Quick care summary
Light: Medium
Watering: Moderate
Humidity: High
Difficulty: Advanced
Growth speed: Medium
Toxicity: Pet safe
Prefers steady medium light with no harsh sun. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Appreciates extra humidity, especially in winter.
What this plant likes (and what it hates)
Light
- Best: Medium
- Avoid: harsh midday sun if leaves scorch, or deep shade if growth gets weak
Watering
- Rule of thumb: water based on the soil, not the calendar
- Target: Moderate watering habits
- Common mistake: keeping the pot wet for days at a time
Soil and pot
- Use a pot with drainage holes.
- Choose a mix that matches watering needs.
- If the plant stays wet for too long, use a chunkier mix and a breathable pot.
Common problems and quick fixes
Here are the issues people hit most often with Calathea orbifolia ‘Variegated’.
- Slow growth: usually light change, watering swings, or a stressed root system
- Leaf spots: often low humidity, mineral buildup, or inconsistent watering
- Root rot risk: can be thirst, heat stress, or early root trouble
- Brown tips: often overwatering, stale airflow, or splashy watering
A quick diagnosis checklist
- Check the soil moisture 2 inches down.
- Look at the newest growth first.
- Inspect the underside of leaves.
- Confirm drainage and airflow.
Pest watch
These are the most common pests to check for:
If you are unsure, the fastest move is a clean photo of the underside of a leaf and a close shot of the damage.
Propagation basics
- Best time: spring through early fall
- Method: depends on the plant, but clean cuts and fresh water or airy mix matter most
- Tip: slow propagation usually means low light or cold temps
Safety notes
If you have pets or small kids, treat toxicity seriously. Even mild toxicity can cause drooling or stomach upset.
BotanAI shortcut
Open BotanAI, scan the leaf, then check:
- confidence score
- top 3 matches
- pest scan if damage is present