How to care for Calathea Orbifolia

With its big, round, floppy leaves adorned with elegant two-toned stripes, the Calathea Orbifolia brings ultimate jungle vibes into your home. These large, beautifully patterned leaves make it a true statement plant that fits perfectly in both minimalist and lush interiors. Whether your space is boho, modern, or tropical, the Orbifolia will add calmness and charm to any room.

Fun fact! Did you know that Calathea Orbifolia’s leaves can grow over 30 centimeters long? Mature plants can even reach up to 90 centimeters in height and 60 centimeters in width!

The Calathea Orbifolia belongs to the Marantaceae family, commonly known as prayer plants. They earned this name thanks to their unique ability to move their leaves according to the light — opening during the day and folding up at night. Native to the tropical rainforests of South America, the Orbifolia was discovered by German botanist Heinrich Göppert. Initially named Goeppertia orbifolia in his honour, it was later placed under the Calathea genus, becoming the beloved Calathea Orbifolia we know today.

Calathea Orbifolia care guide

Calatheas have earned the nickname “Dramathea” for their tendency to react strongly when something isn’t quite right. But with the right care, your Calathea Orbifolia will thrive beautifully. Let’s dive into how to keep this tropical beauty happy!

Light

The Calathea Orbifolia loves medium to bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its sensitive leaves, so keep it away from hot windowsills or use sheer curtains to diffuse the light. In low light, growth will slow down, but the plant can still adapt well.

Soil

This plant has delicate roots that prefer light, airy soil. A mix that retains moisture but drains well is key. The ideal mix contains equal parts coconut fibre, perlite, and vermiculite. This allows the roots to breathe while staying comfortably moist.

Fun fact! When thriving, the Orbifolia can produce small white or yellow flowers during summer — a sure sign that your care is paying off!

Water

Watering can be the trickiest part of Calathea care. The Orbifolia likes its soil slightly moist, but never soggy. Overwatering or using water high in minerals can quickly cause brown tips or root rot.

Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater when possible.
Water when the top layer of soil feels dry.
Let excess water drain completely.
Alternate between top watering and bottom watering to prevent salt buildup.

Temperature and Humidity

This tropical plant prefers warmth and moisture. The ideal temperature range is 18–24°C, and humidity should stay around 60% or higher. It can tolerate slightly lower humidity (down to 50%), but will not thrive in dry air. A humidifier or a pebble tray can help create the perfect environment.

Propagating the Calathea Orbifolia

The Calathea Orbifolia can be propagated through division — a rewarding but slightly delicate process. Since each division must include roots, this method is best done during repotting in spring or summer.

Step 1:

Gently remove the plant from its pot and clear as much soil as possible from the roots. You’ll see a network of intertwined roots, stems, and leaves.

Step 2:

Decide where to divide the plant. Carefully pull the sections apart, preserving as many roots as possible. If some roots connect multiple sections, cut them with clean, sharp shears.

Step 3:

Replant each division in fresh potting mix. Because they already have root systems, treat them as mature plants — just give a little extra care and humidity while they settle into their new pots.

Calathea Orbifolia frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is Calathea Orbifolia rare?

The Orbifolia is a pretty common houseplant, making it not rare for collectors. Nevertheless, it has lots of charm and beauty that will never go out of style. That is what it's rare for in our opinion. :)

Are Calathea Orbifolia hard to care for?

We would say it's a medium plant to care for. There are definitely plants with more care requirements than the Orbifolia, nevertheless, it has some requirements that need to be met that can be tricky. It is a matter of knowing what to provide for your Orbifolia and it should be thriving soon enough.

How do I keep my Calathea orbifolia happy?

If you adjust your care to our care guide, you should be able to keep your Calathea Orbifolia more than happy!

What does Calathea Orbifolia symbolize?

The Calathea symbolizes new beginnings. So a perfect gift for yourself or a loved one when starting a new chapter!

Can Calathea Orbifolia get too much sun?

Yes, too much sun will scorch the foliage of your Calathea Orbifolia. If you see brown crunchy edges, try to either give it less sunlight or heighten the humidity. These are the most common reasons for those crunchy parts.

Why don’t Calatheas like tap water?

Tap water contains substances that are quite harsh on plants, like chemicals and lime. This is something that the Calathea is sensitive to. You can add a filter to your water tab to get rid of these substances. Providing rainwater or distilled water is also a great option!

What are the most common pests on the Calathea Orbifolia?

With its tender leaves, unfortunately, the Calathea Orbifolia is quite sensitive to all common pests. Keep your eye out, especially on thrips, aphids, and spider mites. These are particularly fond of its leaves.

Buy Calathea Orbifolia Online

Now that you know how to care for your Calathea Orbifolia, you can bring one home with confidence. Choose between the baby Calathea Orbifolia for nurturing from scratch or an established medium plant for instant jungle vibes. Whichever you choose, this elegant Calathea is sure to become one of your most captivating houseplants! Buy Calathea Orbifolia online at PLNTS.com