Calathea Orbifolia, more commonly known as the Seersucker Plant, is a beautiful flowering plant native to Brazil. It gets its name from the fabric seersucker because of its stripes. The plant’s leaves are variegated with white, red, purple, and green colors. Calathea Orbifolia is an evergreen flowering plant that can grow to be up to 3 feet tall. On the contrary, the flower is only 2 inches long. The Seersucker Plant has been known for its medicinal properties and is used in various products, from teas to pain relievers and even food. This plant is also known to have anti-cancer properties and can be used as a remedy against the common cold and flu. It is also an effective treatment for sore throats. Today, Calathea Orbifolia is often sold as house plants. In addition, many nurseries sell them as potted plants or as houseplants.
Scientific classification.
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Marantaceae
Genus: Calathea
Species: C. Orbifolia
History of Calathea Orbifolia.
The first documented record of the Seersucker Plant was found in the year 1510 by a Spanish botanist, Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés. He documented the plant on a map that he drew in his book, “Historia Natural y General de las Indias Occidental y Oriental.” This is the oldest documentation of this plant. In 1648, John Gerard published his famous work of gardening, “The Herbal,” where he described the Seersucker Plant as a “beautiful, sweet-smelling and delightful Herb.
Plant Characteristics:
The Calathea Orbifolia plant has a very bushy form. The plant has several leaf varietals, and the leaves are green-white. The leaves have red, purple, white, and black variegation on them. The flowers grow in clusters of three at the top of the plant. These flowers have four white petals. The Seersucker Plant has a strong sweet scent. The plant’s growth pattern is slow, and it can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Calathea Orbifolia Habitat & Range.
Calathea Orbifolia is native to Brazil. The range of the Seersucker Plant in South America, from the equator to the Tropics. The plants are often found in tropical regions of the Americas, in Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia. The Seersucker Plant thrives in a tropical environment where there are no extreme changes in temperature or humidity. In temperate zones, this plant will not grow well unless it gets frigid. The Seersucker Plant is an evergreen plant.
Plant Care and Maintenance.
Orbifolia plant is hardy in USDA Zones 10-11 but prefers Zone 8 or warmer. The Calathea Orbifolia should be watered regularly and in a pot that allows adequate drainage. The Seersucker Plant likes to be kept in the light. This plant can tolerate both direct sunlight and indirect light. The Seersucker Plant requires well-drained soil; The plant also needs water daily. Once the plant’s soil dries out, it will begin to wilt. The Seersucker Plant will do better if you add fertilizer to its soil. A good fertilizer is a mix of peat moss and fertilizer.
This plant does best in a tropical climate. This means it needs warm temperatures with slight variation. It does not tolerate cold or extreme heat. The Seersucker Plant is very forgiving of most soils. If the soil isn’t ideal for the plant, it will grow in almost any soil. For the best growth and bloom time, you should fertilize your plant once a week. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch. Do not overwater the plant. The plant’s growth cycle can be up to 5 months long. The plant’s bloom season can vary greatly depending on your local weather.
How to Care for Your Calatheas at Home.
Calatheas are beautiful and hardy houseplants that can be grown in small spaces. They provide a tropical feel to any home and come in many different colors. However, calathea plants are not as strict as other plants and can die or become unhealthy if they do not receive proper care. Make sure you follow the steps below to keep your Calathea healthy: – Spacing: Place your Calathea plant 12 inches away from a light source, such as a window or lamp. – Temperature: The room temperature should be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime and 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. -Watering: The soil should be moist but not wet before watering again. It is best to water early in the morning so that there is less of a chance that the leaves will dry out and turn yellow.
Watering Calathea Orbifolia.
Calathea Orbifolia needs daily watering until it reaches a height of 4 feet. Once the plant reaches 4 feet, water every other day for two weeks. After that, only water the plant once every ten days. The plant’s root system should always have water running through them. This will help to prevent the roots from drying out. Do not let the soil get too dry in the pot. This plant can tolerate both too much water and too little water. It likes water every day. If the soil gets dry, it needs more water. If the soil becomes soggy, it will need less water. The Seersucker Plant will do better if you water it during the middle of the day after it has warmed up and before it gets too hot. The leaves of the Seersucker Plant can get burned if it is watered during the middle of the day. It should be watered at night. This plant needs to be moved when it is done blooming. The Seersucker Plant does not like to be disturbed.
Calathea Orbifolia: Fertilizing.
Orbifolia plant likes a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be in a 1/2 teaspoon mix. Add the fertilizer once every seven days. You should apply it in the spring and early summer before the plants start to bloom. The fertilizer should be a mix of peat moss and fertilizer. The peat moss will help to retain moisture and help to add nutrients to the soil. The fertilizer will help to feed the plant’s roots and give them more energy for growth. A good fertilizer is a 1-2-1 mixture. Add 1 part peat moss and 1 part fertilizer to each gallon of water. Water the plants well and wait for them to grow. Once they are at 4 feet, fertilize them every other day. The plant’s leaves and stems will grow slightly slower if you fertilize the plant too often.
Mulching Calathea Orbifolia.
Orbifolia plant needs some mulch to keep the soil cool and moist. If the soil is too dry, the plant can get brown spots on the leaves.
Pruning Calathea Orbifolia
Orbifolia plants shouldn’t be pruned. It’s best to let the plant grow as it wants. Once the plant has grown a few inches, trim back any dead flowers and branches. They will grow back quickly. This plant likes to be kept in the light and to encourage the growth of this plant it would be best if you transplanted it into a new pot especially if the plant roots have outgrown its current container.
Propagation & Cultivation.
You can quickly propagate this plant by taking cuttings from the growing tips. This process can take a few months for the cuttings to start growing roots; afterward, you should plant your Orbifolia in a bigger pot or container. This plant can be grown from seeds. They will germinate in 2 weeks if the seeds are kept moist. Plant the seeds at least 3 inches deep in the seed starting mix and please note that this plant does best when started from seed. The Seersucker Plant will start to grow seeds in a few days. Remember to keep the soil damp. In terms of transplantation, this plant will produce new growth shortly after its roots are established.
Mature Size and Height.
It can reach a height of around 4 feet if it is allowed to grow naturally.
Calathea Orbifolia Uses.
The Seersucker Plant is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance houseplant. This houseplant is suitable for people who live in warm areas and don’t have a lot of space. The plant will make a beautiful addition to any living room or bedroom. In addition, it can be used as a decoration and a way to spruce up your environment.
Soil & Transplanting.
Orbifolia plant does not like to be planted in peat but it prefers soil that is mostly clay. It also does not like to be transplanted regularly like most plants. Doing so often can result in root rot if the roots are disturbed. It would be best to let the plant grow in the pot until it is at least 6 inches high before any transplant is done. If it is ready to be transplanted, gently lift the plant out of its pot and place it in its new location.
Sunlight & Temperature.
Orbifolia plant does not like excessive direct sunlight. It will do best with a bit of light coming from a window. The temperature should stay around 70 degrees. If the temperature gets too cold, the roots of the plant will not develop properly and the leaves of the plant can wilt quickly. It will do best in an area where it can get more light and air.
Common Pests & Diseases.
Pests do not usually attack this plant. However, some insects will occasionally land on the leaves and eat the leaves of the plant. Pick off the insects if you see them. It is considered a low-maintenance plant and doesn’t need much attention. If the leaves start to look brown or if the plant begins to droop, it may be infected with some fungus. The leaves can usually be removed and replanted in a different location.
One of the most common problems that can harm your plant is being infected by certain diseases. Therefore, it’s essential to do research and find out ways to prevent it from occurring. One of the most common issues is fungus infestation. Fungi can severely affect plants because they grow in moist and wet environments, where Orbifolia prefers to live. You can prevent fungus from affecting your plant by using salt every two weeks to remove the humidity and moisture from your plant’s environment. If you want a more long-term solution than this, you should use a fungicide or an antifungal spray that will keep away any fungi that might come into contact with your plant.
Calathea Orbifolia Uses.
This plant is a great houseplant. It is easy to care for and does not need much space. You can grow this plant in a pot, or you can use it as an indoor garden. The plant is suitable for people who live in warm climates. The plant can be used as an accent plant in a living room or a bedroom. It makes an excellent plant to put near the window. It can also be used as a great decorative plant and also, You can use the plant as a centerpiece in your home. The plant has small, white, bell-shaped flowers and dark green leaves surrounding its flowers. It makes a beautiful decoration in any room. The plant can be used in place of a potted fern.
Is the Calathea Orbifolia Toxic:
There are no known toxins that come from this plant.
Where to buy Calathea Orbifolia.
You can find this houseplant at many different stores and online outlets.
Conclusion.
Understanding the Benefits of Calathea Orbifolia in a Home. Calathea is known to be an air purification plant. It removes formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and other harmful chemicals from the air. Even though it is not known for its high-quality flowers of brilliant colors, it has many benefits that make it a great addition to any home. In summary, Calathea Orbifolia is an excellent plant for beginners because they are very hardy and easy to grow indoors. In addition, they come in many colors and varieties, so there is something out there for everyone!