Goeppertia majestica

Goeppertia majestica or Calathea majestica is a herbaceous perennial evergreen, typically grown as a houseplant for its very showy leaves. The plant will grow to a little over 3 feet with an erect and spreading form. The leaves are erect, egg-shaped with slender petioles and are typically green and may, or may not, have thin stripes of color along the veins. The underside of the leaf is typically purple.

Outside of its native area, the plant is usually grown indoors as a large specimen or atrium plant in high humidity. The plant does not tolerate Iow humidity, wet soil, dry soil, low or inconstant temperatures, cold drafts, direct sun, or low light. It prefers a well-lit site with high humidity, moist soil and constant average room temperature. The plant grows from underground rhizome in organically rich soil. Plants need high humidity, so consider standing a potted plant on a bed of wet pebbles, misting the foliage regularly or growing the plant in a humidified room. During the growing season (April-August), water regularly to keep soil moist (but not wet) and apply a balanced fertilizer each month. Reduce watering and fertilization in winter when plant growth typically slows down.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious disease/pest problems. However, watch for aphids, scale, mealybugs and spider mites. Leaf spots may appear and plants will react to low humidity with leaves that roll or brown up. Direct sun can cause leaf scorch.