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Overview
Goeppertia orbifolia (syn. Calathea orbifolia) is a round-leaved calathea, growing 18–36 inches (45–90 cm) tall and wide. Large round to broadly ovate leaves 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) across with alternating stripes of dark green and silver-green on the upper surface; pale silver-green undersides. The leaves fold upward at night and reopen in the morning (nyctinasty) — a movement driven by changes in turgor pressure in the pulvinus (a swollen joint at the base of the leaf stalk). Reclassified from Calathea to Goeppertia based on molecular phylogenetics, though still widely sold under Calathea. In the prayer plant family (Marantaceae). Requires consistent high humidity (60%+) — brown leaf edges and crispy margins develop rapidly below 50% humidity, which is the primary maintenance challenge. Sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tap water — leaf tip browning occurs with unfiltered tap water; use filtered, distilled, or rainwater. Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Native to eastern Brazil, where it grows as a tropical forest understory species. Bright indirect light (100–250 foot-candles) — direct sun scorches the thin leaves. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Spider mites and fungus gnats in dry or wet conditions respectively. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Propagation by division only.
Native Range
Native to eastern Brazil, where it grows in tropical forest understory in consistently humid, shaded conditions.Suggested Uses
Grown in containers of 2–3 gallons (8–12 liters) in bright indirect light with humidity above 60%. Suited to bathrooms and kitchens where ambient humidity is higher. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'
Bloom Information
Small white flowers on short stalks are rarely produced indoors. The round striped foliage persists year-round.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, rarely produced indoorsFoliage Description
Green with silver-green striping; pale undersidesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bright indirect light (100–250 foot-candles) — direct sun scorches leaves. Keep soil consistently moist, not waterlogged. Humidity 60%+ required (brown edges below 50%). Use filtered or distilled water (fluoride sensitivity). Non-toxic to pets. Spider mites in dry air; fungus gnats in wet soil.Pruning
Remove browned or damaged leaves at the petiole base. No routine pruning needed. Propagate by division when the clump outgrows the container.Maintenance Level
highContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons