Calathea Orbifolia Care And Propagation Made Easy

Calathea orbifolia is the kind of plant we regard as “for everyone”. It is one of the most popular plants in the world, so much so that non-gardeners are familiar with it.

For us gardeners, the calathea orbifolia is not just a regular plant you add to your house-plant collections, it is a gorgeous plant with beautiful unique leaves that will change the look of whatever space it is placed in.

Apart from its beauty, we also dare to say that the calathea orbifolia is an easy plant to grow, indoors! Although we have had a lot of people complain about how fussy the orbifolia plant can get, this is probably because the right care guide isn’t followed. The calathea orbifolia is stress-free in the appropriate environment.

We have provided all the right information you need to grow your orbifolia successfully.

Calathea Orbifolia Explained

The calathea orbifolia is a variety from the prayer plant family also known as the calathea.

The orbifolia is one of the largest and most popular calathea plants you can grow. Known to be from the South American country of Bolivia, the plant is characterized by its large, oval-shaped, green leaf, which has silver linings on it.

The calathea orbifolia plant can grow to about 10 inches, indoors.

Calathea Orbifolia Propagation

Propagating plants is one aspect of gardening that many gardeners love to do. You can be certain you will have the orbifolia plant in your home for a long time; you can also give them out! The calathea orbifolia can be propagated via division and this should be done at the beginning of the growing season, early spring. Below are steps to properly propagate your calathea orbifold plant.

Step 1

Identify and select a healthy orbifolia plant, and carefully bring it out of its pot. Shake off the dirt attached to the roots of the plants. Make sure you do not cut off the roots while getting rid of the dirt.

Step 2

Divide the plant into two or more, if the plant is big. Ensure that each division is attached to some roots, and has at least a few stems and leaves.

Step 3

Plant each division into a container of quality potting soil; make sure the soil is well-drained, to aid proper growth. Cover each container of plant with a clear, plastic bag, this will help keep moisture. Afterward, place the plant in low, indirect light. Your plant’s root will become strong soon and it will adjust properly to its new home.

Step 4

Remove the plastic bag at the 4th week, and then you can transfer your propagated plant to bright, indirect light, and also introduce your plant to the regular orbifolia plant care.    

Calathea Orbifolia Care Guide

Although calathea orbifolia is an easy plant to grow, a lot of people still do not find it easy; we simply attribute this failure to the wrong care guide. The right care guide should model what the plant must have been receiving in its natural habitat. The following are the best care guide for your calathea orbifolia.

1. Light

In the tropical forest in Bolivia, the calathea orbifolia was found growing under partially shaded places, due to this, we conclude that the plant is best placed in bright, indirect light. The plant should be protected from direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to fade and hinder the plant’s growth.

They should also not be placed in dim light, it can cause slow growth. You can also place your plant in the morning sun, but shield it from the afternoon sun.

2. Water

For the plants in the calathea family, watering is germane to their growth. To keep the orbifolia plant living, it has to receive the appropriate measure of water. The plant strives for balance and unfortunately, a lot of people get it wrong here.

Orbifolia wants to be left moist, but not over-wet; it also must not get dry. We recommend that you check your soil in between watering, this can be done by dipping your finger into the soil, if the top 2 inches are dry, then it should be evenly watered.

Calathea orbifolia is very sensitive to the type of water that is being used also, tap water contains salt and chlorine and this is bad for your plant. Steer clear from tap water, instead, make use of purified water.  

3. Soil

When it comes to the type of soil for your plant, we may not be able to specifically tell you a type; however, the most important requirement for the calathea plant is that it has to be well-draining.

This means that your potting mix has to include materials that enhance drainage and retain moisture. We recommend a potting mix with peat moss. The plant will grow well in slightly acidic soil, a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0 will do.

These soils are available at your local nursery or gardening center if you cannot mix them yourself. Ensure you do not grow your calathea plant in soils that are two sandy, dry, or wet.

4. Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize your orbifolia plant is during the growing season. Make use of tropical plant fertilizers and apply only once in 4 weeks. We advise strongly that your fertilizer be diluted to half its strength before it is applied, too much fertilizer can burn and damage your plant.

5. Humidity

The humidity level for your orbifolia plant is a very important thing to your plant. Hence, for proper growth, your calathea orbifolia will enjoy being provided between medium to high humidity levels.

You can place your plant in locations in the house, where natural humidity is accessible i.e., kitchen, bathroom, etc. you can also increase the humidity level for your plant by providing peddle tray, misting the plant regularly, or purchasing a humidifier.

You can check your home’s humidity level with the use of a hygrometer.  

6. Temperature

As a tropical plant that the calathea orbifolia is, it does well in warm temperatures.

The plant can be grown at a temperature ranging from 55 to 70 degrees F. The plant mustn’t be introduced to any temperature that is lower than 55. Protect your plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes; this may hinder your plant’s growth.

Calathea Orbifolia FAQs

Final Thoughts 

We are convinced that the orbifolia plant isn’t as stressful as many claims, you only have to treat it right. Your plant will not tolerate mistakes with its type of soil, water, fertilizer, etc.

1. Unlike many other plants, pruning isn’t necessary for the calathea plant, however, you will need to get rid of dead, damaged, yellow, brown, discolored leaves.

2. We recommend that you prepare to re-pot your plant every one or two years. Ensure the pot in which you’re moving your plant is at least two inches bigger than the former.

3. The calathea orbifolia, like all other calathea plants, is not toxic, it can be kept around children and pets.

4. Curling of leaves is one of the most common problems that calathea orbifolia have, this is caused by under-watering. Water your plant more often if you notice this change in your plant.

5. Your plant may be susceptible to insects like spider mites. You can get rid of them with the use of water-soluble pesticides.

6. Improper temperature and low humidity can make your plant brown and dry, observe your plant to determine the problem and adjust.

With the additional tips we will be provided below, we are certain your plant will grow as healthy as it should be.

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