Description
Calathea orbifolia has some of the biggest, most striking leaves in the calathea family — round, silvery-green, striped like something out of a botanical illustration. It is a showpiece plant, and it knows it.
It is also, famously, a little needy. Calatheas want consistency: steady humidity, evenly moist soil, and water without the minerals that leave spots on those glossy leaves. Meet those needs and you get a plant that folds its leaves up at night like it is tucking itself in — genuinely one of the more charming habits in the plant world.
Care
- Medium, indirect light — direct sun will scorch those big leaves
- Keep soil evenly moist; avoid letting it dry out completely between waterings
- Use filtered or distilled water, and run a humidifier nearby if you can
- Pet friendly — a good pick for households with curious cats or dogs
Robin T. (verified owner) –
Gorgeous stripes. Yes it is dramatic about tap water, use filtered and it behaves. Packaging was the best I have seen.