This particular plant is tricky for beginners, but worth the effort.
One of the reasons they’re often nurtured in greenhouses is their need for a warm, humid environment.
Direct sun results in ugly brown spots, leaf scorch and fading patternation.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
However, if the light conditions are too low, the leaves won’t look their fullest or healthiest.
Rotating the plant every month helps to promote balanced growth too.
Mixes designed forAfrican violetswork well.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
If you want to make your own, opt for aslightly acidic mix.
verify the pot has adequate drainage holes.
WhileCalathea orbifolialikes consistent moisture, water-logging results in root rot.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Water
Watering errors are where lots of first-time round-leaved calathea owners go wrong.
Always check the top couple of inches of soil with your finger.
If the soil feels dry, it’s usually time to water.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Use amoisture meterif you’re not sure.
While they need consistent moisture, these plants can’t tolerate soggy roots.
Watering from the top often results in the water draining right down through to the bottom.
double-check to check the soil after a few hours.
They need consistent warmth and humidity.
Temperatures below 60 degrees are problematic.
Maintain average home temperates between 65 and 75 degrees.
Round-leaved calathea are good candidates for bright, warm bathrooms.
Regular misting might help to improvise humidity levels too.
Too much or too strong fertilizer can scorch the leaves.
Pruning
Calathea orbifolia doesn’t have a high-maintenance pruning schedule.
Just remove dying or dead leaves by cutting the stems to around an inch above the soil line.
This helps direct energy to new and healthier growth.
Always use cleanpruning shearsor scissors to reduce the risk of transferring fungal diseases.
Propagating Calathea Orbifolia
Propagating calathea orbifolia can be challenging but is not impossible.
For best results, consider propagating at the same time as you’re repotting your plant.
Here’s how to propagate your round-leaved calathea.
Common Pests
Spider mitesare fans of the foliage of calathea orbifolia.
These symptoms can also signify that your plant is getting too much intense exposure to sun.
To prevent sun scorch, always opt for a position with dappled rather than direct light.
If they perk up again at night, it’s usually nothing to worry about.
These plants are relatively fast growers.
It’s still not wholly low-maintenance, but it isn’t quite as particular as the calathea.
