Tropical

Calathea makoyana

Also called Peacock Plant, this plant is admired for its distinctive foliage and eye-catching patterns.

Overview

Calathea Makoyana is a plant native to the rainforests of Brazil.

It thrives in the shaded, humid rainforest floor, where trees shield it from sunlight and provide warmth and moisture.

Plant Specifications
Botanical name	Calathea makoyana
Common name	Peacock Plant, Cathedral Windows
Family	Marantaceae
Genus	Calathea
Plant type	Herbaceous (perennial)
Foliage	Evergreen
Maturity	1 to 2 years
Lifespan	10+ years
Native area	Brazil
Toxicity	Not toxic

Plant resilience

Not flood
tolerant

Not drought
tolerant

Growing season

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Also known as the "Peacock Plant" for its feather-like foliage

Plant care

Calathea makoyana requires attentive care, particularly in maintaining humidity and avoiding harsh lighting, making it a good fit for bathrooms or rooms with high humidity. With the right conditions, it thrives as an elegant indoor plant, adding a lush and decorative touch.

Calathea makoyana

Light

Prefers bright indirect light, but it can adapt to lower light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, as it can cause leaf burn.

Soil

Thrives in a well-draining mix, such as orchid bark, perlite, peat, or coco coir, mimicking its natural environment and preventing compaction. To avoid root rot, the soil should remain moist but not soggy.

Water

Water when the top of the soil is dry. Water thoroughly to ensure moisture reaches the roots but avoid standing water. Use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater to prevent leaf discoloration.

Humidity

Being a tropical plant, it thrives in high humidity, ideally around 60%-80% or higher. If the air is too dry, consider using a humidifier to keep the humidity high.

Temperature

Best kept in a warm environment, ideally between 18-27°C (65-80°F). Avoid exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 15°C (59°F), as cold stress can damage the leaves.

Pruning

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to trim damaged, yellowing, or unruly stems. Regular pruning encourages healthy growth.

Fertilizer

Feed it with a balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce feeding in autumn and pause it entirely during the winter, when the plant enters dormancy.

Propagation

Can be propagated through division. Gently separate offshoots from the parent plant, ensuring the roots remain intact, and replant in fresh soil.

Common pests

Watch for pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Signs include webbing, sticky residue, or discolored spots, which can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap, covering both sides of the leaves.

Troubleshoot

Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or poor drainage, while brown edges often signal low humidity or underwatering. Drooping leaves may suggest thirsty roots, overwatering, or pests.

Close-up of Calathea makoyana’s patterns

More information

In addition to its visual appeal, Calathea makoyana is known for its unique behavior as a "prayer plant", where its leaves fold upwards at night in response to changes in light and temperature. This dynamic plant has several distinctive qualities that make it special among houseplants.

Why do its leaves move throughout the day?

The daily leaf movements of Calathea makoyana, folding up at night and opening during the day, are controlled by a joint-like structure called the pulvinus at the base of each leaf. This nyctinasty movement helps it with light absorption during the day while reducing moisture loss at night.

Some theories suggest it also helps protect leaves from nocturnal herbivores, and we can actually hear a subtle rustling sound in the evening as the leaves begin to rise.

Calathea makoyana’s leaves gently move throughout the day

Why so sensitive to tap water?

Calatheas are notorious for developing brown leaf edges when watered with tap water. This happens because they're very sensitive to fluoride, chlorine, and mineral salts commonly found in municipal water supplies. Using distilled, rainwater, or filtered water for your Calathea mimics their natural conditions and helps maintain those stunning leaf patterns.

The striking contrast of its dark and light patterns

Calathea makoyana’s lush foliage

Can it improve air quality?

Calathea makoyana can help improve indoor air quality by removing small amounts of toxins through its leaves. However, this effect is minimal and should not replace proper ventilation. More importantly, the plant increases humidity around it through transpiration, which benefits respiratory health, especially in dry indoor environments.

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Calathea makoyana

Overview