The Calathea Louisae ‘Maui Queen’ is a tropical houseplant known for its distinctive foliage. Also called Goeppertia louisae ‘Maui Queen’ due to reclassification, it features oblong, dark green leaves with a unique cream-colored pattern down the center. The undersides of its leaves are a rich purple. As a member of the Prayer Plant family (Marantaceae), it exhibits nyctinasty, a daily movement where its leaves fold upwards at night and unfurl in the morning, an adaptation thought to help with light absorption and water conservation.
Calathea Maui Queen Care
Light
The Calathea ‘Maui Queen’ thrives in bright, indirect light, similar to its natural forest floor habitat. Place it near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves and fade patterns. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and less pronounced leaf coloration.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for the Calathea ‘Maui Queen’, but avoid waterlogging the soil. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. This plant is sensitive to chemicals like fluoride and chlorine in tap water, which can cause leaf browning. Use filtered, distilled, or collected rainwater.
Humidity
High humidity, ideally 60% to 80%, is important for Calathea ‘Maui Queen’. To increase humidity, use a room humidifier. Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water, can also provide moisture. Grouping the plant with other houseplants creates a more humid microclimate.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining yet moisture-retentive potting mix is needed for the Calathea ‘Maui Queen’. A blend including peat moss for moisture retention, combined with perlite or orchid bark, improves aeration and drainage. This prevents compacted, waterlogged soil and root issues. An acidic pH level around 6.5 is preferred.
Temperature
The Calathea ‘Maui Queen’ prefers warm, stable temperatures, ideally between 18°C and 29°C (65°F and 85°F). It is sensitive to sudden temperature drops and cold drafts. Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature helps the plant, as it does not tolerate extreme or vast temperature changes.
Fertilizer
During the active growing season (spring and summer), the Calathea ‘Maui Queen’ benefits from regular fertilizer. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, every two to four weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause root burn. Reduce or stop fertilizer application as the plant enters colder, dormant months.
Repotting and Propagation
The Calathea ‘Maui Queen’ requires repotting every one to two years, or when it shows signs of being root-bound. These signs include roots emerging from drainage holes, slowed growth, or needing water more frequently. The best time for repotting is spring or early summer, during the plant’s active growth, which aids recovery.
Choose a new container only one to two inches wider than the current one to prevent overly wet soil. Gently remove the plant, loosen soil around the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
The effective method for propagating Calathea ‘Maui Queen’ is division, done during repotting. This plant grows from rhizomes, underground stems that form natural clumps, making them suitable for separation. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off excess soil to expose the root system.
Identify natural divisions where stems and roots cluster; these clumps can be teased apart by hand. Each new division needs a healthy root portion and at least one leaf to establish. Pot each section into an appropriately sized container with fresh, well-draining soil, then water lightly and place in indirect light.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Leaf curling and browning edges or tips are common issues for Calathea ‘Maui Queen’. These symptoms indicate insufficient humidity or inconsistent watering. Low humidity, especially in dry indoor environments, can cause crispy, brown leaf edges. Leaves may curl if the plant is underwatered or exposed to cold drafts. Adjusting humidity levels and maintaining consistent soil moisture can alleviate these issues.
Yellowing leaves signal overwatering or poor water quality. Soggy soil can lead to root rot, causing yellowing foliage. Tap water with high levels of minerals like fluoride and chlorine can also contribute to discoloration. Ensuring proper drainage and using filtered or distilled water can prevent yellowing.
Loss of variegation or faded patterns may occur if the plant receives too little light, or too much direct sunlight that scorches the leaves.
Calathea ‘Maui Queen’ is susceptible to common houseplant pests, particularly spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that thrive in dry conditions, causing fine webbing and speckled, discolored leaves. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony insects clustering on stems and leaves, leading to weakened growth and yellowing. Regular inspection of leaves, especially the undersides, helps detect infestations early. Treatment involves isolating the affected plant, wiping leaves with a damp cloth, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil solutions.
Toxicity
The Calathea ‘Maui Queen’ is non-toxic. This makes it a suitable houseplant for homes with pets, such as cats and dogs, and small children, without concern for adverse reactions if ingested.