How to Grow and Care for Calathea Orbifolia

Plant Care

Calathea Orbifolia is a bit of a drama queen, but the foliage is so worth it. Keep temperatures between 65–80°F and humidity greater than 50%, ideal is 60–70%. Dry indoor air may result in crispy tips, so increase humidity with a pebble tray, humidifier or grouping it with other plants.

This plant likes regular watering with filtered, rain, or distilled water to prevent brown edges due to minerals or chlorine. 

• Apply a balanced, diluted fertilizer once a month from spring to early fall. 
• Avoid fertilizing in winter. 
• Avoid direct sunlight, cold drafts or heating vents, which could dry out or stress the plant.
• Regularly dust and clean its large leaves to ensure they are breathing. 

It’s a beautiful, living accent for bedrooms, living rooms, or any bright-but-gentle area.

Light

Give bright, indirect light. Somewhere near a north- or east-facing window is ideal. If it’s too dark, growth can slow and colors fade. If they get too much sun, the leaves may scorch or lose their signature striping.

Soil

Plant in a rich, well-draining potting soil. A mix of peat or coco coir, perlite and orchid bark keeps the plant from drying out while providing good air circulation. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0–7.0) is best.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil is dry, maintaining soil that is consistently moist — never soggy. Filtered, rain or distilled water should be used to prevent tip burn. Water a bit less in the cooler months. Empty saucers and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.

Pruning

Trimming keeps your orbifolia lush and tidy:

• When to prune: Any time during the growing season.
• What to prune: Yellowing, browning or damaged leaves
• Remove: Snip at the base using sterile scissors
• Pro tip: Gently dust leaves with a soft cloth
• Bonus: Regular care = healthier, shinier foliage

Propagating

Calathea Orbifolia is most efficiently propagated through division, which is a relatively stress free process that can occur during spring repotting.

• Look for natural clumps: When the plant has grown large and developed multiple crowns or root masses, it's ready.
• Remove from the pot and gently shake off excess soil.
• Carefully separate clumps, making sure each has a good root system and a minimum of 2-3 mature leaves.
• Replant each section in fresh, well-draining soil in its own pot.
• Maintain high humidity and water sparingly until new growth appears.

Propagation by division requires patience, but it is the most reliable method — seeds are rare, and stem cuttings won’t work for this plant.

Growing in Pots

Calathea Orbifolia also makes an appealing potted plant to grow indoors. However, proper pot and soil requirements are essential to its success. 

• Select a pot that is just slightly larger than the root ball (overlarge containers hold too much moisture and can encourage root rot). Make sure the pot you’re using has good drainage holes.
• Fill the pot with a light, chunky mix that’s high in organic matter — something that retains moisture but drains well. A mix of potting soil, coco coir, orchid bark and perlite works well. 
• Repot once every 1–2 years to refresh soil and avoid rootbound development.

Orbifolia looks especially elegant in minimalist ceramic or terracotta pots that contrast with its silvery-green foliage. Place it on a stand or low shelf and let its dramatic leaves have the spotlight.

Overwintering

Growth slows in winter, but the plant remains evergreen.

Keep it in bright, draft-free locations and water a bit less. Wait until spring to fertilize. Use a humidifier to counteract dry air from indoor heating.

Blooming

While Calathea Orbifolia can bloom in its native environment, it’s a lot more challenging indoors. If it does, expect small, white or pale flowers near the base. The actual show is in the dramatic, oversize foliage — its leaves are its glory.

Common Issues

Orbifolia can be sensitive to changes but is manageable with good habits:

• Yellowing leaves → Typically the result of overwatering or poor drainage
• Brown tips → Low humidity or tap water chemicals
• Leaf curl → Typically a result of underwatering or cold air
• Drooping → Typically from inconsistent watering
• Spider mites → May occur in dry conditions,  rinse and increase humidity

Summary

Calathea Orbifolia is the perfect mix of bold design and natural beauty. With its large, glittering leaves and gentle stripes, it gives immediate chic to your indoor plant lineup. While it likes the stability of filtered water and high humidity, the payoff is worth it — a thriving plant that looks like it belongs in an art gallery.

This ornamental houseplant is a slow-grower, which makes it an excellent choice for plant enthusiasts who love sculptural beauty. Its presence is grounding, elegant, and very, very tropical — evidence that high style and natural charm can grow side by side.