Calathea orbifolia, or prayer plant, is native to Bolivia. Generally grown as a houseplant in temperate climates, it is cultivated for its beautiful ornamental leaves. It prefers partial shade, humidity, and good drainage. It grows in a sunny location, but can also tolerate some shade. Here are some basic guidelines for caring for the plant. Read on for more information.
Plant needs indirect light
The easiest way to propagate Calathea orbifolia is by cutting the stem from the mother plant. After cutting, loosen the roots and plant them in a pot of 4-5 inches. The ideal soil contains a good amount of organic matter like peat, coconut fibre and pumice. Keep the soil moist but not too wet. A little water once or twice a week is sufficient.
When choosing a location, select a window with moderate light, but shield it from direct sunlight. Calathea orbifolia is happy with medium indirect light, but it cannot handle direct sunlight. The plant will suffer from sunburn if placed in direct sunlight, so place it near a north or east window. You can grow a beautiful plant in your home if you provide the right light.
As a houseplant, Calathea orbifolia should be placed in an area with indirect light. While it can tolerate lower light, it will not have as vibrant color as if it was grown under direct sunlight. Indirect light is ideal. The plant also needs a moderate temperature in the evening. A temperature of about 15 to 21 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. You can fertilize it every three weeks.
The best light for your Calathea plant will be provided by a south-facing window. While north-facing windows can receive some sunlight, they are typically too weak. A west-facing window, on the other hand, may be intense. West-facing windows should be shaded. A light meter will help you determine the ideal light for your plant. If the light is too intense, Calathea may not thrive.
It needs fertilizer
The use of fertilizer is necessary to maintain the green and shiny leaves of calathea orbifolia. This plant prefers a water-soluble fertilizer, which you should dilute to about 1/4 strength before applying it to the plant. The fertilizer should contain an NPK balance of three to two, with the emphasis on nitrogen. If you are growing this plant indoors, it is best to water it once a week or two.
In addition to a good quality fertilizer, the Calathea orbifolia also needs regular watering. Watering the plant regularly is important to keep it healthy. In fact, it may benefit from a light feeding once a month. Calathea orbifolia plants enter a dormant period in autumn and winter, when they are not actively growing. If you fertilize it during this period, the roots of the plant will be burned, which could cause the plant to die.
If you want to propagate this plant, make sure to get some fresh cuttings from your old plants. Make sure the soil is moist, but not wet. Orbifolias like to grow under the shade of larger plants. In addition, keep it at least 4 feet away from direct sunlight, as it will not grow well if the lighting is low. Instead, place it in a sunny location with ample filtered lighting.
It needs humidity
The best place to place your Orbifolia is in an area that has medium to high humidity. The plant needs a constant moisture level of 50% or higher. This humidity level can be achieved by misting the plant leaves regularly, or by adding a humidifier. A pebble tray filled with water is also an excellent place to place your Orbifolia, as it will provide the right amount of moisture.
Calathea Orbifolia grows well in a container, especially if it has a drainage hole. The plant does best in warm environments, and it must be moved indoors when temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that cold drafts can kill your plant, so make sure the temperature is not too hot or too cool for it. This plant does best in a room that is bright, but not overly so.
Calathea Orbifolia grows best in a room that is at least 50% humid. Most rooms are dry, so make sure the humidity level is high enough. To achieve the right humidity level, mist the leaves daily in the morning and evening. Misting your plant will prevent curling of its leaves. Place it on a pebble tray, as this will help hold the moisture after the water evaporates.
It needs to be pruned
The leaves on a Calathea orbifolia usually remain attached to the stem. This leaves are vulnerable to insects, mildew, and yellowing. The stems should be cut off near the main stem, but don’t remove all leaves at once. Clean pruners with rubbing alcohol before trimming the plant. You should also disinfect pruning tools and avoid trimming too many leaves at once.
First, make sure to prune dead Calathea leaves. Remove these with sanitized shears. Then, prune crisping tips and edges. Don’t cut off the whole leaf, as it will be difficult to recover after the pruning. Instead, only cut off a third of the living foliage. By doing this, you’ll help your plant recover. It is also necessary to keep the plant healthy during periods of dryness.
Calathea orbifolia is a medium-sized plant that grows fastest in bright indirect light. It grows two to three feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) tall and can grow to thirty centimeters in width. It has glossy, oval-shaped leaves, which are about 30 cm in width. It is a fast-growing plant, but direct sunlight is a killer.
Calathea orbifolia plants need regular watering, so make sure to give them enough. Watering too much or too little will cause the plant to wilt and die. Too little water will also attract pests. When watering is neglected, it will not grow. It will eventually grow back, but it won’t look as healthy as it once did.
It needs to be watered
If you want a beautiful, elegant plant, Calathea Orbifolia is for you. Its large leaves and striking coloring make it a great choice for any home. However, the plant does require some maintenance. Although it gives off moisture naturally, you should always use distilled or filtered water when misting your plant. You can also wipe the foliage with a damp cloth to remove dead leaves and debris.
It’s crucial to regularly water your Calathea Orbifolia, as too little or too much water can cause it to die. Too much water also attracts pests. It’s important to water your plant in a well-draining soil to keep it healthy. During cooler months, reduce the amount of water. This way, you can avoid the problems associated with root rot.
The perfect temperature for this prayer plant is 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you fail to provide this temperature, it will curl and droop. Too cold or too hot can lead to root rot. If you’re growing it indoors, you’ll need to purchase a pot large enough for the plant. If you’re not sure, buy a 10-inch pot. It’s better to choose a bigger pot for the plant’s roots.
Overwatering your Calathea Orbifolia is another common problem. This can result in numerous plant-related diseases. The most common ones include root rot, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and leaf spot. The main symptom of these diseases is a rotten-looking soil. While most Calathea Orbifolia problems can be treated easily by fungicides, there is no sure-fire way to eliminate them permanently.
It needs to be fertilized
The first step to fertilizing your calathea is to add a little liquid fertilizer to its water. The amount of fertilizer will depend on the variety of calathea you have. In general, a tablespoon or two of liquid fertilizer is adequate. However, if you find that the leaves of your calathea are yellowing or brittle, it might be due to overwatering. If this is the case, move the pot and use a mixture of potting soil and orchid bark. Also, if the leaves of your calathea become brown, it might be due to the lack of humidity or tap water. Use distilled water instead of tap water and use a humidifier to prevent dehydration.
To ensure that your calathea receives the proper moisture levels, monitor the soil moisture using a stick or a moisture meter. Water the plant when the first inch of soil is dry. Do not overwater your Calathea, or you will risk the roots rotting. This is an undesirable scenario that requires immediate remedial action. If your Calathea is growing in pots, use a moist, permeable potting soil and water in small amounts.
Calathea orbifolia doesn’t require heavy fertilization. In fact, they appreciate a light monthly feed. Organic fertilizer will not harm their roots. You can use one-fourth strength of a balanced water-soluble plant fertilizer once a month in the spring and fall. Avoid fertilizing the plant in winter because it won’t bloom. It will also benefit from soil flushing during the winter.
