Leaves on a Calathea can be seen to move around regularly, looking as though they are waving to you. They move around to adjust to the light, and often draw in during the night hours. Keep an eye out for the spreading movement when they first see daylight!

What causes Calathea leaves to move?

The general purpose of the movement of foliage with all plants is to capture the light. During the day, calathea leaves drop and assume a more horizontal position to get more light. The green part of the leaf will be facing the source of light. The movement of the leaves during the day is pretty straightforward.

Do all Calathea leaves move?

No matter which type of Calathea you have, it should move its leaves, even if just a little. Some varieties do it more dramatically than others, though. If you have a bunch of different Calatheas, they will move their leaves differently. That is normal.