Calathea Orbifolia

Calathea Orbifolia, also known as the Round-Leaf Calathea, is a tropical indoor perennial from the Marantaceae family. This species is characterized by its large, leathery, orbicular leaves with slightly wavy margins. The upper leaf surface features a distinctive pattern of alternating light-green and metallic-silver horizontal stripes radiating from the central vein. The underside of the leaf matches the upper base color in a pale green tone. As a nyctinastic plant, its leaves exhibit daily movement, rising at night and lowering during the day.

Watering: Soil substrate must stay damp uniformly without becoming soggy. Once the top surface feels parched, soak thoroughly using pure rain, distilled, or demineralized water to safeguard against tip browning.
Temperature: Position the plant in a steady climate maintained between 65–85°F. Prevent sudden chilling by insulating it from exterior window drafts and keeping it away from active heating vents.
Humidity: Thrives when relative air moisture levels hit 60% or higher. Utilize a dedicated humidifier or create a clustering arrangement with adjacent greenery to prevent edges from crisping.
Soil: Use an airy, fast-draining growing media that provides ample root oxygenation while preserving hydration. A balance of sphagnum peat, coarse perlite, and small bark fragments is ideal.
Fertilizer: Feed with a half-dose dilution of balanced liquid nutrients applied monthly. Limit this feeding schedule strictly to the active growth phases spanning spring through summer.