Houseplant lovers have a hard time resisting the beauty of Calathea leaves. No matter what color or shape this plant’s leaves are, you will always want them.
A few Calathea Fasciata or Orbifolia pots can instantly brighten up a room. In return, these adorable plants won’t ask for much care.
However, it is more complicated for many collectors to tell which plant is which. Calathea Fasciata and Orbifolia share some physical similarities and can easily be confused.
By reading this comparison, you will become more aware of their differences. As we discuss their differences, you will become an expert at telling Calathea Fasciata and Orbifolia apart.
Table of Contents
What is Calathea Fasciata?
Calathea Fasciata is one of the most highly preferred houseplants. They are highly praised for their thick, glossy foliage. The leaves of Calathea Fasciata can grab the attention of any beholder with their prominent green veins.
The undersides of the plant’s leaves are not less beautiful, though. The backsides reflect a beautiful purplish shade.
Calathea Fasciata descends from the Marantaceae family and the Calathea genus. It carries the botanical name Calathea fasciata geoppertia.
This plant is often called the Fasciata Borrusica plant. Some growers usually call it the “prayer plant.” However, many other plants share the same particular nickname.
The natural habitat of this plant is the Amazon rainforests in Brazil. This plant grows best where it is warm and humid. Ideally, it needs an average of between 15 and 26 degrees Celsius.
However, it can tolerate lower temperatures pretty well. Just do not leave it anywhere below 10 degrees Celsius. Generally, this plant does well as an indoor plant.
But if you want to grow it outside, make sure your hardiness zone is either 11 or 12.
What is Calathea Orbifolia?
Calathea Orbifolia is one of the most sought-after exotic plants. Its botanical name is called Calathea Geoppertia Orbifolia. It is a perennial, evergreen tropical plant native to South American jungles.
Calathea Orbifolia is not a cold-hardy plant; rather, It likes warm environments. It would die when kept at temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius.
While it is an easy-to-care-for plant, watering Calathea Orbifolia might seem a bit challenging. The Orbifolia plant and the rest of the Calathea group won’t thrive when watered with hard or contaminated water.
For the healthy growth of your Calathea Orbifolia or Fasciata, use purified or distilled water.
The plant is appreciated for its large leaves and notable veins. The leaves are deep green, and the veins are mostly grey or silverish.
It usually goes semi-dormant during the winter and resumes its moderate growth rate throughout the rest of the year.
Another essential care tip for all Calathea plants is the need for natural light. The tropical nature of Calathea Fasciata and Orbifolia makes these plants lovers of partial shade.
However, both of them won’t mind some filtered sunlight. But direct sunlight is not recommended for either plant.
What are the Differences between Calathea Fasciata and Orbifolia?
At first sight, you might think Calathea Fasciata and Orbifolia are the same plants. But if you look closely, you will find notable differences in their colors. Also, their heights are different.
1. Plant size
Both plants are the opposite in terms of growth sizes. Calathea Orbifolia is much larger than Fasciata, making it one of the largest members of the Calathea genus.
The mature size of Calathea Orbifolia is 0.91 meters long. It also spreads around 0.61 meters in diameter.
As for the mature size of Calathea Fasciata, it usually grows up to half the size of Orbifolia. The average mature height of the Fasciata plant is usually around 45 cm. Sometimes, though, it can reach a height of 63 cm.
2. Leaf size
Another distinct sign is the size of mature leaves. The leaves of Calathea Fasciata are smaller. Calathea Fasciata’s mature leaves are 6 cm long.
Under ideal growth conditions, the leaves of Calathea Orbifolia reach a height of 30 cm.
3. Vein colors
The highly pronounced veins are a beauty mark in both plants. They add texture to the leaves. However, their colors are not the same in both plants.
Calathea Fasciata veins are light or dark green. Calathea Orbifolia veins, on the other hand, are more greyish or silvery.
4. Leaf backsides
Looking at the undersides or backsides of each plant’s leaves can help identify them. The backsides of Calathea Fasciata leaves are purple. The backsides of Calathea Orbifolia are standard or light green.
5. Leaf texture
When you get up close and personal with both plants, you can easily notice a difference in their texture. Calathea Fasciata leaves are shinier and thicker than those of Orbifolia.
The leaves of Calathea Orbifolia are waxier, though.
6. Hardiness zones
Both plants are indeed ideal for indoor growth. However, you can place them outside if you reside in the right zones. Calathea Fasciata grows in different zones compared to Calathea Orbifolia.
Calathea Orbifolia grows best in zones between 9b and 11. The Calathea Fasciata, on the other hand, can be grown in US hardiness zones 11 or 12.
Calathea Fasciata vs Orbifolia: Are they the same?
No, Calathea fasciata and Orbifolia are not the same plant. Both of them originate from the same plant family and genus.
Additionally, they grow in the same areas and have similar, rounded green leaves. Also, both feature prominent veins that add to the character of each plant.
However, both plants feature different characteristics in their sizes and leaf details. The mature leaves and size of the Orbifolia plant are larger.
Calathea Fasciata leaves have purplish backsides, whereas Orbifolia leaves have greenish undersides. The veins of Calathea Fasciata are lighter or darker green, whereas those of Orbifolia are greyish.
The texture of Calathea Fasciata leaves is thicker and glossier, while those of Calathea Orbifolia, on the other hand, are waxier.
Last but not least, the hardiness zones required for these plants’ outdoor growth are also different. You can grow Calathea Fasciata in zones 11 and 12. Calathea Orbifolia grows best in zones 9b and 11.
