Calathea care
Goeppertia Orbifolia
Show-stopping patterned leaves that fold up at night like praying hands. Calatheas are pet-safe and stunning, but they're fussy about water and humidity — give them filtered water and steady moisture and they'll reward you with living art.
Light
Medium to bright indirect light. Too much light fades the patterns and scorches the leaves; too little and the colors go dull and the plant grows leggy.
A spot near a bright window with a sheer curtain is the sweet spot. No direct sun.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Calatheas hate drying out completely — and hate wet feet just as much.
They're sensitive to tap water; use filtered, distilled, or left-out water to avoid brown, crispy tips from minerals and chlorine.
Soil & pot
A light, well-draining mix with peat or coco coir and some perlite. It wants to hold moisture but drain freely. Drainage hole required.
Humidity & temperature
High humidity is non-negotiable — aim for 60% or more. A humidifier is the most reliable fix; dry air means brown, curled leaf edges fast.
Keep it warm and steady, 65–80°F. Calatheas despise cold drafts and sudden temperature swings.
Propagation
Divide the plant at the roots when repotting — each division needs a few leaves and a healthy clump of roots. They don't root well from cuttings.
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Common calathea problems
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