Goeppertia orbifolia (Calathea orbifolia) Houseplant Care - 342 of 365

[@sistermail999]

My prayer plant got me praying for it to stop getting brown edges

[@simplyb.8959]

Me tooooooo!🙉

[@amaturearcadia]

Give it distilled water and if that doesn't work use a soil medium that's acidic. Do both 😁

[@monkey93xf]

I mix a lot of charcoal into my calathea and prayer plant mixes. If you don't want to repot it, you can also give it an inch of charcoal on the top. Even though I use distilled water, I find it helps with impurities that could be in new soil too.

[@elska-jo]

Great video, thank you! I recently repotted mine after years in the same soil and man, did it not enjoy the upset! I've had my Orbifolia for 6 years now and it's by far the fussiest plant when I get things wrong, or transplant. When the light is right - which for mine is pretty low light - and the watering consistent though, it's stunning at nearly 2 feet tall, with leaves the size of my head. Totally worth figuring out!

[@jacquelinejones3429]

Share a picture please. I love them but mine is down to 2 leaves. :o(

[@Dixiwonderlandyoutube]

Orbifolia is one of my favorite :D Really love the leaves. Mine survived our Swedish winter without any grow light and starting to give me new leaves so I´m really happy about it :D

[@erikaperezrubio9463]

I have two. The first one in a 4” pot from a nursery, had some issues, browning leaves from using tap water. Bought my second in a 6” pot at my local grocery store. I have collected rain water and using it for both. They are both doing well. Keeping hopeful that they thrive, such a beautiful plant!

[@adhilshajahan2271]

I can't just imagine the struggles you put in to keep your Orbifolias healthy, cuz mine live outside I keep forgetting about it and it thrives! I am from South India.

[@novelynislostinthetropics3455]

The one I received in the mail had so much issues and I was left with one leaf. 3 months later it has 5 Big round leaves and i believe it had adjusted to my growing condition. They are definitely sensitive from being shipped and they really need to acclimate to your own growing condition. It really helps to do the greenhouse method. I did that for most of my plants that came in the mail and they acclimated so much easier not faster but definitely easier. Place this plant no where near doors or windows to avoid any pest from attacking it so easily.

[@scrillscrill1099]

I bought one of these today at Kroger ($6.99) today ( February 20, 2023) and the plant instructions stated we should have bright light for it. I've followed many of your video information and you have never steered me wrong.

[@Zadventurelife]

I'm from Malaysia. Currently my Orbifolia still healthy. I'm using 80% pumice and 20% coco peat. Only use rain water and distilled water. Malaysia is very hot weather so I usually watering them once every 4 days. Definitely need a humidifier, and spray the plants during morning and noon time. Keep them moisture, but make sure the soil are not wet, that's why I use 80% pumice.

[@flowergirl8887]

I love this plant. I have had it for a couple of years now.

[@deanslidel8063]

Definitely the best care guide i've seen for this plant! Mine had thrips, i sprayed it with pesticide and all the leaves died but grew back from the root. I tried Neem oil on the leaves as well but the leaves are just too sensitive. Im still battling to keep it happy. One of my favourite plants but also one of my most difficult.

[@krkica27]

Wow, thanks, I just found one discarted in garbage. So sad, but I am happy to have it. She is just recovering. Wonderful big leaves.

[@Zadventurelife]

krkica27 I'm from Malaysia. Currently my Orbifolia still healthy. I'm using 80% pumice and 20% coco peat. Only use rain water and distilled water. Malaysia is very hot weather so I usually watering them once every 4 days. Definitely need a humidifier, and spray the plants during morning and noon time. Keep them moisture, but make sure the soil are not wet, that's why I use 80% pumice.

[@TinyHyena1967]

@krkica27 ~ Wow ... who would throw away a plant like that? But ... lucky for the plant, as it seems to have found a better home. One year later, how's it doing?

[@krkica27]

@@TinyHyena1967 I was surprised too that someone would discard it like that. It looks beautiful with big leaves. I am watering it only with rain water and it's enjoying it.

[@TheOrganizedSoprano]

This is my fussiest Calathea I own BY FAR. But it’s very pretty

[@robynrowe8305]

I love growing a large variety of plants, but this particular one got the better of me.......might try again now that I have a little more knowledge

[@witsan2001]

I just bought one today, it is about 50 cm high and I'm loving it

[@coldundertow]

This is the hardest one in my Calathea collection, keeps getting brown edges no matter what I tried 😥

[@zoelewis7498]

SAME, my other Calatheas are just vibing but this one 😞

[@vhowardrn]

Mine too....😩

[@Zadventurelife]

coldundertow I'm from Malaysia. Currently my Orbifolia still healthy. I'm using 80% pumice and 20% coco peat. Only use rain water and distilled water. Malaysia is very hot weather so I usually watering them once every 4 days. Definitely need a humidifier, and spray the plants during morning and noon time. Keep them moisture, but make sure the soil are not wet, that's why I use 80% pumice. They are rain forest plants, so try to give them a similar environment, they will happy with that.

[@shaban5986]

@@Zadventurelife in my place it's difficult for rain water...what if I use for bottled drinking water...????will it help...?? I mist my plants twice or thrice a day during the day....

[@Zadventurelife]

vSha Ban I think distilled water will be better. Mineral water not good for calathea

[@Sedated27]

I have pet turtles and been using there filtered water from there tank on all my plants, now they are growing very well and fast. 💓

[@rdarrett3635]

I’m early in my journey (7 months), so I can’t say my steps are best. I spray it once every three weeks with 70% alcohol and do my best to keep the soil slightly moist. I have crispy edges/spots, but I still have new shoots coming up every 2 weeks. I keep praying every time I look at it that it is not dying or has pests. Definitely keeps my attention. 😳☺️

[@kameliakaravelova2204]

Why do you spray it with alcohol?

[@rdarrett3635]

@@kameliakaravelova2204 It is a preventive measure for some pests. Not specifically for the calathea but plants in general. It has to be 70%.

[@kevinmastika1752]

Ah, orbifolia; They are the reason why I began my journey in plants; so far this one girl hasn’t died on me, but there’s no growth at all, I’ve taken care of Calatheas, I think orbifolia is the hardest for me , but I guess this is because I live in the tropics Thank you for the video, cheers !

[@samanthadispenza8600]

Qué hermosa planta!

[@rigamriba9945]

Hi, I am from India...thanks for making this video as I always excited to see a healthy calathea orbifolia like yours because i am totally fed up of browning of leaf (tips or along the edges )even after putting all efforts 😆..yes it is very sensitive to water or overwatering ..💛💛

[@Zadventurelife]

RIGAM RIBA I'm from Malaysia. Currently my Orbifolia still healthy. I'm using 80% pumice and 20% coco peat. Only use rain water and distilled water. Malaysia is very hot weather so I usually watering them once every 4 days. Definitely need a humidifier, and spray the plants during morning and noon time. Keep them moisture, but make sure the soil are not wet, that's why I use 80% pumice.

[@Zadventurelife]

It is rain forest plants, so try to give them a similar environment

[@rigamriba9945]

Good morning Zach..thank you so much for your wonderful suggestions...will definitely try as per your recommendation...I won't let it die off as this plant is in my wishlists ..hahahahaha..💚💚

[@Zadventurelife]

RIGAM RIBA You welcome, hopefully my suggestion is helpful for you. I think India and Malaysia have same hot weather.

[@rigamriba9945]

Yeah you are right..but the topography of our region is somewhat different from other parts of India..I belongs to the state of Arunachal Pradesh which is situated in extremely eastern part of our country so we are experiencing.the mild weather throughou the year..anyways thanks for sharing your experience ❤❤

[@eshart1190]

I got one yesterday and then you uploaded this ☺️

[@Zadventurelife]

Es Hart I'm from Malaysia. Currently my Orbifolia still healthy. I'm using 80% pumice and 20% coco peat. Only use rain water and distilled water. Malaysia is very hot weather so I usually watering them once every 4 days. Definitely need a humidifier, and spray the plants during morning and noon time. Keep them moisture, but make sure the soil are not wet, that's why I use 80% pumice.

[@eshart1190]

Zach Gallery thank you so much. I’ve been wanting to get a humidifier for a long time but due to this whole isolation thing I guess my diffuser will have to do for the time being as this plant was a surprise gift from my grandma so I couldn’t really prepare for it. I’m rly hoping it stays happy and healthy but it’s my first calathea 😐 (again, surprise gift) and I’ve heard it’s one of the harder ones. Thanks for all your advice :)

[@Zadventurelife]

Es Hart If don't have humidifier, you can actually buy a humid meter, then you know the humidity of your room. You can spray distilled water/filter water or rain water on their leaves. Or just use a larger container, put your whole plant in the middle of container, pour water inside. Means your plants are surrounded with water, to increase the surrounding humidity. Besides, air circulation are important too. For example if your spray your plants in the morning, after few hours, the leaves still not dry out, mean your room air circulation are not good. Then the germs and bacteria will start growing.

[@nishibendan]

Mine is pretty happy and healthy but does anyone know how to get it to pump out larger leaves? Mine are all on the smaller side and it's kind of getting cluttered with the smaller, lower leaves

[@lauriebrochu115]

my Orbifolia has little insects that are fast crawlers in the top portion of my soil, I tried to do some research and I think they are soil mites but it is a bit confusing because some say that they can do damage, others say that they can help the plant....I bought the plant at a nursery.

[@taeviansworldofreptiles3828]

Beautiful leaves on that one!

[@johnfisherart9237]

i've picked up a badly neglected Orbifolia for very cheap. I think its been under watered. How can i best review it?

[@monicalee316]

Everyone keeps saying how it's one of the harder Calatheas to take care of and how it's super fussy. Maybe they're over thinking it, idk lol I'm definitely a beginner and haven't had any issues, I absolutely love mine 🤷

[@resh1984dreamz]

Would you still say the same, I going to purchase it today😬

[@monicalee316]

@@resh1984dreamz absolutely!

[@andreeawhatever]

where do you live? perhaps if you are in an area with mild climate and high humidity, then it's going to do well. in other places, it may be a lot of work to create that environment.

[@jbe6697]

I thought the same but then these thrips somehow appeared and now my tinier calathea just has one leave left. Hope i can propagate a new one out of that leave

[@renegadetherapist5664]

@@andreeawhatever I just got one today. I live in FL, and it's humid but people forget we have a/c on 24 hrs a day so if the plants are in the house, they still need humidity. I've got two calatheas that are doing fine, hope I can do the same with this one!

[@normatrewhella9003]

It’s beautiful.

[@PlantBasics]

I love mine! Really such a nice no fuss plant for medium light. Thank you for the great video Summer. Corbin, Cape Town.

[@BlueDragonIII]

There's a lot of debate about misting or not, tropical plants. As far as I know, it rains quite a lot in their natural environment, so I mist them once in a while. What is your opinion?

[@MiuMiuG]

I love this plant but it kills my soul - every time I get a big beautiful leaf it turns brown along the edges within a couple of weeks.

[@AlbinaHasegawa]

I love this plant

[@miguelcarlo83]

I don’t mind imperfections in the plants, Summer. It gives character to the plants.

[@rdarrett3635]

Miguel Carlo Rivera I guess I need to keep this in mind when I’m looking at all my crispy spots. ☺️

[@caitmoore131]

as long as the plant as a whole isnt dying i dont stress. sometimes its best to just leave the little spots alone

[@nataliejones7585]

Okay, so I got one today at Harris Teeter supermarket..... dying 😕 I cut off about 5 leaves, which left 4, and one of those was just hanging on by a thread! I staked it...I didn't have the heart to cut it off and it was the largest leaf 🌿 the person at the flower dept watered it just enough for me to get it home. I seems pretty heavy with water. Any suggestions? Thanks 👍🏽 ( at home I water my Calathea's with rain water or distilled water).

[@alexisgraffice4559]

A gentle neem oil mixture has been fine so far for mine. And i keep all my calathea grouped together close by my humidifier at 50~60% humidity. Older growth has brown tips from buying it, but all of the new growth is lush!! Filtered water for sure. Such beautiful drama queens 😩

[@andrewandrew5033]

If I may ask...what's your ratio of neem and water for a gentle treatment of pests? Thanks

[@alexisgraffice4559]

Andrew Andrew for one quart I use a pure 100% neem concentrate: 1.5 teaspoons of neem, 1/2 teaspoon of mild soap for emulsion to water

[@alexisgraffice4559]

But people seem to love the remixed neem oil... or the insecticidal soap :)

[@andrewandrew5033]

@@alexisgraffice4559 ... Thanks for the tip. Really appreciate it. Will a castille soap shower take care of pests like spider mites, scale, thrips etc etc? I don't mind treating with neem but the smell gets to me sometimes.

[@jessicat3951]

@@andrewandrew5033 the scale insect has a hard shell as an adult, so it won’t help with those. It will work for the spider mites and the young scale. Thrips live most of their life in the soil and unopened leaves, and in my opinion are one of the hardest to deal with. Insecticidal soap won’t be effective for thrips or mature scale, but it will help a little. I used to work in a commercial greenhouse and we used tobacco smoke bombs for the thrips. The idea is the smoke can get into the soil, but I have always wondered. 🧐 You cannot go back into the greenhouse for 12 hours because of the toxicity.

[@anthonylewis62]

i saw one of those yesterday in the store, i passed it by, they are hard to grow, our house is good on humidity but these plants do NOT like me haha

[@ongwehias7580]

i suggest flushing at least once a year, to get rid of excess salts in marantacea pots. even when i use my 0 tds water it will get some salts from decomposition of the soil mix and ferts. flushing doesnt get all the salts out but it gets the amount that is most easily going to dissolve, meaning the stuff that would get into the plants roots the most readily.

[@ongwehias7580]

you can get a tds meter for less than 10 dollars these days and use it to test the water you use on it, and the water in the saucer after it ran though. it gives you a frame of reference on salt levels which you can keep in mind when noticing the ups and downs of the plant's health.

[@reik7614]

how do you flush?? is that mean I would have to repot the plant with fresh soil?

[@ongwehias7580]

@@reik7614 flushing is purposefully watering too much to let the fresh water wash the soil.

[@ar.marklestero.posadas4452]

Can we use Air-Conditioning Unit Drained Water??

[@miam.652]

I always thought i am a bad plantmom, but now i am figuring out that my plants are just hard to keep alive...

[@DavidMoralesPlants]

*I have a two-inch one from planterina's website. I hope it grows fast!*

[@susanacortez1709]

Me too! 😂

[@DavidMoralesPlants]

Susana Cortez from Planterina? As well!!?

[@susanacortez1709]

Yes! Also got my first Monstera Deliciosa

[@DavidMoralesPlants]

Susana Cortez oh my god nice!

[@vhowardrn]

The one I got from Plantarina died. I’m not sure what on earth I did to puss it off....I tried to save it but was unable to do it.

[@kricket3815]

I have one of those plants and other palaceas You can use tap water just have to let it sit for 24 hours and then water your plants with it it's fine You don't have to buy distilled water all the time.

[@StrangeDisposition]

Noooo not Calathea anymore 😭! I guess it makes sense since their leaves don’t pray 😪. I am no plant whisperer but mine has been putting out leaves since I got it in fall. I guess I’ll just use worm castings if it’s fertilizer sensitive.

[@beacurnearecurvata188]

My orbifolia has a light green color. I want it to be a bit darker. What do I do?

[@spaceapricot4855]

you can get the calathea fasciata ;) it's very similar to the orbifolia, the leaves are significantly darker tho. the leaves of your calathea will darken with age and maturity!

[@packer812]

In my experience, they get a deeper/darker color if you keep them away from bright light. I keep mine in a relatively dark space and it seems to like that. The leaves are very dark/green in color and it has no brown edges. Also, don't over water it, that's the most common mistake that people make with this plant. I water mine every two weeks, sometimes even less frequent, and only use fertilizer once a month (I use about a quarter of what it says on the bottle). I also wash the leaves with a cotton pad soaked in rainwater or distilled water once a week, for optimal photosynthesis.

[@kimsmith1224]

This plant is a pain, by any name.😆Not sure what it wants....and I live in the tropics. Mine is ugly and dying. I will put it back outside and pray.

[@at7351]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Zadventurelife]

Kim Smith I'm from Malaysia. Currently my Orbifolia still healthy. I'm using 80% pumice and 20% coco peat. Only use rain water and distilled water. Malaysia is very hot weather so I usually watering them once every 4 days. Definitely need a humidifier, and spray the plants during morning and noon time. Keep them moisture, but make sure the soil are not wet, that's why I use 80% pumice. They are rain forest plants, so try to give them a similar environment, they will happy with that.

[@braveviet]

@@Zadventurelife do you keep it inside (air conditioner ỏ not) or outside?

[@Zadventurelife]

braveviet nope, my room only have air cooler, but not air conditioner. Something like humidifier, with a build in fan, can pour water inside. Air circulation is important for indoor plants too.

[@braveviet]

@@Zadventurelife thats a good idea. Air circulating and humidifying in one

[@kourtneys.plant.korner765]

Have all Calathea been renamed?

[@friendssnoww]

Hi Summer, what is the website you follow for the plant taxonomy. Thanks!

[@cristaconway]

I love this plant but I’ve killed 2 of them with fertilizer and neem oil.

[@lovelymess1019]

Can you dead head orbifolia?

[@bravauser]

In HongKong, we call this plant as Green Apple, it really likes a green apple when I first see it, but my green apple had died recently, I think I got the plant overwatering since it turns black from the root, maybe contract the illness, coz most of the edges of leaves turn brown when I brought it. T_T

[@fahimps437]

💚💚

[@amaturearcadia]

I let my coffee grounds soak in some egg shells and use the brew it creates 😊

[@detsiwt88]

I love this plant so much but it has died on me a few times 😭 why won’t it love me

[@jonified]

Just curious, I've been hearing that new York tap water is "the best", is it still not good enough for watering plants?

[@TheBlueGiraffe11]

also curious!!

[@TinyHyena1967]

I don't know about NY's tap water at all, but ALL of my prayer plants ONLY get distilled water. Period.

[@ritchelpa7761]

I love this plant next to stoma the triostar

[@lorrainecourtney4589]

Thanks for info on distilled water... brown edges drive me crazy :(

[@Zadventurelife]

Lorraine Courtney I'm from Malaysia. Currently my Orbifolia still healthy. I'm using 80% pumice and 20% coco peat. Only use rain water and distilled water. Malaysia is very hot weather so I usually watering them once every 4 days. Definitely need a humidifier, and spray the plants during morning and noon time. Keep them moisture, but make sure the soil are not wet, that's why I use 80% pumice.

[@lorrainecourtney4589]

@@Zadventurelife thank you Zach :)

[@arlenerodrigues5816]

Out of the four prayer plants I own, my Calathea Rosie is doing very well, whats the secret?.... Ants, small red ants did something to the soil and made it airy and the plant has never been happier. The other three are kind ok...I live in India

[@TinyHyena1967]

The ants probably aerated the soil (prayer plants in general love soil that's aerated well). And, I'm sure all that ant poop fertilized the plant, as well.

[@Fatima-fq9gr]

Can you do a top care free plants again?

[@123missshorty]

Every single one of my prayer plants I've gotten has had mealy bugs. It's always a fight to keep them off. 😭

[@sweethomedevelopment8695]

I don't remember what plant I was having issues with mealy bugs, but I read a suggestion to change the potting mix to get rid of the eggs, that worked.

[@123missshorty]

@@sweethomedevelopment8695 I replanted one of my Calathea not too long ago. I removed it from the soil and let it sit in water for 10 minutes before rinsing it and replanting it. Four had managed to survive because they had been so buried within the leaves. They're super tricky, but I'll keep trying if it happens again. I like them too much. XD

[@33bengel]

please stay healthy!!! i m afraid for you...corona is scary. lg steffi aus germany

[@lupebutterfly9161]

Wow all these comments are making me nervous. I just ordered an orbifolia for about $75. I hope it a least makes it ok

[@il1298]

😱 that’s very brave of you. How is it doing now?

[@lupebutterfly9161]

@@il1298 I cancelled my order, I decided to wait patiently until it's available locally, plus I have seen way too many horror stories.

[@il1298]

Esquinita de Lupe i actually bought one myself, it’s already relatively big when I bought it for €20. And now it’s HUGE! I live in Germany and I just water it with tap water, don’t have any problems with it. Did you get one already? ☺️

[@Terry-hw1ws]

Mine's thriving in 25% humidity

[@d.o.2115]

would you recommend I regularly rotate my orbifolia so all sides receive sunlight from my window?

[@jfuentes9188]

Yes

[@TinyHyena1967]

Absolutely. With ALL of my plants, I do a1/4 turn clockwise every time I water them. That's the easiest way for me to remember to do it.

[@aggiei6449]

The only plant I ever killed, still don't know what went wrong! It was such a drama queen - I am not sure if I want to try again

[@Zadventurelife]

Aggie I I'm from Malaysia. Currently my Orbifolia still healthy. I'm using 80% pumice and 20% coco peat. Only use rain water and distilled water. Malaysia is very hot weather so I usually watering them once every 4 days. Definitely need a humidifier, and spray the plants during morning and noon time. Keep them moisture, but make sure the soil are not wet, that's why I use 80% pumice.

[@aggiei6449]

@@Zadventurelife Hi Zach, thanks for the tips! I have been treating my orbifolia in the same way as I do my warscewiczii and lancifolia (they seem to be very happy). I have around 65-80% humidity without a humidifier and it seems to be okay for most of my plants. My orbifolia was bought elsewhere though - I wasn't sure about the soil it was in but I didn't want to shock it so I left it there and it started declining. I find Calatheas quite needy but they are so gorgeous!

[@wealllame]

Mine is huge

[@sallyedmondson9275]

Yes, beautiful but a bloomin heart breaker ! 🥰

[@veeraldogra5684]

These drop dead even if I breathe near them. Plus even if you manage to keep one alive for some time they never look good. Half of the plant is all brown and crispy.

[@Zadventurelife]

Veeral Dogra I'm from Malaysia. Currently my Orbifolia still healthy. I'm using 80% pumice and 20% coco peat. Only use rain water and distilled water. Malaysia is very hot weather so I usually watering them once every 4 days. Definitely need a humidifier, and spray the plants during morning and noon time. Keep them moisture, but make sure the soil are not wet, that's why I use 80% pumice. Leaf turn Brown and crispy because of low humidity.

[@veeraldogra5684]

@@Zadventurelife I am from India, Hot and Humid here as well. But we have extremes of everything - be it the heat, rain or cold. I have actually started to really appreciate Cacti and Succulents, they thrive on neglect.

[@deliadsantiago9895]

I apologize but I might sound harsh but I hate any kind of calathea. I spent so much money on them. Bought different kinds ‘cause I fell in love with the colors. The leaves curled, turned brown. Threw them all away. I’ll stick with pathos, Sansevieria and cacti. Done, finished with Calatheas! No more stress🤣😂🤣

[@Zadventurelife]

Delia D Santiago I'm from Malaysia. Currently my Orbifolia still healthy. I'm using 80% pumice and 20% coco peat. Only use rain water and distilled water. Malaysia is very hot weather so I usually watering them once every 4 days. Definitely need a humidifier, and spray the plants during morning and noon time. Keep them moisture, but make sure the soil are not wet, that's why I use 80% pumice.

[@billzhou2644]

cat keepers be careful

[@AlbinaHasegawa]

I love this plant