We prove that theta functions constructed from positive scattering diagrams satisfy valuative independence. That is, for certain valuations $\operatorname{val}_{v}$, we have $\operatorname{val}_v(\sum_u c_u \vartheta_u)=\min_{c_u\neq 0} \operatorname{val}_v(\vartheta_u)$. As applications, we prove linear independence of theta functions with specialized coefficients and characterize when theta functions for cluster varieties are unchanged by the unfreezing of an index. This yields a general gluing result for theta functions from moduli of local systems on marked surfaces. We then prove that theta functions for cluster varieties satisfy a symmetry property called theta reciprocity: briefly, $\operatorname{val}_v(\vartheta_u)=\operatorname{val}_u(\vartheta_v)$. For this we utilize a new framework called a "seed datum" for understanding cluster-type varieties. One may apply valuative independence and theta reciprocity together to identify theta function bases for global sections of line bundles on partial compactifications of cluster varieties.