Round-leaved calathea is native to eastern Brazil and is grown mainly as a houseplant in the United States. Its large, round leaves have alternating dark green and silver-green bands.

Appearance

Growth form
This perennial forms an upright clump about 2–3 ft (0.6–0.9 m) tall.
Leaves
The rounded leaves can reach about 12 in (30 cm) across. Dark green and silver green bands cross each leaf, while the underside is pale green to silver.
Flowers
Small white flowers may appear, but potted plants rarely bloom.

Look-alikes

Goeppertia fasciata

Both have broad, striped leaves. Check the underside: it is pale green or silver in round-leaved calathea, but deep red or purple in Goeppertia fasciata.

Where it lives

Typical habitats
  • humid tropical forest
  • indoor pots
Range
It is native to northeastern and southeastern Brazil. In the United States, it is grown mainly as a houseplant.
Preferred conditions
It grows best in bright, filtered light, humid air, and moist soil that drains well. Outdoor planting is suited to 11–12.

Growing it

Care
Keep it away from strong direct sun and let excess water drain from the pot.
Propagation
Established clumps can be divided to make new plants.

Name and classification

About the name
It was once called Calathea orbifolia.

Conservation

IUCN Red List
NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed
5 sources
  1. iNaturalist taxon API
  2. Kew POWO: Goeppertia orbifolia
  3. NC State Extension: Goeppertia orbifolia
  4. RHS: Goeppertia orbifolia
  5. NC State Extension: Goeppertia fasciata
Goeppertia orbifolia — identification & habitat | Moeyo