Calathea Royal Standard: A Guide to Growing and Caring for this Stunning Houseplant

If you're looking for a houseplant that's both beautiful and low-maintenance, look no further than the Calathea Royal Standard. This stunning plant is known for its striking foliage, which features deep green leaves with bright pink veins. Not only is it a great addition to any home decor, but it's also an easy plant to care for, making it perfect for beginners.

The Calathea Royal Standard is a type of prayer plant that is native to South America. It gets its name from the fact that its leaves fold up at night, as if in prayer. This plant is prized for its unique foliage, which comes in a variety of shades of green, purple, and pink. The Calathea Royal Standard is also known for its air-purifying properties, making it a great choice for anyone looking to improve the air quality in their home.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Calathea Royal Standard and provide you with all the information you need to grow and care for this beautiful houseplant.

1. Light Requirements

The Calathea Royal Standard prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, so it's best to keep it away from windows that get a lot of sun. If you don't have a spot in your home that gets enough natural light, you can also grow the Calathea Royal Standard under artificial lights.

2. Watering

One of the most important things to keep in mind when caring for a Calathea Royal Standard is watering. This plant likes to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. You should water it once a week, or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be sure to use room-temperature water, as cold water can shock the plant.

3. Humidity

The Calathea Royal Standard is a tropical plant, so it loves humidity. If the air in your home is dry, you may need to take steps to increase the humidity around your plant. One way to do this is to place a tray of water near your plant, or you can use a humidifier.

4. Soil Requirements

When it comes to soil, the Calathea Royal Standard prefers a well-draining potting mix that's rich in organic matter. You can buy a pre-made potting mix at your local garden center, or you can make your own by mixing together equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

5. Fertilizing

In order to keep your Calathea Royal Standard healthy and thriving, you'll need to fertilize it regularly. During the growing season (spring and summer), you should feed your plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. In the winter months, you can cut back to once a month.

6. Pruning

While the Calathea Royal Standard doesn't require much pruning, you may want to remove any yellow or brown leaves to keep your plant looking its best. You can also pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth.

7. Propagation

If you want to propagate your Calathea Royal Standard, the best time to do it is in the spring or summer. You can divide the plant at the rootball and repot each section into its own pot. Be sure to water your new plants thoroughly and keep them in a warm, humid place until they to grow.

8. Common Problems

Like all houseplants, the Calathea Royal Standard can be susceptible to pests and diseases. The most common problems include spider mites, mealybugs, and leaf spot. To prevent these issues, make sure you're providing your plant with the right amount of water and humidity, and clean its leaves regularly with a damp cloth.

9. Other Varieties

While the Calathea Royal Standard is certainly beautiful on its own, there are plenty of other varieties of Calathea to choose from. Some popular options include the Calathea Orbifolia, which has large, round leaves, and the Calathea Medallion, which features bright green leaves with dark purple undersides.

10. Toxicity

If you have pets or small children, it's important to note that the Calathea Royal Standard is toxic if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious hands and paws, or opt for a pet-friendly houseplant instead.

The Calathea Royal Standard is a stunning and easy-to-care-for houseplant that's perfect for both beginners and experienced plant parents alike. With its unique foliage and air-purifying properties, it's sure to be a great addition to any home. Just be sure to keep in mind its light, water, and humidity requirements, as well as the potential for pests and diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How often should I water my Calathea Royal Standard?

A: You should water your Calathea Royal Standard once a week, or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Q2. Can the Calathea Royal Standard be grown in low light?

A: While the Calathea Royal Standard prefers bright, indirect light, it can also be grown under artificial lights if necessary.

Q3. What type of soil does the Calathea Royal Standard prefer?

A: The Calathea Royal Standard prefers a well-draining potting mix that's rich in organic matter.

Q4. How often should I fertilize my Calathea Royal Standard?

A: During the growing season (spring and summer), you should feed your Calathea Royal Standard every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. In the winter months, you can cut back to once a month.

Q5. How do I propagate my Calathea Royal Standard?

A: You can divide your Calathea Royal Standard at the rootball and repot each section into its own pot.

Q6. Is the Calathea Royal Standard toxic to pets?

A: Yes, the Calathea Royal Standard is toxic if ingested by pets or small children.

Q7. What is the best way to increase the humidity around my Calathea Royal Standard?

A: You can place a tray of water near your plant, or use a humidifier to increase the humidity around your Calathea Royal Standard.

Q8. Can I prune my Calathea Royal Standard?

A: While the Calathea Royal Standard doesn't require much pruning, you can remove any yellow or brown leaves to keep it looking its best.

Q9. What other varieties of Calathea are there?

A: Some popular varieties of Calathea include the Calathea Orbifolia and the Calathea Medallion.

Q10. How do I prevent pests and diseases on my Calathea Royal Standard?

A: To prevent pests and diseases, make sure you're providing your plant with the right amount of water and humidity, and clean its leaves regularly with a damp cloth.