Calathea Orbifolia (4")

Calathea Orbifolia

Name (Common)
Calathea Orbifolia

Latin Name
Goeppertia orbifolia
(Formerly known as Calathea orbifolia)*

Care Difficulty
Moderate. A stunning tropical houseplant prized for its large, striped foliage. It thrives with consistent moisture, warmth, and high humidity.

Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light to medium light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and fade their beautiful silver-green stripes.

Water Requirements
Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Water when the top inch of soil begins to dry. Calatheas prefer filtered, distilled, or rainwater, as they are sensitive to the minerals found in hard tap water.

Humidity
Prefers high humidity (60 to 80%). A humidifier or pebble tray is recommended, especially during the winter months.

Pet Safety
Pet safe. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Growth Speed
Moderate. Produces large, elegant leaves throughout the growing season.

Expected Mature Size

• Height: 2 to 3 feet
• Width: 2 to 3 feet
• Leaf Size: Up to 12 to 18 inches across

Pot Size
Repot every 2 to 3 years or when roots become crowded. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix that retains moisture in a container with drainage holes.

Where it Grows Best
Indoors in temperatures between 65 and 80°F (18 to 27°C). It thrives in bright living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and other warm locations with indirect light and high humidity.

Perfect for…

• Pet-friendly homes
• Tropical plant collections
• Bright bathrooms
• Statement foliage displays
• Modern home décor
• Anyone looking for large, elegant foliage

Common Mistakes

• Allowing the soil to dry out completely.
• Overwatering in poorly drained soil.
• Using hard tap water, which can cause brown leaf edges.
• Growing in direct sunlight.
• Keeping the plant in dry air or near heating vents.
• Exposing it to temperatures below 60°F (16°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Calathea Orbifolia unique?
Calathea Orbifolia is admired for its oversized, round leaves featuring broad silver and green stripes. It is one of the largest and most elegant foliage plants available for indoor growing.

Why do the leaves move at night?
Like other Prayer Plants, Calathea Orbifolia raises its leaves in the evening and lowers them again during the day. This natural movement is called nyctinasty.

Why are my leaf edges turning brown?
Brown edges are usually caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering, or minerals in tap water. Using filtered or distilled water and maintaining higher humidity will help keep the foliage looking its best.

How often should I fertilize it?
Feed once a month during spring and summer with a balanced water-soluble houseplant fertilizer at half strength. Reduce or stop fertilizing during winter.

Can I propagate Calathea Orbifolia?
Yes. The easiest method is division during repotting. Separate healthy clumps with roots attached and plant them individually.

Why are my leaves curling?
Curling leaves usually indicate the plant is too dry, either from underwatering, low humidity, or cold temperatures. Check the soil moisture and move the plant to a warmer, more humid location if needed.

Shipping Guarantee

Every Calathea Orbifolia is carefully inspected, watered, and securely packaged before shipping. Extra care is taken to protect its large, beautifully striped foliage so your plant arrives healthy and ready to thrive.

Healthy Arrival Guarantee

We stand behind the quality of our plants. If your Calathea Orbifolia arrives with significant shipping damage or in poor condition, contact us within 24 hours of delivery with clear photos of the plant and its packaging. We will gladly work with you to provide an appropriate replacement or store credit in accordance with our Healthy Arrival Guarantee policy.