Introducing the Calathea Orbifolia: A True Beauty Among Prayer Plants

Introducing the Calathea Orbifolia: A True Beauty Among Prayer Plants

True to its name, the Calathea Orbifolia is a stunning plant with round leaves that can grow to astronomical sizes, reaching nearly a foot in width! Its light green foliage is adorned with silvery mosaic stripes, creating an indescribable beauty that is sure to captivate any plant enthusiast. Whether added to your plant collection or showcased as a solitary piece of art, the Calathea Orbifolia is sure to be a showstopper.

As a member of the Prayer Plant family, the Calathea Orbifolia requires medium care and will reward you with its unique up-and-down leaf movement, which is sure to mesmerize anyone who observes it.

Getting to Know Your Calathea Orbifolia:

This plant goes by several nicknames, including Round Leaf Prayer Plant, Calathea Round-Leaf, and Round-Leaf Plant. It is a relative of other Calathea varieties such as Calathea Vittata and Calathea Roseopicta, and is a cousin of the traditional "Prayer Plant," the Maranta. Its botanical name is Calathea Orbifolia, with Calathea being the genus and Orbifolia being the species.

The Calathea Orbifolia is native to the under-canopy of warm, humid rainforests in Bolivia, where it thrives in its natural habitat.

Caring for Your Calathea Orbifolia:

To ensure that your Calathea Orbifolia thrives, it's important to provide it with the right care. Here are some key care tips to keep in mind:

Watering: The Calathea Orbifolia prefers to have consistently moist soil. Water it when the topsoil becomes crumbly, being careful not to let it dry out completely or become waterlogged.

Humidity: High humidity is crucial for the Calathea Orbifolia, as it is native to rainforest environments. You can increase humidity by placing it near a humidifier or misting its leaves daily.

Soil: Well-draining soil that retains moisture is ideal for the Calathea Orbifolia. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil is a good choice.

Fertilizer: During the growing season, which typically occurs in spring and summer, you can fertilize your Calathea Orbifolia with a quarter-strength fertilizer once a month. However, it's important to avoid fertilizing during its dormant period.

Light: Bright, indirect light is best for the Calathea Orbifolia. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can cause its leaves to scorch.

Propagation: The easiest way to propagate the Calathea Orbifolia is through division during repotting. Simply separate the plant into smaller clumps, making sure each clump has enough roots to sustain itself.

Toxicity: Good news for pet owners! The Calathea Orbifolia is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice for households with children and animals.

Best Practices for Unboxing Your Calathea Orbifolia:

When you receive your Calathea Orbifolia from Exotic Forest, it's important to follow proper unboxing practices to ensure its success. Here are some tips:

Watering: Exotic Forest ships its plants freshly watered, so you don't need to water your Calathea Orbifolia right away. Wait until it shows signs of needing water before watering it.

Repotting: It's best to allow your Calathea Orbifolia to acclimate to its new environment for at least one week before repotting it. This helps to minimize the risk of shock and leaf-loss.