Buying guide

Buy a Calathea Online: Sizes, What to Check, and Where to Buy

By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated 21 Oct 2026 · How we research · Report an error

Calatheas have painted, patterned leaves that fold up at night. They are pet-safe but fussy about water quality and humidity.

Is a calathea right for you?

It suits you if you can give it medium indirect light; no direct sun and you are happy to water keep evenly moist, never soggy. Difficulty: Challenging. It is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so it is a good choice for pet homes. Not sure? Try the Plant Finder.

Similar plants to consider: Monstera, Snake Plant, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Bird of Paradise.

Sizes and what you will receive

Online shops sell plants by nursery pot diameter: about 4 in (small, shelf), 6 in (desk or table), 8-10 in (small floor plant) and 12 in and up (floor statement). Height varies a lot within one pot size, so read the listed height too. A mature calathea can reach 1-2 ft and growth is moderate, so a smaller plant will take time to fill out; buy closer to the size you want.

What to check when buying: a healthy calathea

• Firm, evenly colored leaves with no mushy stems at the soil line.
• Soil that is not sour-smelling or waterlogged when it arrives.
• No webbing, sticky residue or tiny moving insects under the leaves.
• Roots, if you peek, that are pale and firm rather than brown and soft.

Problems to know about before buying:

• Crispy edges: Low humidity or mineral-heavy water.
• Curling leaves: Underwatering or too much light.
• Spider mites: Dry air; check undersides.

Prices

We do not quote prices until we have checked them. They change with pot size, season and sales. To compare fairly, compare the same pot size and check whether a decorative pot and shipping are included.

Shipping and seasonal risks

Tropical plants like this one suffer below about 50°F (10°C). In winter, order from a shop that adds heat packs or holds shipments in freezing weather, and bring the box inside as soon as it arrives. Summer heat in a delivery truck can also damage plants, so avoid long weekends in transit.

Your first week after delivery

1. Unbox right away and photograph any damage; most guarantees need photos within a set window.
2. Water only if the soil is dry; many plants arrive already moist.
3. Give it medium indirect light, but avoid harsh direct sun for a few days.
4. Keep it away from other plants for one to two weeks in case of pests.
5. Wait two to four weeks before repotting. Full care guide: Calathea care.

Where to buy a calathea online, and why

We list a shop only after confirming it currently lists this plant (checked 21 Oct 2026). Stock changes daily. We may earn a commission from some links; it never decides what we list. Disclosure.

Compare shipping and guarantee terms side by side in Online plant shop policies compared.