Introduction
Calathea orbifolia is a tropical plant that is indigenous to Brazil and Argentina. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it a popular houseplant. Despite its popularity, this plant has been around for centuries. The ancient Incas used calathea orbifolia for a variety of purposes, from religious ceremonies to healthcare.
This plant is in the same family as prayer plants, but is in its own genus, Calathea. While there are many types of plants out there, you’ll find that the Calathea Orbifolia stands apart from other foliage in its ornate beauty and easy care requirements.
The plant is prized for its ornamental leaves, which are dark green and heavily patterned with silver veins. They can grow up to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide, making them an ideal houseplant for those with a bit of space. The leaves are also feathery, giving them a soft, delicate appearance. The plant is easy to care for and can be kept in a range of conditions, making it a popular choice for beginner gardeners.
If you’re looking for a great indoor plant that brings the tropics into your home, Calathea Orbifolia is it. This exotic-looking leafed plant makes a wonderful addition to any room of your house and has even been called one of the most gorgeous plants on earth. If you want to learn more about this fantastic tropical plant, keep reading below!
What is Calathea Orbifolia?
Calathea orbifolia is a tropical plant that can be found in the rainforest. It is distinguished by its large, dark green leaves that are adorned with striking striped silver bands throughout every leaf. The leaves are also velvety to the touch, adding an extra layer of luxury. Perfect for adding life to any room, Calathea Orbifolia is also an ideal plant for the office. It’s low maintenance, requiring only moderate light and moist soil, and is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures. So if you’re looking to add some life and color to your home or office, the Calathea Orbifolia is the perfect plant for you!
How To Grow And Care For Calathea Orbifolia
If you’re a plant lover, you’ve likely come across a Calathea Orbifolia at one point or another. This wonderful, tropical perennial plant is known for its vibrant, showy foliage and can make a great addition to any home. The species is generally easy to grow, but certain factors must be taken into consideration to ensure healthy growth. For example, where should you place your Calathea Orbifolia? How will you be watering it? What kind of light exposure will it get? We’ll answer all of these questions and more.
Best type of soil for a Calathea Orbifolia
The soil you choose for your Calathea Orbifolia is important, as this plant prefers a moist but well-draining medium. Avoid using soil that is too dense or compact, as this will prevent proper drainage and may even cause your plant to rot.You’ll also want to avoid using soil that’s high in salt or potassium, as this can be harmful to your plant. A good quality potting mix specifically for houseplants should be more than enough to keep your plant healthy and thriving. You can either mix your own soil or purchase a pre-mixed blend from your local garden center.
Also Read: Calathea Zebrina Growing Guide
Where not to keep Calathea Orbifolia
While Calathea orbifolia is a very versatile plant, there are a few places where it will not thrive. First and foremost, avoid direct sunlight. This plant does not like too much light and can get sunburnt quite easily. Secondly, do not place your Calathea orbifolia near any cold drafts. This plant does not like the cold and can get quite unhappy if it is constantly chilly. Thirdly, make sure to keep your Calathea orbifolia away from any moisture. This plant does not do well with high humidity and can get a lot of fungal problems if it is constantly wet. Finally, do not place your Calathea Orbifolia near any direct heat sources, such as a fireplace or heater, as this will also damage the leaves.
How much water should you give your calathea orbifolia?
There is one important thing to remember, though, when it comes to watering this plant: do not over water! The calathea orbifolia prefers to dry out a little bit between waterings. When you do water, give it enough so that the soil is wet all the way down, but don’t water again until the soil is dry to the touch.
The best time to water your Calathea Orbifolia is early in the morning. This is because the plant uses less water as the day goes on, so you don’t want to water it late in the day and have it sit in water overnight. A good way to tell if your Calathea Orbifolia needs water is to check the soil. If it’s dry an inch below the surface, it’s time for a watering.
How to tell if your calathea plant needs more water
To determine whether or not your calathea needs more water, you can perform the weight test. Pick up your plant and see how heavy it is. If it feels light, then it probably needs more water. Another way to tell is if the leaves are wilting. If they are, that means your plant is thirsty! In general, you want to water your calathea plant generously, making sure the soil is always moist. You can do this by watering it every other day or by using a water meter.
Ideal temperature for Calathea Orbifolia
The ideal temperature for your Calathea Orbifolia will depend on the time of year. During the colder months, we recommend keeping your plant between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. For the warmer months, the ideal temperature is 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything outside of this range could potentially cause some problems for the plant, such as slowed growth or even death. To make sure your plant is healthy, try to keep it in an environment where the temperature is consistent. The best way to keep track of your plant’s temperature is to use a room or thermostat thermometer.
What kind of humidity is best for Calathea orbifolia?
A common question houseplant enthusiasts have is how to determine whether their plants need more humidity or not. For Calathea orbifolia, one way to tell is to check the underside of the leaves. If they are starting to turn brown, it means that the plant is not getting enough humidity.
The ideal humidity for your Calathea orbifolia will depend on your climate and the specific conditions of your home. These plants like high humidity, around 60-70%. If the humidity in your home is lower than that, you can try some simple tricks to increase it. You can place your plant near a water source, like a bathroom or kitchen, or use a humidifier. If the humidity is too high, you can try to lower it with a dehumidifier or by moving your plant to a drier location.
Also Read: Calathea Vittata Growing Guide
How do you properly fertilize your Calathea Orbifolia?
When it comes to fertilizing your Calathea Orbifolia, you have a few different options. A general-purpose fertilizer can be used every other week from spring to fall. You can also use a liquid feed every two weeks during the growing season. In addition, you can use a slow-release fertilizer pellets every three to six months. Be sure to follow the directions on the package for proper application. Remember: it’s always best to err on the side of too little fertilizer rather than too much. Over-fertilizing can be harmful to your plant.
Feed your Calathea Orbifolia every two to four weeks, depending on the type of fertilizer you’re using. You’ll know your plant is getting the right amount of food when its leaves are a bright green color and it’s growing new leaves and stems.
Combining your Calathea Orbifolia with other plants
One great way to dress up your Calathea Orbifolia is to combine it with other plants. Not only will this make your plant look fuller and more lush, but it’ll also give you some creative options when it comes to styling. Try adding a tall, spiky plant next to it to create a visual contrast, or cluster a few together for a lush, tropical feel.
You could also mix it in with some succulents or other tropical plants. The possibilities are endless! As long as you keep in mind the care requirements for both plants, you can have a lot of fun experimenting with different combinations.
Pests And Diseases That Can Affect Calathea Orbifolia
Pests
Petiole Borer Larvae
Petiole borers are the larvae of a small moth. These caterpillars burrow into the petioles (the thin stems that connect the leaf blade to the branch) of the Calathea orbifolia, feeding on the plant tissue and disrupting the flow of water and nutrients. The telltale sign of a petiole borer infestation is when the leaves start to turn yellow and wilt. If you suspect that you have an infestation, remove the affected leaves and dispose of them in the trash. You can also try spraying the leaves with an insecticide, but be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.
Thrips
Thrips can be a major problem for Calathea Orbifolia plants. These tiny insects can quickly damage leaves and flowers, and may even cause the plant to die. Thrips are attracted to the color yellow, so they may be more likely to attack plants with yellow flowers or leaves. There are several things you can do to avoid or reduce the chances of thrips affecting your plants.
First, inspect your plants regularly for signs of thrips. If you notice any damage, remove the affected leaves and flowers immediately. You can also try spraying your plants with a pest control product specifically designed to kill thrips. Finally, you can keep your plants healthy by watering them regularly and fertilizing them regularly.
Calathea Snail
One common pest that affects Calathea orbifolia is the snail. Snails can be a huge nuisance in the garden and can quickly cause damage to your plants. They’re particularly drawn to young leaves, flowers and fruits. So how can you protect your plants from these slimy critters? One way is to place a physical barrier between the plant and the snail, like a metal or plastic cone. You can also use organic methods, like traps or repellents.
Scale
One of the most common pests that affect Calathea orbifolia is scale. Scale is a sap-sucking insect that attaches itself to the stems or leaves of plants and feeds on the sap. It’s often identified by the honeydew it excretes, which can then lead to sooty mold. If you notice any scale on your Calathea orbifolia, take action right away! Scrape off any visible scale with a toothbrush or cotton swab, and then treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Also Read: Calathea Pin-stripe Growing Guide
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that spider plant owners are all too familiar with. These pests are barely visible to the naked eye and feed on the leaves of your plants, sucking out the chlorophyll and juices. As a result, the leaves will start to yellow, dry out and fall off. If spider mites are left untreated, they can quickly damage a plant. The best way to deal with spider mites is to catch them early, before they have a chance to do too much damage. Inspect your plants regularly and look for webbing on the leaves, which is a sign that spider mites are present.
Fungal Molds
One common fungus that can affect Calathea orbifolia is Rhizoctonia solani. This particular fungus is easily recognizable by its black reproductive structures, which can form on the surface of the leaves and result in leaf blight. Pythium aphanidermatum is another fungus that can cause problems for Calathea orbifolia. This fungus is particularly harmful because it can survive in water, making it difficult to get rid of. It can cause root rot, stem rot and leaf spot.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause quite a bit of damage to plants. They often congregate in colonies and can be difficult to get rid of. Mealybugs can cause leaves to yellow, distort, and even fall off. They also secrete a sticky honeydew that can attract other pests like bees and ants. If you think you have a mealybug problem, take action right away!Schedule a free consultation with our experts or visit your local garden center to get the best advice and products for your plants.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause serious damage to plants. They can be difficult to get rid of and often return after treatment. Aphids can leave a sticky residue on leaves called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of black mold. If you’re seeing aphids on your Calathea Orbifolia, take action quickly to get rid of them.
Conclusion
The calathea orbifolia is a tropical plant that is favored for two reasons: its colorful leaves and its easy care. This plant is native to the rainforest and can be found in the wild growing near streams and rivers. The leaves of the calathea orbifolia are brightly colored and highly decorative.