How often should I water calathea?

About once a week, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater — tap water containing fluoride and chlorine causes brown leaf edges over time.

What light does calathea need?

Low to medium indirect light. Calatheas are adapted to the forest floor and prefer to avoid bright light. They do well several feet from a window. Direct sun bleaches and burns the patterned leaves. Very dark rooms dull the patterns and slow growth.

Is calathea toxic to cats and dogs?

Calatheas are non-toxic and completely safe for cats, dogs, and humans. They are one of the best options for households with pets.

How do I propagate calathea?

Calatheas are propagated by division at repotting time. Gently separate the root ball into clumps, each with several stems and healthy roots, and pot individually in fresh well-draining soil. Spring is the best time to divide.

Why do my calathea leaves have brown edges?

Brown crispy edges are the most common calathea complaint and are almost always caused by low humidity or tap water quality. Increase humidity to 60%+ with a humidifier, switch to filtered or rainwater, and keep the plant away from heating vents.

Calathea

Challenging

Calathea orbifolia

Calatheas are living works of art with intricately patterned leaves that fold upward at night — beautiful but demanding about humidity, water quality, and light.

Light

Low to medium indirect light

Water

Every 1 week

Humidity

High (60–80%)

Temperature

65–80°F (18–27°C)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Full care guide coming soon. Check back for detailed information on light, watering, soil, propagation, and common problems for Calathea (Calathea orbifolia).

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water calathea?: About once a week, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater — tap water containing fluoride and chlorine causes brown leaf edges over time.
What light does calathea need?: Low to medium indirect light. Calatheas are adapted to the forest floor and prefer to avoid bright light. They do well several feet from a window. Direct sun bleaches and burns the patterned leaves. Very dark rooms dull the patterns and slow growth.
Is calathea toxic to cats and dogs?: Calatheas are non-toxic and completely safe for cats, dogs, and humans. They are one of the best options for households with pets.
How do I propagate calathea?: Calatheas are propagated by division at repotting time. Gently separate the root ball into clumps, each with several stems and healthy roots, and pot individually in fresh well-draining soil. Spring is the best time to divide.
Why do my calathea leaves have brown edges?: Brown crispy edges are the most common calathea complaint and are almost always caused by low humidity or tap water quality. Increase humidity to 60%+ with a humidifier, switch to filtered or rainwater, and keep the plant away from heating vents.

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