Calathea
Calathea orbifolia / Calathea medallion / Calathea lancifolia — The Living Artwork
Light
Low to medium indirect. Direct sun fades their markings — keep away from south-facing windows.
Water
Every 1–2 weeks. Keep soil lightly moist but never waterlogged. Use filtered water.
Humidity
High humidity preferred — 50%+. Use a humidifier or group with other plants in dry office environments.
Temperature
18–27°C (65–80°F). Do not allow temperatures to drop below 15°C (59°F).
Difficulty
Moderate
Sizes
Tabletop (20–40cm) · Mid-floor (40–70cm) · Floor (70–100cm)
Calatheas are native to the tropical rainforests of South America and are renowned for their extraordinarily patterned leaves — deep greens, silvers, purples, and creams arranged in geometric patterns that look hand-painted. As a bonus, their leaves fold upward at night in a movement called nyctinasty.
In the Office
Calatheas are the choice for design-forward Toronto offices where aesthetics are a priority. Their bold, graphic foliage functions as living wall art in reception areas, creative studios, and client-facing meeting rooms. They require more attention than the average office plant, but the visual payoff is unmatched.
Why Choose This Plant
Benefits for Your Office
- Dramatic foliage patterns create visual interest that no other office plant can match
- Pet-safe, suitable for veterinary offices, pet boutiques, and dog-friendly workplaces
- Leaf movement (opening and closing) creates a subtle dynamic quality in the space
- Wide variety of species and patterns allows for cohesive, curated multi-plant collections
Where to Place It
Office Placement Ideas
- 1
Design studio and creative agency reception areas — calatheas signal taste and attention to detail
- 2
Spa, wellness, and hospitality lobbies — their lush, tropical quality reinforces a relaxed, premium atmosphere
- 3
Grouped together on low tables or shelving — clustering calatheas raises local humidity and creates a living gallery effect
How to Care for It
Care Tips for Office Environments
- Brown, crispy leaf edges almost always indicate low humidity or fluoride in tap water — switch to filtered water immediately
- Avoid placing near heating vents or air conditioning ducts, which strip humidity and cause rapid deterioration
- If leaves curl inward, the plant is thirsty; if they're yellowing and soft, you're overwatering
Want Calathea in your office?
Our team will recommend the right variety and size for your space, deliver and install it, and keep it thriving with ongoing care.