Calathea Orbifolia

The Calathea orbifolia’s oversized leaves are striped with silvery bands that are tastefully beautiful in a simple way. It’s one of those plants that triggers a must-have purchase – but Calathea orbifolia care can be a challenge if you want to keep your plant looking radiant.

A South American prayer plant kept for its clean, designer-quality foliage, Orbifolia is one of the largest Calatheas. Its bold oval leaves can grow over a foot across – it makes a classic statement plant.

Calatheas can be fussy and the Orbifolia is no exception. Its attractive foliage and well-balanced profile attracts smitten owners, some of whom sadly watch the lovely plant slowly disfigure itself and decline. Why? Because love is not enough.

PLANT CARE

• Light Requirements: Medium, filtered light
• Watering: Maintain moist soil with regular watering, but do not let the soil become soggy. Use filtered, distilled or rainwater ideally.
• Soil:  Well draining potting mix. A good mix is two parts peat/coir and one part perlite.
• Temperature:  65°F (18°C) to 75ºF (24ºC)
• Fertilizer: Monthly while actively growing with 1/4 strength, balanced fertilizer. Flush the soil several times per year.
• Humidity: Needs high humidity to keep foliage looking well.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning requirements. Prune old or yellowed leaves.
• Propagation: Propagate by division in late spring/early summer. Can be tricky.
• Re-Potting: Calathea orbifolia doesn’t like to be repotted too often. Only once root bound.
• Diseases and Pests: Damp conditions can promote fungus, powdery mildew & leaf-spot, but their most deadly vulnerability is root rot. Thrips and other leaf suckers can present at times.
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and animals.