer plants?

They’re sensitive to minerals in tap water, which can cause brown leaf tips. Filtered, distilled or rain water at room temperature works best.