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10 Ways to Care for Calathea Maui Queen

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The Calathea Maui Queen – interesting name, right? One does not often hear this word daily. Moreover, just by listening to this word, one would have a tough time figuring out what exactly this thing denotes. It is also suggested that one has greenery at their homes to focus effectively.

Well, to cut the suspense short, the Calathea Maui Queen is an extremely rare houseplant that belongs to the Marantaceae plant family. One of the most important and striking details of this plant is that it shows daily movement.

There’s also a lovely foliage pattern with feather-like decorations on it. This tropical indoor plant requires moderate care, making it an excellent choice for plant parents wishing to step up their game.

Calathea Maui Queen
Calathea Maui Queen via Reddit

The green life enthusiasts call this plant with several different names: Calathea‘ Maui Queen’, Goeppertia louisae ‘Maui Queen,’ Calathea louisae Maui Queen.’

One of the most important points about this plant, which separates it from other plants, is that it is very distinct; one can easily spot it amongst many other plants. It comes with spooky dark green leaves, and towards the center, it is adorned by a strikingly cream color stroke.

This looks so beautifully elegant, as if one can say that a legendary artist had painted every leaf with utmost precision, love, and care. The anterior of the leaves are towards the deeper shades of purple, giving it a beautiful and elegant look.

One interesting fact about this plant is that, at night, it folds up its leaves so prettily as if it is praying to nature, thanking it for existing, for making the world a better place.

For this reason, it is also popularly called the “Prayer Plant.” It is also symbolic of one having a sound sleep at night because the plant is praying for you. Interesting, eh?

How to take care of Calathea Maui Queen?

Naturally, a plant so good-looking, everyone would love to have one at their humble homes, adding to the beauty factor. But as they say, all good things require care, and this beauty is no exception. 

1) Water it regularly

This plant would not trouble you much, given that you water it regularly and keep it in a proper humid environment. Doing that gets the job done most efficiently.

2) Care from sunlight

Just for the sake of caution, you can ensure that you avoid keeping the plant in contact with direct sunlight. Doing so may hamper the plant’s color and can drain its visual appeal. The plant is expected to shed its leaves when not exposed to good sunlight.

What is happening to my calathea maui queen
“What is happening to my calathea maui queen” via Reddit

3) Good soil conditions

Keeping the plant in good soil conditions is also necessary. You can bring the best out of the best plants out there. However, if the soil conditions are bad, the plant will not survive long.

One often tends to ignore the soil factor. However, we must never overlook it. The ideal soil quality for plants of this sort absorbs excess moisture but at the same time also can drain well so that there is less water retention which can cause damage to the roots of the plant.

Having a plant that adds to the aesthetic appeal of your house, you definitely would not want its lifetime to reduce by choosing a low-quality soil – finding such a soil MIGHT be difficult. However, with the perfect balance, it increases the plant’s longevity.

4) Humid environment

Coming to humidity, which also plays a key role in maintaining the plant. Humid conditions are very good for this plant’s growth. Humid areas like the kitchen, where normal humidity always ranges above 50%, would be adequate for this plant’s optimum growth.

Anything less than this would again not harm the plant in the short term, but it may decrease its life span in the long run. Consider purchasing a humid device generator or changing the position of the plant to see better results in this regard. 

5) Care from temperature

It is ideal for keeping the plant in places where temperatures do not vary very drastically. Regular night and day changes would be normal, but extreme conditions might be detrimental to the plant. Sudden temperature changes can cause the plant to behave abnormally, and its leaves might dry up.

6) Watering

With regards to watering, you have to ensure that soil does not remain dry as the plant cannot survive in dry conditions. At the same time, do not water the plant at irregular intervals just to maintain the water level. It is all about finding the right balance.

Less water would not help the plant, and neither will excess water. If there is an excess, the soil will overflow, causing the roots to retain more water than usual, damaging the roots and the plant.

7) Use of fertilizers

The plant also needs to be fed with some mild fertilizers after regular intervals. However, it is not frequent. Also, as the plant grows in size, there is often a need to change the pot in which it is kept. Otherwise, there would not be enough room for the plant. 

8) Fear of attack from insects

It is also interesting to note that, although not every time, however, on some occasions, the leaves of this plant may become a victim to insects like spider mites which can damage it.

One must (either during watering or while gazing at its beauty) check for tiny holes and movements on the leaves for the presence of any such insects.

9) Toxic nature

 It is certainly not toxic for human consumption as pretty as the plant looks. (Do wash the leaves well, though, just in case).

10) Purification

This plant is a very good air purifier, so it is recommended for everyone to install it at their homes. It surely adds to the look and feel of the room to a great extent. Any respiratory issues that you suffer from due to poor air conditions can be relieved with this plant.

FAQs

What is the difference between Calathea Maui Queen and other plants from the same family?

The answer to this question simply lies in the plant’s (Calathea Maui Queen) appearance. This plant has a subtle violet touch on its anterior, while the other plants have maroon or other colors, making it different from the others.

There are also other subtle differences like the change in the pattern of the central stroke. However, these subtle changes are enough to differentiate it from the others.

Calathea Maui Queen 2
Calathea Maui Queen via Reddit

Can insects infest Calathea Maui Queen?

This plant is no exception to the others. If the plant is let dry for a long period, then spider mites can infest it in no time.

These mites can suck the sap from the leaves, causing the leaves to dry and yellow out. In no time will this spoil the beauty of the plant. Hence it is essential that the plant is maintained healthily.

One must (either during watering or while gazing at its beauty) check for tiny holes and movements on the leaves for the presence of any such insects. The leaves can be treated with soapy water to rid the leaves of spider mites.

Can I re-pot Calathea Maui Queen?

The plant can be repotted every two years or when it becomes double its size, whichever reaches earlier. As the plant grows in size, there is often a need to change the pot in which it is kept. Otherwise, there would not be enough room for the plant to grow.

Can this add to the aesthetic beauty of the place where it is kept?

 One of the most important points about this plant, which separates it from other plants, is that it is very distinct; one can easily spot it amongst many other plants.

It comes with spooky dark green leaves, and towards the center, it is adorned by a strikingly cream color stroke.

This looks so beautifully elegant, as if one can say that a legendary artist had painted every leaf with utmost precision, love, and care. This, by no doubt, will add to the aesthetic appeal of the place where it is kept.

This was all about the Calathea Maui Queen plant. Without any doubt, one can say that this plant is definitely for those who want to add a beautiful touch to their homes and want a peaceful environment for a serene and healthy life.


Conclusion

Calathea Maui Queen might be a challenge to maintain as a beginner because of its maintenance requirements for those new to plant keeping. It would be better if you start with plants that are easy to maintain, gain relevant experience, and then process to this plant.

Calathea Maui Queen is expected to take two years to mature fully, obtaining a max height of 1 meter and a spread of 60 centimeters, while a min-height of 10 cm and a minimum spread of 10 centimeters. It has no fragrance at all and blooms well in the summer season.

This plant, which originates from the rainforests of Brazil, is a perfect thing for all family members to ponder upon at any time of the day, is an able substitute for people to focus on it, providing a good source of distraction from the otherwise busy hustle and bustle of the day-to-day life.