The Calathea ‘Royal Standard’ is a striking houseplant, admired for its vibrant foliage and unique patterns. This cultivated hybrid, known for its ornate character, brings a touch of tropical elegance to indoor spaces.
Understanding Calathea Royal Standard
The Calathea ‘Royal Standard’ exhibits distinctive characteristics that set it apart. Its shimmery, thin leaves feature a silverish-green center with a thick dark green border. Some varieties may also display a light rose-pink shading on their round-oval leaves, while the undersides showcase a rich magenta to deep purple color, adding to its visual appeal.
This plant is renowned for its “prayer plant” movement, a phenomenon called nyctinasty, where leaves fold upwards at night and unfurl with morning light. The ‘Royal Standard’ descends from the Calathea genus, with parent plants originating from the tropical regions of Central and South America, particularly Brazil. In optimal conditions, this indoor plant can grow up to 3 feet in both height and width, and it may even produce delicate pinkish or white-pink flowers.
Comprehensive Care Guide
Light Requirements
Calathea ‘Royal Standard’ thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat on tropical forest floors. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch, fading, or burn marks. Conversely, insufficient light results in slowed growth and a loss of vibrant leaf patterns. Position your plant where it receives ambient light without direct sun exposure.
Watering Practices
Maintaining consistent soil moisture is important for Calathea ‘Royal Standard’. The soil should remain moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Water when the top surface of the soil begins to partially dry out. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater, as these plants are sensitive to chemicals and metals in tap water that can cause browning leaf edges. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Humidity Needs
High humidity levels are important for Calathea ‘Royal Standard’, reflecting its tropical origins. Low humidity often causes dry, brown leaf tips and crispy or curling foliage. Aim to maintain relative humidity between 40% and 70% around the plant. Increase humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray, using a room humidifier, or grouping plants. Misting offers temporary relief but excessive misting can lead to mold.
Soil and Potting
An ideal soil mix for Calathea ‘Royal Standard’ should be well-draining, airy, and rich in organic matter. A peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark provides necessary drainage while retaining moisture. Some growers suggest a blend of approximately 50% potting soil, 20% orchid bark, 20% charcoal, and 10% vermiculite or perlite. The plant also benefits from slightly acidic soil.
Temperature and Placement
The Calathea ‘Royal Standard’ prefers warm, consistent temperatures, thriving between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 25°C). Temperatures below 55°F can damage and potentially be fatal to the plant. To maintain a stable environment, avoid placing your plant near drafts, heating or cooling vents, or areas with extreme temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), Calathea ‘Royal Standard’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month, diluted to half the strength suggested on the product label. Over-fertilizing can lead to leaf burn. Reduce or cease fertilization during the cooler, dormant months of fall and winter when growth slows.
Addressing Common Problems
Several issues can arise with Calathea ‘Royal Standard’, often signaling specific care deficiencies. Browning leaf tips or edges frequently indicate insufficient humidity or sensitivity to minerals in tap water; increase humidity or switch to distilled water. Yellowing leaves often point to overwatering, which can lead to root rot, but can also signal pest infestations or inadequate light.
Curling leaves suggest insufficient water or low humidity, or sometimes excessive light exposure. Fading or pale leaf colors usually result from too much direct sunlight, diminishing vibrant patterns. While generally resilient, Calathea ‘Royal Standard’ can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs, which may manifest as speckled leaves or fine webbing.
Maintaining and Expanding Your Collection
Repotting Calathea ‘Royal Standard’ is necessary every one to two years as it grows. Signs of being root-bound include roots emerging from drainage holes, soil drying out quickly, or stunted growth. The optimal time for repotting is spring or early summer, before active growth, to minimize stress. Select a new pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one, ensuring it has ample drainage holes. Water the plant the night before repotting to ease the transition.
Propagation is most effectively achieved through division during repotting. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently brush away excess soil from the roots to separate the bulbous root ball. Each new division should have at least two to seven leaves and a healthy portion of roots. Plant these divisions into fresh, appropriate soil mix and water generously to encourage new growth.