Calathea Orbifolia

Calathea Orbifolia, also known as the orbifolia prayer plant, is a type of prayer plant that is popular for its large and striking green-striped leaves. It's not hard to see why so many houseplant enthusiasts covet calathea species. These striking tropical beauties have distinct stripes and veining on their oblong foliage. However, they're not always the best choice for novice plant lovers as they're particular when it comes to the care and conditions they require (think frequent watering and high humidity).

However, this tricky plant has lots going for it if you're willing to put in the extra effort. Calthea oribifolia is fast-growing, pet-friendly, lush, and eye-catching.

Light: It's all about encouraging lush, healthy-looking foliage with the Calathea orbifolia, and offering the right diffused light is one of the keys to success. Direct sun results in ugly brown spots, leaf scorch and fading patternation. However, if the light conditions are too low, the leaves won't look their fullest or healthiest. Rotating the plant every month helps to promote balanced growth too.

Watering: Watering errors are where lots of first time round-leaved calathea owners go wrong. Getting the balance right can be tricky, as too much watering leads to root rot and the eventual death of your plant. Always check the top couple of inches of soil with your finger. If it feels damp and soil comes off on your finger, wait a couple of days and check again. If the soil feels dry, it's usually time to water.While they need consistent moisture, these plants can't tolerate soggy roots. The little and often approach works best, and watering from the bottom helps moisture reach the roots and the center of the pot. Watering from the top often results in the water draining right down through to the bottom. Make sure to check the soil after a few hours. If the soil is moist right up to the top, drain any excess water from the saucer or tray below the pot.Using distilled or filtered water or tap water left out overnight helps prevent the crisping leaf edges or yellowing leaves that some of the problematic minerals can cause.