Goeppertia (Calathea) louisae 'Maui Queen' – Bold Tropical Accent for Indoors
Looking for a striking, rainforest-inspired centerpiece? Goeppertia louisae 'Maui Queen' delivers bold contrast with deep green leaves marked by creamy midribs and rich purple undersides. Compact, pet-safe, and visually dramatic, this cultivar offers high impact with minimal care — perfect for plant lovers seeking elegance without extra effort.
Key Features of Goeppertia 'Maui Queen'
- Distinctive Foliage: Broad, velvety leaves with white veins and purple undersides
- Compact Size: Grows up to 80 cm tall — ideal for desktops, sideboards, or grouped floor displays
- Leaf Movement: Nyctinastic behavior — leaves move up and down in sync with light
- Pet-Safe: Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Care Guide for Goeppertia louisae 'Maui Queen'
- Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh sun to prevent scorch; tolerates light shade with slower growth
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water when top 2–3 cm feels dry; use filtered or rainwater
- Humidity: Prefers 60% or higher — avoid dry air, especially in winter
- Temperature: 18–24 °C ideal; keep away from drafts and sudden drops
- Soil: Airy, moisture-retentive mix with organic matter plus perlite or orchid bark
- Feeding: Apply diluted balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growth
- Leaf Care: Wipe with a damp cloth; remove yellowed or damaged leaves at the base
- Repotting: Every 1–2 years or when rootbound, using fresh loose substrate
- Hydroponics: Adaptable to semi-hydro with stable nutrients and careful water level management
Common Problems and Fixes
- Brown Edges: Low humidity or inconsistent watering — raise humidity and adjust routine
- Leaf Curling: Often due to underwatering, drafts, or very low humidity
- Yellow Leaves: Usually overwatering or poor drainage — allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Pests: Prone to spider mites or mealybugs in dry air — treat with insecticidal soap or neem solution
Botanical Background & Classification
Goeppertia louisae (Gagnep.) Borchs. & S.Suárez, published in Syst. Bot. 37: 632 (2012). Family: Marantaceae.
Basionym: Calathea louisae Gagnep.
This species was originally described as Calathea louisae and later reclassified to the genus Goeppertia. It is still frequently sold under its former name. The accepted name according to the Catalogue of Life is Goeppertia louisae.
Quick FAQs
- How often should I water? Usually once a week or when the top layer dries — never leave standing water in the saucer
- Why are the leaves curling? Low humidity or irregular watering; adjust care and placement
- Can it live in a low-light room? Yes, but color vibrancy and growth will decrease — bright, indirect light is best
Ready to Add 'Maui Queen' to Your Collection?
Order Goeppertia louisae 'Maui Queen' today and bring refined tropical beauty to your home with ease.
Goeppertia (Calathea) louisae 'Maui Queen'
Goeppertia (Calathea) louisae 'Maui Queen' comes in following sizes:
M – is approximately 40 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 12 cm pot.
L – is approximately 65 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 17 cm pot.