Calathea and Maranta are closely related plants. They are from distinct genera, but belong to the same Arrowroot (Marantaceae) family. To tell apart, look at their leaves: Maranta leaves are primarily oval-shaped, while Calathea leaves come in rounded, oval, waved, ridged, or even pointy shapes. Maranta leaves also have distinct ribbings and veins that come in shades of green and red.