Calathea orbifolia guide
Goeppertia orbifolia, also called Calathea orbifolia, orbifolia, round-leaf calathea
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Medium
- Water
- When the top 2 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Never let it dry out.
- Humidity
- High. Dry winter air crisps the leaf edges.
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 15°C (60°F).
- Soil
- Light, airy houseplant mix that holds some moisture
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Fussy
- Mature size
- 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in) tall and wide
- Propagation
- Divide the clump when you repot
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes calathea orbifolia different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the calathea care guide.
What it is
Calathea orbifolia has big, round, leathery leaves with wide silver-green stripes running out from the center. Select-A-Plant notes it has the largest leaves of the common calatheas, and that it closes its leaves at night. Botanists now list it as Goeppertia orbifolia. Stores still call it calathea.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Orbifolia | Huge, round, silver-green stripes | Round leaves wider than your hand, with even stripes |
| ‘Medallion’ calathea | Round, dark with feathered silver and purple | Purple undersides and a feathered pattern |
| Peacock plant | Oval, thin, dark ovals along the veins | Smaller and thinner, with a peacock feather pattern |
Care differences
Those big leaves lose a lot of water. Orbifolia is one of the first calatheas to crisp at the edges in dry air. Aim for 50% humidity or higher. A humidifier helps more than anything else.
Water with rainwater, filtered, or distilled water. It reacts to minerals in tap water with brown edges.
It grows slow. Expect a few new leaves a season.
Grow it by division
Calatheas do not grow from cuttings. Divide the clump in spring. Each piece needs leaves and a good chunk of roots. Expect it to droop for a few weeks after.
Buying it
Orbifolia shows up at plant shops and many garden centers. It costs more than most calatheas. Look for big, flat leaves with no brown edges. Check under the leaves for spider mites. They love calatheas.