Complete Guide to Calathea Orbifolia Care and Growth

A Work of Art

Ideal Light for Calathea Orbifolia

Calathea orbifolia thrives in bright, indirect light. In its native Bolivian rainforests, it grows under the tree canopy, protected from the sun’s harsh rays. You must replicate this at home. Too much direct sun will quickly scorch the leaves, causing them to fade, burn, and develop brown patches.

An ideal location is near an east-facing window where it can receive gentle morning light, or several feet back from a south or west-facing window. It can tolerate medium light, but its growth may be slower.

Best & Worst Light Conditions

• Best Light Conditions:

  • In a bright room, out of the direct path of sunlight.
  • Near a north or east-facing window.
  • Filtered through a sheer curtain.

• Avoid:

  • Direct, intense sunlight.
  • Very low-light conditions, which will lead to weak growth.

Watering Needs and Water Quality

This is where Calatheas demand attention. They like their soil to be consistently moist, but never waterlogged or soggy. The goal is to water just as the top inch of soil begins to feel dry.

Even more important is the type of water you use. Calatheas are famously sensitive to the minerals, salts, and chemicals (like fluoride and chlorine) found in most tap water. Using tap water is the number one cause of brown, crispy leaf edges.

• Best Water: Filtered water, distilled water, or rainwater.
• Good Alternative: If you must use tap water, let it sit out for at least 24 hours to allow some of the chlorine to evaporate.

How to Water

The Most Important Factor: Humidity

If there is one non-negotiable for a happy Calathea orbifolia, it is high humidity. As a true tropical diva, it’s one of the top 👉 plants that love humidity and requires moist air to keep its large, delicate leaves in pristine condition.

• Ideal Humidity: 60% or higher.
• Signs of Low Humidity: This is the primary cause of 👉 brown, crispy leaf edges.

How to Increase Humidity

• Use a Humidifier: This is by far the most effective and reliable method. Placing a humidifier near your plant will make a world of difference.
• Group Plants Together: Grouping plants creates a more humid micro-environment.
• Pebble Tray: A tray of pebbles and water placed under the pot can increase local humidity through evaporation.
• Location: A naturally humid room, like a well-lit bathroom, is an ideal home for an orbifolia.

Misting provides only a very temporary boost and is not a substitute for consistent high humidity. Learn more in our general guide to 👉 improving houseplant humidity.

What is Nyctinasty?

One of the most enchanting qualities of the Calathea orbifolia is its daily movement. Like other members of the Marantaceae family (the “Prayer Plants”), it exhibits a behavior called nyctinasty.

• Day: During the day, the leaves are held horizontally to maximize light absorption.
• Night: As evening approaches, specialized joints at the base of the leaves (called pulvini) cause the leaves to fold upwards, almost like hands in prayer.

This movement is a sign of a healthy, active plant responding to its environment. It’s a fascinating process to watch and one of the unique joys of owning a prayer plant.

What Kind of Soil Does Calathea Orbifolia Like?

DIY Soil Mix Recipe for Calathea Orbifolia

A good, simple mix for an orbifolia is:

• 2 parts peat moss or coco coir (for moisture retention)
• 1 part perlite (for aeration and drainage)
• A handful of orchid bark (to create air pockets)

When to Repot

How to Repot

Pests That May Affect Calathea Orbifolia

Their need for high humidity makes them a prime target for one pest in particular.

• Spider Mites: These are the #1 enemy of Calatheas. They thrive in the warm conditions Calatheas love, especially if humidity drops. Look for fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and a stippled, faded appearance. Keeping humidity high is the best prevention.
• Mealybugs: Can hide in the crevices where leaves meet stems.
• Thrips: Less common, but can cause silvery patches on leaves.

Troubleshooting Calathea Orbifolia Issues

Calatheas are quick to show you when they are unhappy.

• Brown, Crispy Edges: This is the most common issue. It is a direct result of either low humidity or minerals in tap water. This is not a sign of disease, but rather an environmental issue that needs correcting.
• Yellowing Leaves: Typically a sign of overwatering. The soil is being kept too wet, suffocating the roots. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.
• Curling Leaves: This is the plant’s way of saying it’s thirsty. The leaves curl to conserve water. Check the soil and give it a good drink if dry.
• Root Rot: The most serious issue, caused by chronic overwatering and poor drainage.
• Pest Damage: Stippling, webbing, or discoloration can signal a pest infestation.

Creating New Plants

Propagation by Division

For a photo-led walkthrough of splitting clumping houseplants like Calathea, see our step-by-step plant division guide.

1. Do it During Repotting: This method should only be attempted when you are already repotting a healthy, mature plant.
2. Separate the Rhizomes: Gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully tease the soil away from the roots. You will see that the plant grows from underground rhizomes, which can be separated into clumps.
3. Ensure Viability: Make sure each clump has a healthy root system and at least 2-3 leaves.
4. Pot Separately: Pot each new division into its own appropriately sized container with fresh soil. Keep them warm and humid as they recover from the shock.

Is Calathea orbifolia safe for cats and dogs?

Why are the edges of my Orbifolia getting brown and crispy?

Why do my Orbifolia's leaves curl inwards?

How much light does a Calathea orbifolia need?

Why do the leaves of my Calathea move?