Too much direct sun
Evenly pale, washed-out leaves with no pests usually mean the light is too strong.
Diagnosis
Too much direct sun
What's happening
Calathea Orbifolia evolved on the shaded rainforest floor and is built for bright but indirect light. Direct sun is too intense for its leaves: the strong rays bleach out the silvery-green stripes, fading the whole leaf to a washed-out, pale, sometimes yellowish look, and can scorch dry patches on the side facing the window.
How to fix it
Move the plant out of direct sun into bright, indirect light — a few feet back from an east or north window, or behind a sheer curtain on a brighter exposure. The already-bleached leaves won't recover their color, but new growth will come in with proper bold striping once the light is right. If your space is dim, a grow light set a sensible distance away gives even light without the scorching.
What fixes it
- A full-spectrum LED grow light — A full-spectrum grow light delivers the steady, indirect light Orbifolia needs without the bleaching of direct sun.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Calathea Orbifolia care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this