Calathea

Calathea orbifolia is a calathea with a rosette of large, rounded leaves in light green, striped with silvery white. It comes from the rainforests of South America, grows about 50cm tall and wide, and suits bright rooms, shaded patios and frost free tropical borders. The stripe intensity varies with light levels, growing conditions and the age of the plant.

Why you'll love it

• Big round leaves. Large circular leaves in a tidy rosette give the plant a bold, sculptural shape.
• Silvery stripes. Pale silvery white stripes run across each light green leaf, a softer look than darker calatheas.
• Leaves that unfurl. New leaves start as tight scrolls and open into broad circles, which is part of the show.
• A compact 50cm. It stays about 50cm tall and wide, so it fits a shelf, a table or a shaded border.
• Pet friendly. Calatheas are not considered toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Indoors. A warm, bright room out of direct sun is ideal. Stand it on a stable surface away from heaters, air conditioners and draughts.

Shaded borders. As tropical accent planting in frost free gardens, plant 50cm apart so the rosettes touch and form a continuous leafy edge.

Patio containers. In a warm, sheltered spot, a medium pot of moisture retaining mix gives a strong foliage feature.

Growing Calathea orbifolia in Australia

Position and climate. Shade with indirect sunlight, and a warm, sheltered position. It needs temperatures over 15C, so outdoors it suits tropical and subtropical gardens. Everywhere else, grow it indoors or on a protected patio in summer.

Soil. Moisture retaining soil or a good quality potting mix. Good drainage still matters, so the roots do not stay waterlogged.

Water and feed. Water regularly during the first 12 weeks and regularly once established. Mist regularly if air humidity is low, and wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to free them of dust. Apply a nitrogen rich slow release fertiliser every three months for vibrant, healthy foliage.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Remove old or damaged leaves at the base to keep the rosette tidy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Calathea orbifolia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and in 300mm pots singly. The 200mm and 300mm sizes give you a fuller rosette from the start, while tubes suit a larger shaded planting. Keep it warm and out of cold draughts when it arrives.

Availability of the tube varies, because it comes from our grower rather than from our own shelves, so it is not always available. When it shows as sold out there is none ready, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the calathea range
• House and indoor plants
• Fixing brown edges and curling leaves
• A guide to indoor exotic plants

Common questions

Why are the leaves curling?

Usually dry air or too little water. Mist regularly, keep the plant out of draughts and away from heaters, and water regularly. The calathea care guide linked above covers curling in more detail.

Where should I put it?

In a warm, sheltered spot with bright shade and indirect light. A bright room away from direct sun suits it, as does a covered patio in a warm climate.

How do I keep the stripes strong?

Stripe intensity varies with light and the age of the plant. Give it steady indirect light and a consistent position, and avoid moving it from place to place.