Goeppertia orbifolia

Common Names

Calathea Orbifolia, Goeppertia Orbifolia, Prayer Plant, Orbifolia Prayer Plant, Round-leaf Calathea, Peacock Plant

Summary

Goeppertia orbifolia is a tropical houseplant in the Marantaceae family native to Bolivia and South American rainforests, prized for large round leaves with a green base and silver-green stripes and known for nyctinasty, folding leaves at night and unfurling by day. It is valued as an ornamental foliage plant and air purifier, commonly grown indoors as a tabletop or floor specimen.

Care emphasizes bright indirect light, avoidance of direct sun, and consistently moist, well-draining soil; temperatures around 65–75°F with humidity 50–60% or higher are preferred, and distilled or rainwater is recommended to prevent leaf tip browning. Repot every 1–2 years, propagate by division, and fertilize monthly during the growing season; regular leaf dusting helps maintain appearance, and monitor for pests such as spider mites and mealybugs, adjusting watering or humidity to prevent problems.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-3 feet

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Goeppertia orbifolia thrives in a well-draining, moisture-retentive peat-based mix with equal parts peat, perlite, and orchid bark, at a pH around 6.0–6.5.

Soil Drainage

Well-draining, moisture-retentive soil that stays moist but not soggy.

Soil pH

6.0-6.5, Slightly acidic

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Silver-green striped foliage

Fall Foliage Color

Green, Silver-gray

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Growth rate is variable and condition-dependent; indoors, growth tends to be slow, with faster growth under favorable conditions and slower growth in cooler months.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Division