How to Grow and Care for Calathea orbifolia

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 has no great effect, so it is very suitable for growing indoors. So is this kind of tropical green plant easy to grow? Next, Qinnong.com will introduce the growing methods for Calathea orbifolia.

I. Growth habits of Calathea orbifolia

Calathea orbifolia is a plant that grows in tropical rainforest regions, but it does not quite match the heat tolerance 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 winds. But at the same time, it also inherits the high-humidity preference of tropical rainforest plants. During the new leaf growth period, water should be sprayed on the leaves more often. If there is not enough moisture in the air, the new leaves will not be able to unfold, and the old leaves will gradually turn scorched yellow. Below, let us take a closer look at the growth habits of Calathea orbifolia.

II. How to grow Calathea orbifolia

1. Temperature

Calathea orbifolia likes a warm and mild environment, so it is not tolerant of heat, fears 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 built and the environment should be sprayed with water to create a cool, ventilated, humid and shaded environment. In winter, the ambient temperature must not be lower than 10°C. If the room temperature is lower than 5°C, Calathea orbifolia will suffer severe frost damage. Generally speaking, in late autumn, the calathea should be moved promptly indoors to a place with sufficient sunlight for protection and overwintering.

2. Light

Calathea orbifolia likes partial shade and avoids high-temperature sun exposure. It is especially important that the leaves do not suffer severe scorching, which would cause the leaves to become dull and lusterless and lose their original beauty. Therefore, in winter, it should be placed in a greenhouse for supplemental lighting. In daily life, it can be placed indoors as a potted ornamental plant, and should be placed in front of a window with sufficient diffused 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 leaf surface and around the environment should also be strengthened to maintain a certain humidity and not become 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.

After spring arrives and flowers bloom, the plant will put 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 dilute organic fertilizer once a week. Potted plants are suitable for placement in homes and public places for ornamental display. When entering the high-temperature summer season, when the temperature is higher than 32°C, fertilization of 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 what Qinnong.com has brought to you about how to grow Calathea orbifolia. Besides being ornamental, Calathea orbifolia can also purify formaldehyde and ammonia from the air. Its rhizomes contain starch and can be used as medicine, having the effects of clearing lung heat and promoting urination. Friends who are thinking of placing a pot of greenery at home might consider getting one!