The majestic prayer plant (Goeppertia majestica) stands out from other prayer plants due to the distinctive white lines that cover its glossy green leaves. The plant’s leaves open during the day and then close at night, as if in prayer. This plant grows larger than most of its relatives and is a popular evergreen houseplant that offers year-round interest.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Goeppertia majestica (syn. Calathea majestica), the majestic prayer plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Marantaceae. It is native to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, and northern Brazil, and has been introduced to Venezuela. A large member of its genus, it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
With its large, oval-shaped leaves adorned with intricate patterns of white brush strokes against a deep green canvas, the Calathea Majestic Whitestar is a sight to behold.
II. How to Grow and Care
Majestic prayer plant thrives in high humidity and consistent moisture without waterlogging, mimicking its natural tropical habitat. Lighting should be indirect and bright, as direct sunlight may scorch the foliage. Majestic prayer plant’s complex requirements and sensitivity to environmental changes classify it as a difficult plant to care for, requiring attentive and knowledgeable gardening practices.
Sunlight
The calathea majestic whitestar prefers a medium light. Keep her away from any windows as the bright sun will burn her leaves. While Iggy likes medium light she will be tolerant of lower light in the winter months when sunlight is minimal.
Temperature
The perfect indoor temperature for the calathea is between 18-24 degrees celsius. As long as the indoor temperature doesn’t dip lower than 18°C Iggy will be happy.
Humidity
The calathea majestic whitestar is from a very humid climate and will appreciate moisture on her leaves. To replicate her natural habitat you can place her next to a humidifier, group her with other humidity loving plants or place her in a bathroom.
Watering
Originating from the understory of tropical rainforests, the majestic prayer plant thrives in high humidity and consistent moisture without being waterlogged. It exhibits a preference for evenly moist soil, indicative of its native habitat’s damp conditions. Watering should adhere to a routine of once every week to maintain its lush foliage. As an indoor plant that enjoys the stable environment of a home, majestic prayer plant benefits greatly from regular misting to emulate the humid conditions it naturally prefers, ensuring its evergreen leaves remain vibrant throughout the year.
Fertilizing
To promote growth use fertilizer every 4-6 weeks in the months from March-September. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer to a quarter strength to avoid fertilizer burn to Iggy’s roots.
Repotting
The calathea majestic whitestar is fast growing and will produce a lot of new growth over the spring and summer months. Repotting her every year to give her more room to grow. You can check the bottom of the nursery pot. If you can see her roots sticking out the bottom, it’s time to repot.
Transplanting
Transplant majestic prayer plants during the vivacious growth period of early to late spring, a time when rooting is most effective. Choose a dappled light area, maintaining moist soil. Gentle handling is key to preserving delicate roots.
Troubleshooting
Curling leaves – The curling leaves are a sign that the calathea majestic whitestar is suffering from the cold. Have a look around the home to make sure Iggy is not close to any windows, radiators or doors that could be causing drafts.
Drooping leaves – The calathea majestic whitestar prefers her soil to be semi moist without drying out completely between each water. When the soil dries out Iggy’s foliage will start to droop and this will indicate that she needs a drink. If the first few inches of soil is bone dry to touch, it’s time to water. It’s worth noting that Calathea’s leaves move with the light. The leaves appear droopy during the day and will move upwards in the evening.
Yellow leaves – Yellow leaves often indicate that Iggy has been overwatered. You can remove this leaf by cutting the stem at the base of the plant. Reduce her watering schedule especially in the winter months.
Brown edges: The brown edges could be caused by a variety of things.
- The calathea majestic whitestar is very sensitive to hard water which could be causing the leaves to brown. Use filtered or rainwater moving forward.
- Lack of humidity levels. Be sure that Iggy is near a humidifier or a pebble tray is used underneath his pot.
- Occasionally the brown tips could be from over fertilizing, it is good to note that Iggy’s roots are very sensitive. Always dilute a generic houseplant fertilizer.
