Calathea Orbifolia Plant: Overview

Calathea Orbifolia (Calathea orbifolia, also known as Goeppertia orbifolia) is a slow-growing indoor plant with magnificent, oval-shaped leaves marked by silvery green stripes. Calathea Orbifolia is a popular prayer plant, which gets its name because it folds its leaves at night, making it look like it’s praying.  

A tropical plant suitable for hardiness zones 10-11, this Calathea reaches up to 3 ft. tall when mature. The Prayer Plant Calathea Orbifolia belongs to the Marantaceae family and grows natively in the tropical rainforests of Bolivia, Brazil, and Columbia. The Calathea Orbifolia enjoys bright to medium indirect sunlight and high humidity and requires extra care to flourish. Calathea isn’t toxic to cats, dogs, or humans, making it a favorite among pet owners and families with little children.

The Calathea Orbifolia plant symbolizes new beginnings and dedication. In Feng Shui, this beautiful plant is believed to promote harmony and stability.

Prayer plants are valued for their gorgeous, patterned leaves in various colors. From the rare and dramatic Calathea Rattlesnake to the elegant Calathea Concinna “Freddie”, Calathea plants will add interest to any display with their beautiful foliage.

Calathea Plant: Benefits

• Excellent air-purifying qualities
• A popular pet-safe plant
• Symbolizes new beginnings
• Visually appealing foliage  
• Reduces stress and enhances good mood

Calathea Orbifolia: Care Guide

While Calathea prayer plant care can be tricky, once you know your plant's needs, you’ll master its maintenance. Here are some Calathea care tips for growing a healthy and happy plant:

Watering and Humidity

The Calathea Prayer Ppant prefers consistently moist soil. Water well but don’t let the soil get soggy. For the best Calathea Orbifolia care, use filtered or overnight’ water. Keep the humidity high around this plant by placing it on a pebble tray, misting it, or using a humidifier. This is especially important in winter when the air tends to get dry because of the heating.

Light and Temperature

Prayer plants enjoy medium to bright indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can leave unsightly burns on your plant’s leaves. The ideal indoor temperature range for your Calathea is 65°F-75°F. To prevent cold damage, bring your plant inside if kept outdoors when the night temperatures don’t go below 45°F.  

Soil, Feeding, and Repotting

The best soil for your Orbifolia plant should be well-draining. To enhance drainage, mix in some perlite with the potting soil. Feed your plant with a liquid fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote the growth of healthy new leaves during the growing season. Let the plant rest in the winter months. Repot once in 3 years, choosing a 2-inch larger pot with drainage holes. 

Propagation

Calathea plants are relatively easy to propagate. The easiest method for prayer plant propagation is division, so repotting is a good time to divide a large Calathea Orbifolia. Water your plant well before removing it from its container. Unravel the roots and divide your Calathea into several new plants. Transplant each in well-draining potting soil and keep them in a spot with indirect light and high humidity.

Pruning, Cleaning, and Common Issues

Trim off any damaged or wilting leaves and stems. Clean the plant’s large leaves using a shower to remove dust particles and other debris. If the leaf tips of your Calathea are crispy brown, it needs more humidity. Brown or curling leaves on your prayer plant indicate underwatering while yellowing leaves often signal poor drainage. The Calathea Plant can shed its leaves if exposed to cold drafts or a sudden change in surroundings.

Calathea Orbifolia Prayer Plant: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

Your Orbifolia Calathea makes an amazing standalone plant, but it can also be used in lush indoor plant displays or grown as a stunning porch plant in warm climates.

Best Locations & Uses

• Calming and air-improving bedroom plant
• A perfect plant for spaces with high humidity, like bathrooms
• Calathea is a great gift plant for new beginnings
• Ideal for plant lovers with pets
• Spectacular statement plant for well-lit offices

Companion Plants

Calathea Orbifolia Prayer Plant grows well with other companion plants with unusual foliage. Here are some suggestions for complementary and alternative plants to consider:

• Aglaonema Red Siam (Aglaonema commutatum ‘Red Siam’): The moisture-loving Aglaonema Red Siam is prized for its gorgeously colored leaves and easy-going nature.
• Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa): The arresting, striped leaves of the Zebra Plant are not its only attraction; this finicky beauty also produces a showy, spike-shaped yellow flower.
• Black Raven ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Black Raven'): A rare variety of the popular ZZ Plant, the Black Raven ZZ Plant has dramatic, purplish-black foliage and is just as easy to care for as its more common green counterpart.

Alternative Plants

If you’re looking for alternative to Calathea Orbifolia plants to furnish your indoor oasis, we’ve gathered some top options available on Lively Root:

• Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): Extremely low-maintenance, the Cast Iron Plant is a pet-safe and nearly indestructible plant, ideal for beginners or people with busy schedules.
• Maranta Red Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoveana): The beautiful Maranta Red Prayer Plant has elegant, oval-shaped leaves with red veins; this charming plant also produces tiny purple blossoms.
• Calathea Cathedral Windows (Goeppertia makoyana (syn. Calathea makoyana)): With gem-like emerald-green spots on its light green, oval leaves that sport a pinkish purple underside, the Calathea Cathedral Windows is aptly named, resembling a masterpiece in stained glass.

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