← All plant care guides

Calathea Orbifolia

Plant care guide

How to care for Calathea Orbifolia

Calathea orbifolia (now Goeppertia orbifolia)

Care level: Needs extra careNon-toxic to cats & dogs

Calathea orbifolia is a showstopper, with big round leaves striped in soft silver-green that can grow wider than your hand. It brings a lush, calm, tropical feel to a room, and it rewards steady care with a full, generous clump of foliage.

Also known as: Calathea Orbifolia, Goeppertia orbifolia, Orbifolia, Prayer Plant, Round Leaf Calathea

Just arrived? Your first week at home

  1. Unbox it right away and gently free the big leaves; they can crease or curl in transit.
  2. Place it in bright, indirect light with no direct sun, well away from heat vents, radiators and cold drafts.
  3. Feel the soil: if the top inch is dry, water with room-temperature filtered or distilled water; if it's moist, wait.
  4. Some curling, a crisp edge or a yellow lower leaf after shipping is normal; trim off fully yellow leaves and be patient.
  5. Don't repot for 2 to 3 weeks.
  6. Give it extra humidity from day one, such as a humidifier or a spot among other plants.

Every plant is covered by our 30-day plant health guarantee. If your plant arrived damaged or isn't doing well, email a few photos to support@rootandreachbotanicals.com and we'll help you troubleshoot or make it right.

Light

Orbifolia wants medium to bright indirect light, for example a few feet from an east or north window or well back from a sunny south window. Direct sun quickly scorches and bleaches the large leaves. Too little light makes growth slow and leaves smaller. A bright room with filtered light is the sweet spot.

Water

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, watering when the top inch feels dry, often about once a week. Use filtered, distilled or rain water at room temperature, since orbifolia is sensitive to tap-water minerals. Curling leaves usually mean it's thirsty or the air is too dry. Yellow leaves and a mushy base mean too much water.

Humidity

This is one of the thirstiest calatheas for humidity and does best at 60 percent or more. A humidifier is the most reliable option; grouping plants or a pebble tray helps a little. In dry air the large leaves crisp at the edges fast.

Temperature

Keep it between about 65 and 80 degrees F, with no cold drafts. Keep it away from winter windowpanes, exterior doors and heating or AC vents. Cold snaps cause curling and damage.

Soil & repotting

Use an airy, moisture-holding mix like indoor potting soil with coco coir or peat and plenty of perlite. Choose a pot with drainage, and repot in spring every 1 to 2 years into a pot only one size up. Handle the roots gently, since it sulks after disturbance.

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip feeding in fall and winter. Overfeeding leads to brown leaf tips.

Troubleshooting common problems

  • Brown crispy leaf edgeslow humidity or tap water. Switch to filtered water and add a humidifier.
  • Leaves curlingthirst, dry air or cold. Check the soil, raise humidity and move away from drafts.
  • Yellowing leavesoverwatering or poor drainage. Let the top inch dry out and make sure the pot drains freely.
  • Split or torn leaveslow humidity or bumps; large leaves tear easily. Raise humidity and give it room.
  • Speckled leaves or webbingspider mites. Shower the leaves, wipe the undersides and treat with insecticidal soap.

Tips to help it thrive

  • Give it space: the round leaves spread wide and look best when they aren't brushing walls or other plants.
  • Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to keep the silver stripes bright.
  • Divide a mature clump in spring to make a second plant; it doesn't grow from cuttings.
  • A bathroom with a bright window is often the happiest spot in the house.

Pet safety

Calathea Orbifolia is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. As with any houseplant, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing the leaves, which can cause a mild upset stomach.

Shop this plant

Questions about your plant? Email support@rootandreachbotanicals.com. A real person reads every message.
Browse all plant care guides · Shop pet-safe plants