Introduction
Calathea Orbifolia is a popular houseplant known for its large, round leaves with an intricate green and white pattern. This plant is native to South America and prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to avoid root rot.
Common Issues
Some of the most common issues with Calathea Orbifolia include:
Overwatering - This can lead to root rot and yellowing of leaves.
Underwatering - This can cause the leaves to turn brown and crisp.
Poor Drainage - If the soil stays too wet, the roots can start to rot, causing the plant to wilt and eventually die.
Exposure to Direct Sunlight - Calathea Orbifolia prefers bright, indirect light, so exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leaves to yellow and fade.
Low Humidity - Calathea Orbifolia thrives in high humidity, so low humidity can cause the leaves to brown and become crisp.
Pests - Common pests that can attack Calathea Orbifolia include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Lack of Fertilizer - Calathea Orbifolia needs to be fertilized regularly to keep its foliage vibrant and healthy. If it is not getting enough nutrients, its leaves can yellow and fade.
Watering
The best watering routine for Calathea Orbifolia is to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Here's a simple routine you can follow:
Check the soil regularly - Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil to see if it feels dry. If it does, it's time to water.
Water thoroughly - When it's time to water, make sure to give the plant a good soak. Let water run through the soil to ensure that it is thoroughly watered, BUT make sure to avoid standing water that may accumulate at the bottom of the plant's container. Like most plants, Calathea Orbifolia is susceptible to root rot and waterlogged roots are a potentially lethal recipe.
Be mindful of humidity - If you live in a dry climate, consider adding a humidifier to the room where the plant is located. Calathea Orbifolia thrives in high humidity.
Ensuring Adequate Nutrients
To ensure that your Calathea Orbifolia is receiving enough nutrients, follow these tips:
Fertilize regularly - During the growing season, feed your Calathea Orbifolia every 2-3 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Use high-quality potting mix - Choose a high-quality potting mix that contains organic matter to provide your plant with the nutrients it needs.
Repot every 2-3 years - Repotting your Calathea Orbifolia every 2-3 years will provide it with fresh soil and new nutrients.
Supplement with compost or worm castings - Adding a layer of compost or worm castings on top of the soil every year is another great way to provide your Calathea Orbifolia with the nutrients it needs to thrive.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your Calathea Orbifolia is receiving the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and vibrant.
Best Placement
Calathea Orbifolia is a tropical plant, and has little-to-no tolerance for low temperatures, cold drafts or dry air. This makes it best kept indoors to ensure proper conditions can be maintained. Though most of South Africa is suitable for this gorgeous tropical plant, it really shines in the most tropical climates (like those found in provinces like Kwazulu-Natal), where as long as the plant is kept in a shady area outside, all should be fine.
The best indoor placement for Calathea Orbifolia is a location that provides bright, indirect light and high humidity. A bathroom or kitchen could potentially work well, or any room with a humidifier active. Keep your plant away from aircon units or heaters, as these can dry out the surrounding air and cause your plant's leaves to become crisp and damaged.
Conclusion
Calathea Orbifolia is a special plant, with its unique pinstriped foliage that adds an exotic touch of elegance to any room. Additionally, Calathea Orbifolia is a member of the Marantaceae family, which is known for its air-purifying abilities - making it a great choice for improving indoor air quality.
Overall, this beautiful exotic little houseplant is a real stunner to have around any home or office space, and as long as its owner is aware of its basic needs, is a relatively low-maintenance beauty.
