Calathea orbifolia: an indoor plant with an exotic charm

A well-maintained home is a place of vitality, beauty and comfort. Plants are full of life and offer a sense of harmony that adds something extra to the home atmosphere. Calathea orbifolia is the perfect choice for hobby gardeners as it is easy to maintain but has an incredible exotic appeal! In this article, we will find out everything about the maintenance of Calathea Orbifolia: how to take care of it correctly, in the best way and we will examine the most interesting characteristics of the genus.

 

How to take care of Calathea orbifolia

 

Position

Calathea orbifolia prefers humid environments and needs a moderate amount of direct sunlight. The plant develops better in partially shaded environments or in a well-lit place but with indirect light. It is advisable to avoid placing the Calathea near heat sources, such as radiators or air conditioners, as this can affect the quality of the room air and the condition of the plant.

Humidity

Calathea orbifolia is native to the tropical regions of Latin America and needs a fairly high level of humidity to survive in optimal conditions. It is therefore recommended to maintain humidity levels between 40% and 60%. You can increase the humidity around your Calathea by sprinkling water on the soil surface or placing a container with water near the plant. To measure the relative humidity in your surroundings, a hygrometer is useful.

Calathea needs regular watering to stay healthy. It is recommended to water it with distilled or filtered water at room temperature twice a week during the hot season and once a week in the cold season. Make sure the soil is always moist, but without waterlogging as this can cause root rot and compromise the health of the plant.

Fertilization

Fertilizing your Calathea regularly is important to promote healthy leaf and stem development. It is recommended to use a liquid organic fertilizer diluted with water every two weeks during the growing season and every four weeks during the cold season. If you want to use a slow release fertilizer, apply it only during hot weather, following the instructions on the package labels.

Pruning

Pruning your Calathea periodically will help keep it looking neat and stimulate new growth. To prune it properly, use clean scissors to cut away any dead or yellowing leaves. We also advise you to remove the tall stems to favor the development of the plant, preventing it from becoming too large for the container in which it is placed.

 

Diseases and pests

Calathea is generally disease and pest resistant but can also be prone to problems such as root rot, gray mould, aphids, whitefly and mealybugs. To prevent disease and pests, make sure your plant’s environment is comfortable and clean so as not to encourage its growth. If you notice any signs of disease or infestation, treat the plant immediately with natural pesticides or chemicals approved by your local plant health service.

 

Repotting

Calatheas roots need space to grow and expand properly, so they need to be repotted into larger containers when they get too big for their current container. It is therefore advisable to repot your Calatheas at least once a year using well-drained humus-rich soil. Always make sure the soil is well hydrated before repotting as the roots should never be exposed to dry air when repotting.

Proper care is key to maintaining the health of your Calathea orbifolia and avoiding common problems like parasitic disease or root rot. Always remember that the plant needs a cool and humid environment, regular watering with filtered or distilled water, periodic fertilizing and occasional pruning to stay in good health.

 

More tips for successful indoor horticulture

Once you’ve decided which plants to buy, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure they become lasting treasures. First, Calathea orbifolia requires an environment with a high level of humidity.

To increase it, it is necessary to water the plant regularly (a glass of water or twice a week), only when the soil is slightly dry to the touch. To do this, use non-calcareous or filtered water, but not cold. Also, mist the leaves regularly with warm water to increase humidity. Calathea is a slow growing plant, so it shouldn’t be smothered in too small a pot. Better to prefer larger containers in order to allow the plant to thrive more easily. . A further useful tip concerns the use of light and ultraviolet rays. Although it loves very bright places, Calathea can suffer from direct sunlight: if exposed to too much sunlight, its leaves burn easily or develop spots.

To preserve its fresh appearance, it is best to place it at a safe distance from windows. Finally, it is also important to pay attention to the ambient temperatures. The Calathea feels comfortable in rooms with temperatures between 16-23°C (60-75°F) during the hottest season and between 13-18°C (55-65°F) during the coldest season of the year. If ambient temperatures drop too low, it may be necessary to cover the plant or turn on additional heating to keep it healthy. In conclusion, taking care of a Calathea orbifolia is a simple and intuitive process even if it requires some precautions and tricks.