The ‘Royal Charlie’ plant is a favored choice among indoor gardeners, celebrated for its distinctive and striking foliage. This charming houseplant brings a splash of color and texture to any interior space, making it a popular addition.
What is the ‘Royal Charlie’ Plant?
The ‘Royal Charlie’ plant (Plectranthus ciliatus ‘Royal Charlie’) is a Swedish Ivy cultivar in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is distinguished by its ovate leaves, which feature green centers with prominent purple, pink, or cream margins.
The leaf texture often presents a slightly fuzzy or velvety feel. ‘Royal Charlie’ exhibits a trailing or cascading growth habit, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or as a “spiller” in mixed container arrangements. Its stems can extend several feet, creating a lush, flowing display.
Caring for Your ‘Royal Charlie’
Light Needs
The ‘Royal Charlie’ plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east or west-facing window, where it receives gentle morning or late afternoon sun, is ideal. Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, leading to brown patches. Insufficient light will cause the plant’s vibrant variegation to fade, and may also lead to leggy or sparse growth.
Watering Schedule
Maintaining consistent soil moisture is important for the ‘Royal Charlie’ plant, but avoid waterlogging. Water thoroughly when the top inch (2.5 cm) of the potting mix feels dry to the touch. This helps prevent both overwatering and underwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, mushy stems, and yellowing leaves. Underwatering will cause the foliage to wilt and leaf edges to become crispy and brown.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining, airy, and rich potting mix is crucial for ‘Royal Charlie’. The soil should allow excess water to drain freely while retaining adequate moisture. A suitable mix includes peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention, perlite or coarse sand for aeration and drainage, and compost or worm castings for nutrients.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Royal Charlie’ plants prefer average room temperatures, typically 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). They are not tolerant of cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C), which can cause leaf damage or plant decline. Moderate to high humidity is also beneficial. To increase humidity, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water) or use a room humidifier.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring through summer), ‘Royal Charlie’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two to four weeks for vigorous growth and vibrant foliage. Reduce fertilization in autumn as light levels decrease, and cease entirely during winter when growth naturally slows.
Propagating ‘Royal Charlie’
Propagating ‘Royal Charlie’ is straightforward, commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select healthy, non-flowering stems 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, where new roots are most likely to emerge. Remove lower leaves, ensuring at least two nodes are bare.
Cuttings can be placed in a glass of water with submerged nodes; roots typically develop within a few weeks. Alternatively, plant cuttings directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently damp and place in a warm location with bright, indirect light to encourage rooting.
Common Problems and Solutions
Leggy growth, characterized by elongated stems with sparse foliage, often indicates insufficient light or a need for pruning. Pinching back stem tips encourages bushier, more compact growth. If the vibrant variegation on the leaves dulls or fades, it suggests the plant needs more bright, indirect light; adjusting its location can help restore color.
Browning leaf edges or crispy foliage can indicate underwatering or low humidity. Increase watering frequency, ensure consistent soil moisture, and boost humidity to alleviate these symptoms. Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering, indicating suffocating roots due to waterlogged conditions. Allow soil to dry more between waterings and ensure adequate drainage. Pests like spider mites or mealybugs may appear; manage them with a damp cloth or insecticidal soap.