Demanding Tropical Safe for pets

Calathea

Calathea orbifolia

The Calathea is famous for its spectacular geometrically patterned leaves.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Medium light
Humidity

60–80 %
Temperature

18–28 °C

How to care for your Calathea

Everything you need to keep your Calathea healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Calatheas, native to the tropical forests of South America, are exceptional ornamental plants thanks to their geometrically patterned leaves and often purple undersides. They have the fascinating behavior of closing their leaves at night. However, they are demanding: they require high humidity, soft water, and consistent indirect light.

Watering your Calathea

Every 7 days

Use filtered, distilled or rainwater only — this species is highly sensitive to fluoride and chlorine. Keep the substrate lightly moist at all times.

How to know it needs water

Leaves beginning to curl inward
Surface of substrate dry to the touch

How much light a Calathea needs

Medium light

Indirect light only; never expose to direct sunlight which fades and scorches the delicate leaf patterns.

Direct sun tolerated: No direct sun
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, North-west

Humidity and misting

60–80 %

High (60–80%) Mist with demineralised water only to avoid white limescale deposits on the decorative foliage.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Apply monthly from April to October; withhold entirely in winter.

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength · 3-1-2

Repotting your Calathea

Every 18 months

Use a well-draining, humus-rich substrate; use soft water only when settling in after repotting.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Noticeably slowed growth

Pruning your Calathea

Remove brown-edged or damaged leaves promptly throughout the year. Cut cleanly at the base of the petiole with sterilised scissors; never tear leaves.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 11 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

11 J
9 F
7 M
6 A
6 M
6 J
6 J
6 A
7 S
8 O
9 N
11 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Good to know

Its leaves close in the evening and open in the morning, called nyctinasty
Very sensitive to water quality (lime)

Frequently asked questions about the Calathea

How do you care for a Calathea?

Water it every 7 days. Give it medium light. Ideal humidity: 60–80 %. Ideal temperature: 18–28 °C. Use filtered, distilled or rainwater only — this species is highly sensitive to fluoride and chlorine. Keep the substrate lightly moist at all times.

How often should you water a Calathea?

Every 7 days Use filtered, distilled or rainwater only — this species is highly sensitive to fluoride and chlorine. Keep the substrate lightly moist at all times. How to know it needs water : Leaves beginning to curl inward ; Surface of substrate dry to the touch.

How much light does a Calathea need?

Medium light Indirect light only; never expose to direct sunlight which fades and scorches the delicate leaf patterns. No direct sun

Is the Calathea toxic to cats and dogs?

No, the Calathea is not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. That is still no reason to let your pets chew on it.

Why are my Calathea leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Calathea?

Repot every 18 months, ideally in spring. Use a well-draining, humus-rich substrate; use soft water only when settling in after repotting.