How to grow Calathea orbifolia? Latest care guide explained

Calathea orbifolia is native to the tropical rainforest regions of the Americas. After being introduced to our country, it is usually widely cultivated, because Calathea orbifolia is very shade-tolerant and can be placed directly in a bright room and grow well. Even in a poorly lit environment, growing for a month does not have much effect, so it is very suitable for growing in indoor environments. So is this kind of tropical green plant easy to grow? Qinnong Net will next introduce the care methods for Calathea orbifolia.

1. Growth habits of Calathea orbifolia

Calathea orbifolia is a plant that grows in tropical rainforest regions, but it does not quite match the heat-tolerant characteristics of most tropical vegetation. The most suitable growing temperature for Calathea orbifolia is between 18°C and 25°C. It is not tolerant of cold or drought, and it is also not tolerant of scorching sun exposure or dry hot wind. But at the same time, it also inherits the high-humidity-loving characteristic of tropical rainforest plants. During the new leaf growth period, water should be sprayed on the leaves more often. If there is insufficient moisture in the air, the new leaves will not be able to unfurl, and the old leaves will gradually become scorched and yellow. Below, let us take a more specific look at the growth habits of Calathea orbifolia.

2. Care methods for Calathea orbifolia

1. Temperature

Calathea orbifolia likes a warm and mild environment, so it is not tolerant of heat, is afraid of high temperatures, and has poor cold tolerance. The suitable temperature for its growing environment is 18-30°C. In late spring and early summer, when the ambient temperature exceeds 25°C, a shade frame should be set up, and the environment should be sprayed with water to create a cool, ventilated, humid and shady environment. In winter, the ambient temperature must not be lower than 10°C. If the room temperature is below 5°C, Calathea orbifolia will suffer severe frost damage. Generally speaking, in late autumn, the Calathea should be promptly moved indoors to a place with sufficient sunlight for protection and overwintering.

2. Light

Calathea orbifolia likes semi-shade and avoids exposure to high-temperature sun. Be sure to avoid severe scorching of the leaves. This causes the leaves to become dull and lusterless and lose their original beauty. Therefore, in winter, it should be placed in a greenhouse for supplemental light. In daily life, it can be placed indoors as a potted ornamental plant, and it should be placed in front of a window with sufficient scattered light.

3. Water

Calathea orbifolia likes a moist environment, so during the growing season it should be watered thoroughly once a day, and spraying on the leaves and around the environment should also be strengthened to maintain a certain humidity and avoid being too dry. In winter, watering should be strictly controlled. If the potting soil is too wet, drainage will be poor, the roots will rot, and the leaves will wilt.

When spring arrives and flowers bloom, the plant will send out new leaves again. When new leaves sprout, do not water too much either. As the new leaves increase, gradually increase the amount of watering, which is beneficial to the healthy growth of the plant.

4. Fertilizing

During the growing period, Calathea orbifolia should be given a diluted organic fertilizer once a week. Potted plants are suitable for placement in homes and public places for viewing. In the high-temperature summer season, when the temperature is above 32°C, fertilizing Calathea orbifolia should be stopped. In late autumn and early winter, stop all topdressing, otherwise it will cause root rot in the plant.

The above is the care method for Calathea orbifolia brought to you by Qinnong Net. Besides being ornamental, Calathea orbifolia can also purify formaldehyde and ammonia from the air. Its rhizome contains starch and can be used as medicine, having the effects of clearing lung heat and promoting urination. Friends who are thinking of placing a potted green plant at home may consider getting one!