5 Top Mistakes To Avoid When Growing Calathea Orbifolia In Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Calathea Orbifolia is one of the most striking indoor plants with its large, silvery-green leaves and lush appearance. But growing this tropical beauty in the arid environments of Dubai and Abu Dhabi comes with its own set of challenges. The scorching temperatures, low humidity, and strong indoor air-conditioning can make it difficult for this humidity-loving plant to thrive.

To help you keep your Calathea Orbifolia happy and healthy in the UAE, here are five common mistakes to avoid — and what you should do instead.

🌿 1. Placing It in Direct Sunlight

Mistake:
Many plant owners think sunlight is essential and place their Calathea Orbifolia near a window with direct sun exposure. In the UAE, where sunlight is intense year-round, this can quickly scorch the delicate leaves.

Solution:
Calathea Orbifolia prefers bright, indirect light. Place your plant in a spot that gets filtered light, such as near a north-facing window or behind a sheer curtain. Avoid south-facing windows unless the sunlight is diffused. If you notice fading or brown patches, it may be getting too much sun.

Also Read- Calathea Orbifolia Watering Secrets: Preventing Root Rot in Arid Climate

💧 2. Overwatering or Poor Drainage

Mistake:
Watering too frequently or letting the plant sit in soggy soil is one of the biggest mistakes. In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, air-conditioned indoor environments can slow down evaporation, increasing the risk of root rot.

Solution:
Water only when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Use a well-draining potting mix with perlite or coco peat and always ensure the pot has drainage holes. Avoid letting water collect in the saucer.

Pro Tip: Use filtered or distilled water, as tap water in the UAE can be high in salts and fluoride, which can damage Calathea leaves.

Also Read- Calathea Orbifolia: Watering Tips For UAE's Hot Summers

💨 3. Ignoring Humidity Needs in Dry, Air-Conditioned Homes

Mistake:
Calatheas are tropical plants and naturally thrive in high humidity. The dry indoor air caused by air conditioning in Dubai homes can cause leaf curling, browning edges, or crispy tips.

Solution:
Increase humidity around the plant using these methods:

• Use a humidifier near the plant.
• Place the pot on a tray of pebbles and water (but don’t let the pot sit directly in the water).
• Group your Calathea with other plants to create a micro-humid environment.

Keeping humidity above 50–60% is ideal for Calathea Orbifolia.

Also Read- Calathea Orbifolia: The Prayer Plant With Stunning Foliage

🪴 4. Using the Wrong Potting Mix

Mistake:
Using dense or poor-quality soil that holds too much water can suffocate the roots, especially in air-conditioned UAE apartments where airflow may be limited.

Solution:
Use a light, well-aerated potting mix. The best mix for Calathea Orbifolia includes:

• 2 parts coco peat or peat moss
• 1 part perlite
• 1 part orchid bark or coco chips

This type of mix holds moisture without becoming soggy and allows air to reach the roots.

Bonus Tip: Repot the plant every 1–2 years to refresh the soil and check for root health.

Also Read- Calathea Orbifolia In Your Home: Styling Tips And Inspiration

🔄 5. Frequent Moving and Temperature Fluctuations

Mistake:
Calathea Orbifolia is sensitive to sudden changes in its environment. Constantly moving the plant between rooms or placing it near vents, doors, or windows with fluctuating temperatures can stress the plant.

Solution:
Find a stable spot with consistent temperature and light, away from cold drafts, direct AC airflow, or hot windows. Keep the plant in a room where the temperature remains between 18°C to 26°C.

Once your Calathea is happy in one location, avoid relocating it unless necessary.

Final Thoughts

Calathea Orbifolia is not a beginner plant, but with the right care, it can flourish even in the hot and dry climate of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The key is to replicate its native tropical environment as closely as possible. Avoiding these five common mistakes will go a long way in keeping your plant healthy and thriving year-round.

Quick Summary of Calathea Orbifolia Care in UAE:

• 🌞 Light: Bright, indirect light only
• 💧 Water: Filtered water when topsoil is dry
• 💨 Humidity: Maintain above 50–60%
• 🪴 Soil: Well-draining mix with perlite
• 🌡️ Temperature: Keep between 18°C – 26°C