How to Care and Grow Calathea Orbifolia Well

For those who are planning to grow Calathea orbifolia, you should check out how to care for this plant so that it can grow well and you will be able to see it standing beautifully in your place along with some other ones.

Soil

Talking about the best soil for Calathea orbifolia, actually, there is no exact answer. However, it is better for you to plant it in a well-draining potting mix. The best soil for this plant is the one that can drain quickly. However, it should retain some degree of moisture. If needed, you can also mix the potting soil with coco coir or peat moss. You can do it if you want to increase the drainage and allow the roots to breathe. Remember to avoid the soils that are too wet, muck, sandy, or dry. Aside from that, the soil also should be slightly acidic. The ideal one is a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. If the pH is nowhere near the ideal one, you are encouraged to adjust the pH level by adding a bit of organic material. Please do not add too much of it as it can damage the plant. If your knowledge about the soil is low, it is better for you to get a pre-made potting soil that has been specifically formulated for houseplants. This kind of thing is usually available to purchase from the gardening centers.

When in the growing season, make sure to use a diluted jungle or tropical plant fertilizer. It can be applied to the soil every three weeks or so. Do not forget to also water the plant the day before giving it fertilizer to avoid the burning from happening.

It has been known that Calathea orbifolia can grow well in the likes of pots, planters, and containers. If you want to plant it in a container, you have to choose the one that has a drainage hole unless you want your plant to drown.

Temperature  

Warm condition is the best for Calathea orbifolia as it is counted as a tropical plant. For those who are wondering about the ideal temperature, it ranges between 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 and 21 degrees Celsius. If it is not one of them, you are suggested to place it outdoors. Please get it back indoors when the temperature turns to below 55 degree Fahrenheit or 15 degree Celsius. It should be done to not make it perished. The next thing that you have to make sure of is to steer clear of cold drafts as they can result in serious damage. If you want for your plant to grow well, avoid putting in in a high temperature as the leaves of this plant will start to curl. As it does not tolerate sudden and drastic changes in temperature, try your best to make the temperature as consistent as possible.

Humidity

Keep in mind that the humidity conditions of the room where you locate the Calathea orbifolia should be similar to the humidity in the South American country as this plant is native to Bolivia. For your information, the average humidity level in its native country is approximately 54%. Determining the amount of humidity in the area can be done by using a hygrometer. By using this tool, you will be able to measure the moisture content in the air.

Light

Usually, Calathea orbifolia grows in partially shaded forests. It means, this plant should be away from the bright sunlight. Putting it under the bright sunlight is not recommended as it will make the vibrant green of the leaves fade and possibly damage them. If you are wondering the best place to put it, it is the one that gets medium or low levels of light. Please try your best to avoid dim lighting. It is better for you to put it at a north facing window. Actually, the morning sun from an eastern exposure is also not bad.

Watering

Just like with any other plants, watering is also important for the Calathea orbifolia. If you want your plant to grow well, you should make sure that it gets the proper amount of water. The lack of watering will make it die. On the contrary, it can drown if you water it too much. Apart from making it drown, there is also a possibility of the pests to be attracted to the plant.

Calathea orbifolia is considered as a tropical plant. It means the soul should be evenly moist. However, it should never be fully dry. To be able to get the perfect one, inspecting the soil is recommended. Instead of wilting, the leaves of this Calathea will start to decline when the plant lacks water. To decide the best time to water, insert your finger into the soil. If the top inch or so is dry, it can be concluded that it is time for you to water the plant. Inspecting the soil is really important to avoid the plant from getting the disease and pests that could harm the plant.

Pruning

In fact, there are not any branches to prune due to the fact that Calathea orbifolia are single-stemmed. With that being said, the only maintenance required by this plant is the removal or discolored, browned, yellowing, or damaged leaves. When you are about to remove these leaves with such characteristics, you are suggested to use a sterilized tool and make the cut at the base of the stem.

Repotting

If you think that the Calathea orbifolia that you have is growing slower than usual, it might be an indication for you to repot. The most recommended time to repot is a year or two after the initial growing season.

It is important to make sure that the new container is at least 2 inches larger than one it is currently housed in. not only that, it is also a must for you to make sure that the container has drainage holes.