Round-leaf Calathea
Calathea orbifolia
Calathea Orbifolia (also classified as Goeppertia orbifolia) is a highly sought-after, designer foliage houseplant native to the tropical rainforest understories of Bolivia. Prized for its large, round, leathery leaves striped with elegant silver-grey and bright green bands, it adds a stunning, high-contrast, lush botanical texture to shaded spaces.
Native Origin & Climate
Humid, shaded tropical rainforest understory of South America. Requires sheltered, warm, high-humidity rooms indoors in Australia.
Expert Pruning Tip
Trim away brown or dried leaf margins using clean scissors, following the natural curve of the leaf. Wipe leaves monthly to keep them dust-free.
In-Situ Environment
Urban Botanics Art
Botanical Blueprint
Localized Australian Care Taxonomy
Green Thumb Required. Demanding. Requires constant moisture and high humidity. Will develop brown crispy leaf edges in dry air or if tap water is used.
Medium to low indirect, dappled shade. Protect strictly from direct sun, which will fade the silver stripes and burn the foliage.
Moderate-to-high. Keep potting mix damp but not soggy. Prefers distilled, rain, or filtered water, as it is sensitive to fluoride and salts in tap water.
Rich, moisture-retentive but free-draining. Blend 60% peat-based potting mix, 20% compost, and 20% perlite to ensure clean aeration.
Requires warm temperatures (18°C–26°C) and high humidity (60%+). Thrives in Brisbane and northern NSW. In southern states, use a humidifier.
Division of root clump during spring repotting. Gently separate crowns, ensuring each division has roots and a healthy leaf.
Lush, dense, and soft. Large rounded leaves with striking silver-green stripes that arch gracefully from a central stem base.
Warm bathrooms with frosted glass windows, or bright rooms grouped with other plants. Keep away from heaters and fans.
Indoor
Safe:Completely non-toxic to cats, dogs, and children. A highly safe and worries-free foliage houseplant for any home.
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