About Calathea Orbifolia
One of the most elegant calatheas, featuring large, round leaves with broad silver and green stripes that radiate from the center. The leaves can grow up to 30 cm wide, creating a lush, tropical statement. Like other prayer plants, the leaves fold upward at night — a daily show of natural movement. Calathea Orbifolia belongs to the Marantaceae family and originates from Eastern Bolivia, in tropical and subtropical forests..
Calathea orbifolia is a favorite among Filipino indoor plant enthusiasts, especially condo dwellers in Makati, BGC, and Ortigas who want a dramatic tropical look without needing direct sun. Available at plant shops along Quezon Avenue, Marikina plant nurseries, and online sellers on Facebook and Shopee. It can be fussy about water quality — many PH growers collect rain water or use filtered water to avoid brown tips from Manila tap water. Groups well with other calatheas and prayer plants for a lush indoor jungle vibe.
Also known as: Round-Leaf Calathea, Orbifolia Prayer Plant.
Popular Varieties
- Goeppertia orbifolia (standard — large round silver-striped leaves)
- Goeppertia makoyana (Peacock Plant — similar care, feather-like patterns)
- Goeppertia medallion (Medallion Calathea — darker green with purple undersides)
How to Plant Calathea Orbifolia in the Philippines
Calathea Orbifolia can be propagated through division, offsets. The recommended method is division during repotting in early rainy season.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Water the plant thoroughly the day before dividing.
- Step 2: Gently remove from pot and shake off excess soil to expose the root system.
- Step 3: Separate natural clumps, ensuring each division has at least 3-4 leaves and a healthy root mass.
- Step 4: Plant divisions in a peat-based mix with perlite for aeration.
- Step 5: Keep in a warm, humid spot with indirect light — new growth appears in 3-5 weeks.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Medium to bright indirect light. No direct sun — even filtered afternoon sun can scorch and curl the leaves. North or east-facing windows work best.. Position your calathea orbifolia where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water 2-3 times per week in Metro Manila's heat. Use filtered or rain water if possible — calatheas are sensitive to chlorine and hard water. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 20-28°C (prefers the cooler end of Philippine temperatures). Avoid spots near exhaust vents or air-con units that create dry drafts.. High humidity (60-80%) is essential. Use a humidifier, group with other plants, or place on a pebble tray. Natural Metro Manila humidity helps, but air-conditioned rooms are too dry. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing calathea orbifolia outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Dilute balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at quarter strength, applied monthly during growing season (May-October). Avoid over-fertilizing — brown leaf tips can result.
Pruning
Remove brown or yellowing leaves at the base with clean scissors. No structural pruning needed — the plant grows from the center.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to cats and dogs. One of the safest ornamental plants for pet-friendly households.
Common Problems & Solutions
Brown, crispy leaf edges and tips
Cause: Low humidity, hard water, or over-fertilizing
Solution: Increase humidity around the plant. Switch to filtered or rain water. Flush soil monthly to remove mineral buildup.
Curling or folding leaves during the day
Cause: Underwatering, low humidity, or too much light
Solution: Water more consistently. Move to a shadier spot. Check that soil is moist but not dry.
Yellowing lower leaves
Cause: Overwatering or root rot in heavy soil
Solution: Reduce watering frequency. Ensure pot has drainage. Repot in a lighter, more aerated mix.
Spider mites causing stippled, dull leaves
Cause: Dry air, especially in air-conditioned rooms
Solution: Increase humidity and mist regularly. Wipe leaves with neem oil solution. Isolate affected plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Calathea Orbifolia in the Philippines?
Calathea Orbifolia needs medium to bright indirect light. no direct sun — even filtered afternoon sun can scorch and curl the leaves. north or east-facing windows work best.. Water keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. water 2-3 times per week in metro manila's heat. use filtered or rain water if possible — calatheas are sensitive to chlorine and hard water.. Feed with dilute balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at quarter strength, applied monthly during growing season (may-october). avoid over-fertilizing — brown leaf tips can result.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 20-28°C (prefers the cooler end of Philippine temperatures). Avoid spots near exhaust vents or air-con units that create dry drafts. works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Calathea Orbifolia?
The recommended method is division during repotting in early rainy season. Water the plant thoroughly the day before dividing. Gently remove from pot and shake off excess soil to expose the root system.
Is Calathea Orbifolia toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs. One of the safest ornamental plants for pet-friendly households.
Can Calathea Orbifolia grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Calathea Orbifolia grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Calathea Orbifolia?
Common issues include: Brown, crispy leaf edges and tips (caused by low humidity, hard water, or over-fertilizing — increase humidity around the plant. switch to filtered or rain water. flush soil monthly to remove mineral buildup); Curling or folding leaves during the day (caused by underwatering, low humidity, or too much light — water more consistently. move to a shadier spot. check that soil is moist but not dry); Yellowing lower leaves (caused by overwatering or root rot in heavy soil — reduce watering frequency. ensure pot has drainage. repot in a lighter, more aerated mix).
Growing calathea orbifolia in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!