How to Grow Calathea Orbifolia | Peacock Plant Care

Calathea Orbifolia is a stunning and elegant houseplant that adds a touch of tropical rainforest to any indoor space. Here’s how to grow it.

This popular and striking tropical houseplant is known for its large, round leaves with attractive silver-green patterns. Here’s all about how to grow Calathea orbifolia.

Learn How to Grow Bahera Plant here

---

Calathea Orbifolia Information

The plant has large, round leaves with distinct silver-green stripes and patterns on a dark green background. The leaves have a smooth, velvety texture and are held on long, slender stems. The plant’s foliage resembles a peacock feather’s patterns, giving it a unique and eye-catching appearance.

Calathea orbifolia can reach about 60 to 90 centimeters under ideal growing conditions. The leaves can grow up to 25 to 30 centimeters in diameter, making them one of the largest among the Calathea species.

Calathea orbifolia is native to the tropical rainforests of Bolivia. In its natural habitat, it grows as an understory plant, receiving filtered sunlight through the dense forest canopy. However, due to its popularity as a houseplant, it is now cultivated and grown as an ornamental plant in homes, gardens, and indoor spaces across India.

Common Names: Goeppertia orbifolia, Peacock plant or Zebra plant

---

How to Grow Calathea Orbifolia?

Calathea orbifolia can be propagated through division. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Firstly, select a mature and healthy Calathea orbifolia plant with multiple stems or a clumping growth habit. This will ensure that there are enough healthy roots for successful propagation.
• Fill clean pots with a suitable potting mix or a well-draining growing medium. The pots should be large enough to accommodate each division.
• Carefully remove the Calathea orbifolia plant from its current pot, being gentle with the roots to avoid damage.
• Inspect the root system and identify natural divisions or separate clumps of stems with roots. Using clean and sharp pruning shears or a knife, carefully divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each division has healthy roots and a few leaves.
• Plant each division into its pot with the prepared potting mix or growing medium. Make a hole in the medium with a pencil or similar tool and gently place the division, ensuring the roots are well-covered with the mix. Firmly pack the medium around the roots to hold the division in place.
• After planting the divisions, water them thoroughly to settle the soil and promote root establishment. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged in the following weeks.
• Keep an eye on the new divisions and provide them the same care as you would for mature Calathea orbifolia plants. Regularly check the soil moisture and water as needed.

Explore How to Grow Red Peace Lily Plant Easily here

---

Requirements to Grow Calathea Orbifolia

Sunlight

Calathea orbifolia prefers bright, indirect light. It thrives in areas with filtered sunlight or away from direct sun exposure. If the light is too low, the plant may not grow as vigorously, and the vibrant colors on the leaves may fade.

Soil

Use a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture but doesn’t become waterlogged. A blend of peat moss, perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir works well for Calathea orbifolia. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH around 6 to 7) to support healthy growth.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Calathea orbifolia prefers slightly moist soil at all times. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure that water drains well from the pot to prevent soggy soil. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as it can lead to root rot.

Learn How to take care of Terminalia Chebula here

Temperature

Calathea orbifolia prefers temperatures between 18°C to 31°C. Additionally, it is sensitive to cold and should be protected from drafts and temperatures below 15°C.

Humidity

Calathea orbifolia enjoys high humidity levels. If the air in your home is dry, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity. Regular misting of the leaves can also help maintain adequate moisture.

Explore How to Grow Ageratum Conyzoides here

---

Calathea Orbifolia Care

 

Fertilizer

Feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the dormant season when the plant’s growth slows.

Pruning

Regularly remove any yellow or damaged leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and health. Additionally, you can also trim back leggy or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth.

Pests and Diseases

Calathea orbifolia can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Inspect your plant regularly and take action if you notice any infestations. Leaf spot diseases can be a concern if the plant’s leaves are consistently wet. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent leaf spots.

Learn How to Make a Balcony Grill Design for Plants here