Very large calathea with green, soft leaves

Goeppertia orbifolia, formerly known as Calathea orbifolia , is a popular ornamental plant with enormous, beautifully patterned leaves in light and dark green tones.

It doesn't grow very tall, around 60 cm , but it makes up for it with its impressive leaves. They can grow up to 30–40 cm wide , and under really good conditions even larger. The characteristic round shape and clear green stripes have made it a clear favorite among collectors of tropical indoor plants.

Botanical description.

Goeppertia orbifolia comes from a small region in eastern Brazil , specifically near the Serra do Teimoso Reserve in Bahia .

There it grows on the slopes of the Serra do Teimos mountain, in a climatic borderland between humid rainforest and drier lowland forests, at altitudes between approximately 300 and 600 meters.

In the wild, Goeppertia orbifolia thrives best in shady forest environments , where it grows from a strong rhizome. A kind of underground stem that stores both water and nutrients. This allows the plant to withstand some drought and irregular access to resources, something that can be practical even in a home environment.

Like other members of the Marantaceae family, Goeppertia orbifolia moves in a way that almost seems to have a life of its own. The leaves move actively during the day , and in the evening you can see them slowly unfolding upwards, as if the plant is "folding its hands in prayer". Hence the English nickname prayer plant .

The movements are not really unique, many plants make small movements throughout the day, but in these species they are much more noticeable. It provides a fascinating presence in the home. Buy Calathea orbifolia online!