Rounded, almost sculptural
Broad leaves give volume without the rigid outline of a woody plant. Mature leaves can reach approximately 30 cm in width.
Calathea orbifolia 14cm
Normal price
€15,50
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Calathea orbifolia
The plant that rolls out leaves better than we roll out pastry 🥧
- Marantaceae
- Rounded leaves
- Silvery-green stripes
- Bright indirect light
- Clump-forming growth
Calathea orbifolia spreads rounded leaves that seem designed to catch the eye without overwhelming it. Broad silvery-green stripes follow the rhythm of the veins, while gently rippled edges bring movement to each generous leaf surface. The result is bright, full and calm, with a tropical presence built around the foliage itself and the detail of its pattern.
Leaves open on long stalks to create an airy clump with clearly defined layers. Beside wood, linen or a plain decorative pot, orbifolia becomes the composition’s natural pattern, needing little additional decoration to complete the scene. As the leaf angles shift subtly through the day, the same corner takes on a slightly different outline.
What makes it special
Generous surfaces, a repeating pattern and a habit that gives each leaf room to show.
Stripes that brighten
Silvery-green bands alternate with deeper green, creating a clear pattern that reads from a distance.
Foliage in layers
Stalks rise from the base and hold leaves at different heights, keeping the clump full without forming a solid ball.
Why you will love it: A single new leaf can shift the balance of the composition and make you notice the plant all over again.
In your space Placement & plant combinations Where it looks best and which plants complement it
Room for every leaf
Choose a bright corner without strong direct sun. The plant in a 14 cm pot can stand on a broad table or low stand, later moving to the floor near a window with filtered light. Leave space so leaves do not rub against a wall or passing traffic. Beyond the product’s supplied height of 45 cm, a mature plant may reach approximately 60–90 cm tall and 30–60 cm wide, depending on conditions.
Fine foliage alongside
Keep companions in separate pots so watering can be adjusted individually. All prefer indirect light and a warm, relatively humid atmosphere.
- Chamaedorea elegans — Behind it, for fine feathered foliage that contrasts with orbifolia’s broad rounded leaves.
- Asplenium nidus — To the side, for plain green and long rippled blades without a second striped pattern.
- Maranta leuconeura — Lower down, so its smaller patterned leaves add detail without obscuring orbifolia.
Care at a glance
Light
Medium to bright indirect light. Keep strong sun off the broad leaves.
Watering
Water as the upper layer begins to dry, before the root ball dries out. Always drain excess water.
Atmosphere
Steady warmth, ideally about 18–24°C, and higher air humidity. Keep away from heaters and cold draughts.
Pets
Calatheas are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs and cats. They remain ornamental plants, not food.
For this plant
Compost & nutrition
Detailed care Complete care guide Light, water, atmosphere, compost, feeding and leaves
Light and a steady position
Place it near a window with diffuse light or a sheer curtain. Deep shade slows growth, while strong direct sun can fade or scorch the foliage.
Watering and water quality
Check the upper layer with a finger and water as it begins to dry. Moisten evenly and allow drainage. Where water is hard, prefer rainwater or suitably filtered low-salt water at room temperature.
Humid air, not soaked roots
Orbifolia prefers higher air humidity, around 60% or more where practical, with good ventilation. Measure it with a hygrometer and use a humidifier if needed. Constantly wet compost does not replace humidity in the air.
Compost and repotting
Use an open Calathea and Maranta mix, such as Sybasoil Calathea Premium Mix, that retains moisture but drains. Repot when roots fill the available space, preferably in spring, into a slightly larger pot with drainage holes.
Gentle feeding
During active growth, use a complete fertiliser suitable for foliage plants sparingly and according to its label. Account for any nutrients already incorporated in fresh compost. Avoid feeding dry roots or a plant that is not producing new leaves.
Leaf care and inspection
Wipe dust gently with a damp soft cloth, supporting the leaf from below. Remove completely dead leaves low down at the base. Inspect leaf undersides for spider mites and other pests, especially when the air is dry.
Botanical identity Species origin Its native range and two botanical names
The accepted name
The currently accepted botanical name is Goeppertia orbifolia. Calathea orbifolia is a synonym still widely known in the trade; both names refer to the same species.
Eastern Brazil
Kew records the species’ native range in eastern Brazil. It is a perennial herb of the wet tropics, rather than a cultivar bred for its striped pattern.
A transfer in 2012
The combination Goeppertia orbifolia was published in 2012 by Borchsenius and S. Suárez. A change of genus does not mean a different plant or a new commercial cultivar.
Greenleaf for Plant Nerds Science nobody asked for Botanical details for anyone curious about what lies behind the plant’s appearance
The joint beneath the leaf
As in other Marantaceae, the stalk has a swollen region near the blade, the pulvinus. This specialised joint allows the leaf angle to change; daily movement does not require the entire stalk to lengthen.
Asymmetry with a direction
A 2021 study that included Goeppertia orbifolia found a clear directional bias in leaf asymmetry linked to phyllotaxy. The two sides of an apparently rounded leaf are not necessarily perfect mirror images.
One fertile stamen
Marantaceae flowers have one fertile stamen and other staminal organs transformed into petal-like staminodes. Orbifolia’s relationships can also be recognised through this complex structure, although its flowers are rarely seen indoors.
An underground stem supports the clump
The base develops from a rhizome, a modified stem with points of new growth. Division therefore needs a section with roots and an active growing point; a cut leaf alone is not a complete new plant.
Frequently asked questions
Six answers about orbifolia’s leaves, movement and care.
01 Calathea or Goeppertia?
The accepted name is Goeppertia orbifolia, but the same plant is widely sold as Calathea orbifolia. Orbifolia is a species name and does not need cultivar quotation marks.
02 Why do the leaves change position in the evening?
Movement through the day is natural in Marantaceae. If a leaf remains persistently folded or drooping, also check compost moisture, temperature and air conditions.
03 What causes dry brown leaf edges?
Dry air, very hard water, fertiliser salts or sudden drying can cause brown edges. Dead tissue will not turn green again; improvement is mainly seen in new growth.
04 Should I mist it every day?
Misting does not maintain steady humidity in a dry room. If measurements show low humidity, a humidifier gives a more consistent result, with good ventilation and without keeping leaves continuously wet.
05 Can it live in a dark spot?
It is not a choice for deep shade. Prefer medium to bright indirect light to maintain active growth and large leaves, without strong direct sun.
06 Is it a good choice with a cat or dog?
Calatheas are listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. Still discourage chewing: even non-toxic plant material can cause stomach upset.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.