At a glance
- Light
- Medium / indirect light
- Typical interval
- Every 5 to 7 days (summer)
Every 10 to 14 days (winter) - Climate
- 18–27 °C
- Humidity
- 60–80 %
- Pet safety
- Not confirmed pet-safe
- Scientific name
- Calathea orbifolia
When and how much water
Water round-leaf calathea when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 5 to 7 days. In winter, slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Light and placement
Round-leaf calathea thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed round-leaf calathea every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Round-leaf calathea is comfortable between 18 and 27 °C. Below 15 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 60–80% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Not confirmed pet-safe
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a Round-leaf calathea?
Water your round-leaf calathea (Calathea orbifolia) when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 5 to 7 days. In winter, slow down to every 10 to 14 days.
How much light does a Round-leaf calathea need?
Round-leaf calathea thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is Round-leaf calathea safe for cats and dogs?
Round-leaf calathea is not listed in the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant database, so we cannot confirm it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets, and call your vet if your pet chews it.
Why are my Round-leaf calathea’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a round-leaf calathea, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering: watch for yellowing leaves, mushy leaf bases, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see crispy brown edges, curling leaves, or drooping foliage instead, it’s likely thirsty. Water a little more often. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineAccepted name · classification · species record · Synonymy · accepted-name relationship
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPlant profile · synonyms · light · soil · moisture · humidity · temperature · feeding · pests · Light · watering · compost · repotting · common problems
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxPlant description · cultural conditions · water quality · insects, diseases, and other plant problems
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlASPCA record for Calathea insignis under Prayer Plant, a related Calathea species rather than exact Goeppertia orbifolia
Last reviewed: 2026-09-21
