Calathea orbifolia is an indoor plant that is popular for its air-purifying ability and freshens the surroundings. It needs minimal care and has the ability to enhance the appeal of your living room.
WHAT IS CALATHEA ORBIFOLIA
Calathea orbifolia is also called Goeppertia orbifolia, Prayer plant and Round leaf plant. Calathea orbifolia belongs to the Marantaceae family of plants. Calathea orbifolia is mostly found in highly humid environments.
APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS
Calathea orbifolia has flowers which give a beautiful look to the plant. Calathea orbifolia has big leaves which are rounded in shape. Leaves have stripes of green and silvery green patterns. On the lower side of the leaves there is also a silvery green color which adds more attraction and beauty to the appearance of the plant.
Calathea orbifolia is one meter tall in height. It is an indoor plant as well as an outdoor plant.
Looking for a plant that has the appearance to brighten your home, then check out the bright Poinsettia.
QUICK SUMMARY
Botanical Plant Name: Calathea orbifolia.
Native to: Bolivia.
Care: Hard to care.
Size: 1 meter tall.
Common problems: Damp conditions cause fungus, leaf-spot and root rot.
Toxicity: Considered non-toxic to both humans and pets.
HOW TO CARE FOR CALATHEA ORBIFOLIA
SUNLIGHT
Calathea orbifolia should be placed in an area away from direct sunlight. Direct and bright sunlight will fade the leaves and cause damage to the plant. It is best to place them in medium or lower light. However, dim conditions should be avoided. The more indirect light received by the plant, the finer will be the foliage.
WATERING
Being a tropical plant the soil of Calathea orbifolia should be evenly moist and should never be allowed to dry out completely. The plant should be watered at regular intervals. When the top one or two inches of the soil is dry it is time to rewater the plant. Drying out of the soil will prevent moisture related pests but do not allow the soil to get too dry as it will damage the plant. It is important to use purified and filtered water while watering this plant to avoid leaf discolouration.
HUMIDITY & TEMPERATURE
Calathea orbifolia will grow well in an area with high humidity levels of more than 50%. Misting the plant will help in providing the plant with the right humid conditions. Normal indoor temperatures of about 65°F to 75°F are perfect for this plant to grow in. If the leaves of the plant start to curl, it means that the temperature is very high.
CLEANING
Wipe the leaves of the plant by using a damp cloth once a week. This will help to clean the dust collected on the leaves and will also help in providing moisture to the plant.
FERTILIZING & SOIL
Calathea orbifolia should be fertilized regularly by using a light fertilizer during the growing season. Organic fertilizers are best to use because they can avoid any damage to the sensitive roots. The soil of this plant should be able to retain some moisture and should drain quickly. Add enough drainage material to prevent the soil from being too soggy.
REPOTTING
If Calathea orbifolia is showing slower growth than usual, it is an indication to repot. When repotting, ensure that the new pot is at least 2 inches bigger than the previous pot and that it has drainage holes. The best time for repotting is after a year or two of the initial growing season.
Plant recommendation: Looking for a low maintenance plant, then check out the easy to care Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)
HOW AND WHEN TO PRUNE
Calathea orbifolia should only be pruned when you see too many dry and dull leaves on the plant. Calathea orbifolia can be easily pruned by using gardening scissors. Trim off or pick the yellow and brown leaves to give a healthy appearance to the plant.
Calathea orbifolia can be pruned at any time of the year.
PROBLEMS WITH CALATHEA ORBIFOLIA
Some of the major problems with Calathea orbifolia are as follows:
- Low humidity and under hydration lead to chronic problems for the Calathea orbifolia.
- Dry temperatures are the major factor damaging Calathea orbifolia. Draught damages Calathea orbifolia.
- Pests and mites are threats to the Calathea orbifolia. And this results when the plant is under hydrated.
- Overwatering Calathea orbifolia plays a major role in rotting of the plant.
- Rotting of roots occurs due to the overhydration and the introduction of the pathogens.
HOW TO PROPAGATE CALATHEA ORBIFOLIA
Here is the procedure for propagating Calathea orbifolia:
1- Take a pot filled with moist soil.
2- Then, take a plant of Calathea orbifolia, which must be healthy and free from pathogens. Remove the excess soil from the roots of the matured plant.
3- Separate the segments of the roots.
4- Plant these into the pot.
5- Make sure to use clean scissors or a knife for cutting the plant.
Fun fact: If you want a good looking safe plant, then check out the non-toxic Stromanthe sanguinea from the Amazon Jungle in South America.
COMMON FAQs
- HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES A CALATHEA ORBIFOLIA NEED?
Calathea orbifolia needs medium light but it should not be directed directly at the plant.
- WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT CALATHEA ORBIFOLIA?
Speciality of the Calathea orbifolia is its air purifying quality and the beautifully patterned stripes of silvery green color.
- ARE CALATHEA ORBIFOLIA GOOD INDOOR PLANTS?
Calathea orbifolia is an ideally good indoor plant. Calathea orbifolia is mostly grown inside the houses but can also survive outdoors.
- CAN A CALATHEA ORBIFOLIA SURVIVE IN LOW LIGHT?
Calathea orbifolia can definitely survive in low to medium light. Bright direct light destroys and fades the plant.
- CAN CALATHEA ORBIFOLIA GROW IN SHADES?
Yes, Calathea orbifolia loves to be in shady areas but avoids putting the plant in completely dark places.
- WHAT IS THE COMMON REASON FOR THE DEATH OF CALATHEA ORBIFOLIA?
The common reason is underwatering the plant because it leads to droopy, dry, and brown leaves which fall afterward.
SUMMARY
Calathea orbifolia is a plant native to Bolivia. Calathea orbifolia is a beautiful indoor plant but needs much more care than any other household plant. Calathea orbifolia needs low to medium indirect light. Calathea orbifolia can be put on the windows to add beauty and freshness to your room and house. Height of Calathea orbifolia measured is up to one meter. Round striped and patterned leaves make the plant magnificently attractive. Beneficial conditions for Calathea orbifolia can be created by providing moderate indirect sunlight, highly humid soil, suitable temperatures, proper cleaning, fertilization, and repotting. Calathea orbifolia is a non-toxic plant for humans and animals.