How to Grow Calathea Orbifolia as a Houseplant

Botanical Name: Calathea orbifolia

Bold, silvery green stripes across big, broad leaves make this South American native a stand-out in any indoor plant collection.

A newcomer to the houseplant scene, it’s already joined in the popularity of the prayer plant family. One glimpse at that exquisite foliage shows why. It’s a decorator’s dream.

New leaves emerge from the center of the plant, eventually growing about 10-inches (25 cm) long. It’s a lush, full plant that needs a little fussing over to thrive indoors.

The keys to keeping Calathea orbifolia happy is to water frequently and boost humidity around it. If you can maintain the moisture this tropical plant demands, you’ll enjoy your houseplant for many years. 

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Calathea Orbifolia Problems, Solutions and Answers

Brown leaf tips are likely caused by dry air. This South American native thrives in high humidity. Short of turning your home into a misty rain forest, you do have a few options here. Bathrooms are sometimes a good location for tropical plants because of the high humidity; but only if it has enough light streaming in. A room humidifier works wonders, especially during the winter months, when indoor air can become extremely dry.

Leaves not unfolding? Calatheas that keep their leaves folded up night and day are likely too dry. This rain forest native likes moisture — don’t forget to water and maintain humidity around it.

Wondering when to repot? When your Calathea is crowded in its pot, the crown of the plant is pushing up out of the potting mix, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes, it is definitely time to repot. Spring is the best time, when your plant is beginning its most vigorous time of growth. Wait about a month before feeding a newly repotted plant; some roots will likely break while repotting and may get fertilizer burn.

Is Calathea orbifolia poisonous? No, it is safe for cats, dogs and people.

Something Bugging Your Plant?

Webbing between leaves is often the first tale-tell sign of spider mites. Unfortunately, these tiny critters will do a lot of damage, sucking sap from the undersides of the leaves. Left untreated, they multiply rapidly, causing leaves to look dry, and mottled with yellow spots. Spider mites prefer warm, dry conditions. Maintaining high humidity around Calathea orbifolia will do double-duty, giving this tropical plant the moisture it craves and discouraging an attack.

Consistently moist peat-based potting mixes attract fungus gnats. You may find these tiny, fly-like pests hopping and crawling on the surface of the potting mix. They’re not particularly destructive, but they multiply quickly and will move on to your other indoor plants.

Aphids are attracted to soft, new growth on houseplants. They’re tiny — sometimes green, black or gray — and can be found along young stems and leaves. Sucking plant juices, aphids cause new growth to curl, become distorted or discolored. You may find honeydew — a sticky excretion left on leaves or dripping off the plant onto furniture. Treat any infestation immediately.

Calathea Orbifolia Care Tips

Origin: South America

Height: Up to 2 ft (60 cm)

Light: Moderate to bright, indirect sunlight. Hot, direct sun will cause leaves to turn brown.

Water: Aim to keep the potting mix lightly moist; never allow it to dry out. It’s a good idea to pot Calathea orbifolia in a container with drainage holes. Water thoroughly, then empty the drainage tray to prevent root rot. Avoid overwatering, which will cause crown rot.

Humidity: Calatheas love high humidity, and this tropical houseplant is no exception. Try to maintain 60% relative humidity year-round. It’s a good idea to use a cool-mist room humidifier near your plant.

Temperature: Average to warm room temperatures (65-80°F/18-27°C) year-round. It will tolerate a low of 60°F/16°C.

Soil: Peat-rich potting mix; African violet potting mix is ideal.

Fertilizer: Feed monthly spring through fall with a balanced (such as 10-10-10 NPK) water-soluble fertilizer.

Propagation: Division; divide large plants in spring.

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