Calathea Orbifolia is a stunning plant, known for its vibrant, variegated leaves and unique behavior of folding up at night. It's a popular choice among indoor plant enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and relatively low maintenance requirements. Here's a summary of its care guidelines:

Light: Calathea Orbifolia prefers low to moderate light conditions. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so it's best to place it in a spot with filtered or indirect light.

Water: Water your Calathea Orbifolia when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. It's important to maintain slightly moist but not soggy soil.

Soil: Use a well-draining tropical or potting mix to ensure proper drainage. This helps prevent waterlogged soil, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.

Humidity: Calathea Orbifolia thrives in high humidity environments, ideally around 50% or higher. You can increase humidity by misting the plant regularly, using a humidifier, or placing it on a pebble tray filled with water.

Feeding: During the growing season, which typically spans from spring to early fall, feed your Calathea Orbifolia with a balanced fertilizer once a month. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid overfeeding.

Toxicity: Calathea Orbifolia is considered pet-friendly, making it a safe option for households with pets. It is also a favourite of crested geckos!

Common Issues: Brown leaves can indicate low humidity, underwatering, or overfertilization. Ensure proper humidity levels, water the plant appropriately, and avoid excessive fertilization to prevent leaf browning. Additionally, misting the plant can help alleviate dryness, especially during the night.

Vivarium Use: Calathea Orbifolia can be a wonderful addition to a vivarium, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Its tall growth habit and broad leaves offer shelter and perching spots for vivarium inhabitants, making it an ideal choice for creating a naturalistic habitat. Plant it directly in the substrate, keeping in mind its potential height when planning the vivarium layout.