Round-leaf calathea Goeppertia orbifolia
Round-leaf calathea (Goeppertia orbifolia) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Marantaceae family, native to Bolivia. It grows 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants shade and high water, and is hardy to about 15 °C (59 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
Plan Round-leaf calathea in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Round-leaf calathea at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Marantaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 15 °C (59 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Bolivia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Round-leaf calathea toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA lists calatheas as non-toxic).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Round-leaf calathea
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and high water.
Questions about Round-leaf calathea
- How far apart should I plant Round-leaf calathea?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Round-leaf calathea need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Round-leaf calathea need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Round-leaf calathea?
- It tolerates about 15 °C (59 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- Is Round-leaf calathea poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA lists calatheas as non-toxic).
- What grows well with Round-leaf calathea?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Round-leaf calathea. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- Big, round leaves striped with silver-green bands. One of the fussiest houseplants: it needs high humidity, soft water and steady warmth, or the leaf edges turn brown and crispy. Long known as Calathea orbifolia.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Rattlesnake plant Goeppertia insignis
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- French marigold Tagetes patula