Goeppertia orbifolia
Goeppertia orbifolia
Goeppertia orbifolia is a tropical foliage plant with large, leathery oval leaves striped in silvery green. Like other prayer plants, the leaves shift through the day with light. High humidity and filtered water keep the edges from crisping.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Friendly
This plant is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, making it an ideal choice for households with pets.
Care Notes
Light
Place in bright, indirect light to keep the striping clear. Direct sun scorches leaves and can turn them brown or pale.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist, never waterlogged. Use distilled, rain, or filtered water when you can; fluoride and minerals in tap water often burn leaf tips.
Soil
Use a peat-rich or coir mix with perlite in a planter with drainage holes. Repot every 1-2 years in spring to refresh the soil.
Humidity & Temperature
Aim for 60% humidity or higher with a humidifier or pebble tray. Keep temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C-24°C), away from cold drafts and AC vents.
Common Issues
Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering or poor drainage. Crispy brown edges point to low humidity or tap-water sensitivity. Curling leaves often mean thirst or heat stress.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength
Soil
A moisture-retentive but well-draining mix, such as two parts peat moss or coco coir and one part perlite.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
2 to 3 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Division of the root ball and rhizomes during the spring repotting process.
Common Varieties
Most commonly sold as the straight species; previously known and still often marketed as Calathea orbifolia.
Large round silvery-green leaves with dark green parallel stripes radiating from the midrib.
Goeppertia roseopicta 'Dottie'
Often sold as Calathea Dottie, with deep burgundy leaves that read almost black, edged and veined in neon pink. The leaves rise at night and lower by day like other prayer plants.