Round-Leaf Calathea Plant Care

Round-Leaf Calathea (Calathea orbifolia) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Calathea genus. Round-Leaf Calathea is native to Tropical areas of South America. Round-Leaf Calathea is also known as Peacock Plant, Calathea, Goeppertia orbifolia.

Round-Leaf Calathea displays a clumping, upright growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Round-Leaf Calathea every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Round-Leaf Calathea thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Round-Leaf Calathea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Calathea orbifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Round-Leaf Calathea prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Round-Leaf Calathea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Round-Leaf Calathea every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Round-Leaf Calathea is suited to USDA Zone 12a – 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Round-Leaf Calathea can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Round-Leaf Calathea while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Round-Leaf Calathea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Round-Leaf Calathea can be propagated through division of root clumps or stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to peacock plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Round-Leaf Calathea is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Round-Leaf Calathea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a – 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Round-Leaf Calathea is native to Tropical areas of South America. In cooler regions, grow Round-Leaf Calathea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.