Calathea Orbifolia

Class

Monocotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Marantaceae

Order

Zingiberales

Genus

Calathea

Species

orbifolia

Description

A very decorative evergreen perennial plant with elegant large, rounded, green leaves with silvery streaks.

It is widely used as an indoor species as it requires a warm and humid temperate climate, sheltered from cold draughts but also from direct sunlight.
In pots or tubs it becomes a focal point with high ornamental value in living spaces and offices.

Curiosities and special features

Belonging to the botanical family of Marantaceae known as 'Prayer Plants' due to the ability of their leaves to move in relation to the direction of light, opening during the day and folding upwards at night as if to recall a gesture of recollection; this phenomenon is referred to as noctynastia.

Origin and distribution

A species native to eastern Brazil where it grows in the humid tropical biome, it was discovered by the German botanist Heinrich Göppert from whom the botanical genus of the species Geoppertia orbifolia , synonymous with Calathea orbifolia, is derived.

Leaf

The leaves have a broad, oblong blade, giving the plant a high ornamental value, such that it becomes a focal point within living spaces or offices.

Leaf colour

The leaves are multicoloured, green marked with silvery-green stripes.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 0.6 m, ideal for indoor pots and tubs.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

It is indicated as a species suitable for indoor tanks, in view of its thermal requirements and size.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

The growth is determined and bushy.

PH

It requires a slightly acidic substrate pH, with optimum values between 5.0 and 5.8. Attention should also be paid to the acidity level of the irrigation water, which should not alter the indicated values.

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half-shade, light shade, protected from direct sunlight which can lead to irreversible leaf curling.

Ideal climate and temperature

It is a plant that requires a warm and humid climate, sheltered from cold draughts. The ideal temperature is between 20 and 28 °C. The vital temperature is between 12 and 38 °C.

Use

Widely appreciated for its elegant bearing outlined by the large leaves streaked with silver in:
Interior ornamental

Hardiness

A plant of medium to low hardiness, special care must be taken to ensure correct growing temperatures.

Soil

Use a high-quality substrate specifically for green pot plants.

Difficulty

It is fairly easy to grow, if the right growing conditions are provided.

Growing tips

Here are some specific cultivation tips to achieve the best vegetative development of your Calathea specimen:
Avoid over-watering Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Prefers slightly calcareous water

Propagation

Reproduction can take place by division. Micropropagation is also widely used.

Watering

Apply non-cold, low salinity water directly to the substrate, keeping it moist but not saturated with water. Prevent water stress leading to yellowing of the leaves and crumpling. Hard, limey and sodium-rich water should be avoided. It is a plant that requires a warm but not dry climate, to ensure the required environmental humidity spray the leaves with soft (low lime) water once or twice a day.

Fertilising

It requires little fertiliser and fears over-fertilisation, especially in connection with water stress. During the spring-summer period, apply a balanced fertiliser specifically for green pot plants to the moist substrate and dilute in the irrigation water. In cold temperatures, stop fertilising.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Tip

Absolutely avoid water stress or severe dryness which causes the leaves to curl up. Do not place in full sun and avoid exposing the plant to draughts. Do not fertilise if kept at low temperatures, it needs very little fertiliser. If possible, spray the leaves with soft water (low in lime) once or twice a day.