Forest & Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0
About
A popular decorative houseplant, *Calathea orbitfolia* is known for its large, colorful, and patterned foliage. The species exhibits nyctinasty, a striking daily habit where the leaves fold up at night and unfurl in the morning.
Field notes
Morphology
The leaves are often large and colorfully patterned, frequently variegated with bright colors such as pink, orange, red, and white, while the undersides are often purple. The plant exhibits nyctinasty, folding its leaves at night and unfurling them in the morning.
Distribution & habitat
Native to parts of tropical Latin America.
Ecology
The young leaves and bracts can retain pools of water called phytotelmata, which provide habitat for many invertebrates.
Cultivation notes
Requires high humidity, prefers low to medium indirect light, and needs porous, well-draining, acidic soil. Ideal temperatures range from 75 °F to 85 °F, and the plant is sensitive to cold air and minerals found in tap water.
Conservation
Due to habitat destruction, several species are threatened with extinction.
Habitat
- Altitude
- —
- Altitude Class
- —
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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