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The Calathea Makoyana, also known as the peacock plant, is native to the rainforests of Brazil, which means this plant loves heat and humidity. This gorgeous Calathea has lovely broad round leaves that are green-purplish and red, making it look just like a peacock's feathers! Read on and learn how to care for your tropical peacock plant!
Calathea Makoyana Care Snapshot
Here's a quick snapshot of how to take care of the beautiful for your Calathea Makoyana plant:
Common name | Peacock Plant, Cathedral Windows |
Scientific name | Calathea makoyana |
Family | Marantaceae |
Origin | Eastern Brazil |
Growth rate | Moderate |
Identification | Oval leaves with feathered patterns on top, resembling peacock feathers |
Height | Typically up to 2 feet (60 cm) but can vary |
Soil | Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with good aeration |
Water | Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging. Water when top 1" dries |
Temperature | Prefers temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) |
Sunlight | Indirect, bright light. Avoid direct sunlight |
Toxicity | Non-toxic to humans and pets |
Pests | Spider mites, scale insects, and aphids |
Diseases | Root rot (usually due to overwatering) |
The Origins of Calathea Makoyana
The Calathea Makoyana, also called the peacock plant, hails from the rainforests of Brazil. It got its name because of its broad circular green, red, and purple leaves that resemble a peacock's tail feather.
Identifying Features of Calathea Makoyana
This is one of my favorite Calathea plants because these broad and round leaves are not shy about their beauty! They have a fantastic mix of green purplish-red colors. The plant stays small enough for indoor spaces. Most grow to be 1-2 feet tall at best.
Calathea Makoyana Growth Insights
Hailing from the tropics of Brazil, the Calathea Makoyana is an evergreen perennial that loves indirect light, warm temperatures, and high humidity levels. With proper care, your plant will thrive and show off its beauty.
Maximum Growth Size to Expect
As a houseplant enthusiast, I have wondered how big your Calathea Makoyana, or peacock plant, can grow. Well, let me tell you! On average, this beautiful plant typically reaches a height of 1-2 feet, so if you need a gorgeous, low-maintenance plant for your home office, this will do the trick.
Comprehensive Care Guide for Calathea Makoyana
Caring for your Calathea Makoyana, or peacock plant, requires some essential care tips that any house enthusiast should start with.
Choosing the Best Soil Mix
The Calathea Makoyana plant prefers well-draining soil that retains moisture but doesn't become waterlogged. A good soil mix for this plant is a mix of organic matter, such as peat moss or coconut coir, perlite or vermiculite for drainage, and a quality potting mix for succulents or houseplants that you can find at any garden center.
Effective Fertilization Techniques
The Calathea Makoyana doesn't require a consistent fertilizing schedule as it gets most of its care needs from a proper care schedule; however, if you want to give your plant a boost during the growing seasons in spring and summer, you can fertilize bimonthly with a nitrogen-rich diluted fertilizer.
Here are some other fertilization tips for your Calathea Mokoyana:
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer: Look for a fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Dilute the fertilizer: Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging to determine the correct dilution rate. Mix the fertilizer with water according to these instructions.
Apply the fertilizer during the growing season: Fertilize your Calathea Makoyana about once a month during its active growing season, typically spring and summer.
Water the soil before fertilizing: Make sure the soil is already moist before applying the fertilizer. This will prevent any potential damage to the plant's roots.
Apply the fertilizer evenly: Pour or spray the diluted fertilizer onto the soil around your Calathea Makoyana, covering all areas around the plant's base.
Avoid overfertilizing: Overfertilization can cause nutrient burn and damage to your plant. Stick to the recommended dilution rate and frequency of application specified on the fertilizer packaging.
Watering Guidelines for Healthy Growth
Watering your Calathea Makoyana correctly is essential to keep it disease-free. So, if you want to keep your plant healthy, water when the top inch of soil gets dry to avoid root rot.
Here are some watering tips to follow:
Water your peacock plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.
Pour water evenly over the soil until it starts draining out of the bottom of the pot.
Avoid leaving your plant in standing water, leading to root rot.
Aim for consistent moisture, but do not overwater, as this can cause root problems.
In winter months, when growth slows down, reduce watering frequency.
Monitor humidity levels and adjust watering accordingly; high humidity may require less frequent watering.
Understanding Its Light Preferences
When it comes to the light preferences of the tropical plant Calathea Makoyana, it's crucial to find the light it receives in its original home in the rainforests of Brazil. This peacock plant enjoys bright indirect light, which can be found on north and west-facing windows during most of the day, or you can place your plant through sheer curtains to avoid scorching its leaves. Finding a perfect balance of light for your Calathea may be challenging, but it is essential to keep this plant thriving.
Ideal Temperature & Humidity Conditions
The Calathea Makoyana is temperature-reliant and likes a consistent warm temperature to stay healthy. To provide the correct temperature, keep between 65°F and 85°F (18°C - 29°C), and avoid exposing it to cold drafts as this will stress your plant out.
The peacock plant is native to tropical environments where humidity levels are high. Aim for a humidity level of around 60% to 70% to mimic its natural habitat. You can achieve this by placing a humidifier nearby or misting the leaves occasionally; using a pebble tray filled with water under the plant's pot is also a great solution.
Steps for Successful Repotting
Re-potting a peacock plant should be done when the roots start growing out of the drainage holes or every 2 years in the spring or fall when temperatures are more relaxed. To re-pot your plant, select a pot 2" bigger than the previous size and give the plant a healthy serving of new, well-draining soil. After re-potting, place in an indirect light setting and drench the new soil in room temperature water.
Here are some steps that I follow to always have a successful re-potting of my plant:
Prepare a new pot: Choose a new pot that is one size larger than the current one. Ensure it has drainage holes at the bottom.
Gently remove the plant: Carefully remove the peacock plant from its current pot, holding it by the base of the stem or leaves.
Loosen the roots: Gently shake off excess soil from the root ball, carefully not to damage the delicate roots.
Add fresh soil: Fill the new pot with a well-draining soil mix, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball at the top.
Position the plant: Place the peacock plant in the center of the new pot, ensuring it sits at a similar depth.
Backfill with soil: Gradually fill in around the root ball with fresh soil, gently pressing it down to eliminate any air pockets.
Water thoroughly: Give your recently re-potted peacock plant a thorough watering to settle the soil and hydrate its roots.
Maintenance and Trimming Best Practices
Pruning your Calathea Makoyana is mainly used for aesthetic purposes, and I like to discard old leaves that are discolored or yellow or brown splotched leaves with a pair of clean gardening shears.
Here are some steps I follow to keep my Calathea Makoyana looking its best:
Regularly remove any yellow or brown leaves to keep the plant looking healthy.
Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and maintain their vibrant colors.
Trim any leggy or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth.
Avoid using scissors or pruning shears when trimming, as they can damage the delicate leaves.
Instead, use your fingers to pinch off any unwanted growth or damaged leaves.
Prune your Calathea Makoyana in spring or early summer when it grows actively.
Make sure to sanitize your pruning tools before and after each use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Consider using a diluted neem oil solution as a preventive measure against pests like spider mites or mealybugs.
Techniques for Propagating Calathea Makoyana
Propagating Calathea Makoyana is an easy way to expand your plant collection. Propagating Calathea Makoyana is easiest through root division; you should start in the spring so that the cuttings have an entire season to strengthen. Start by loosening the dirt around the root ball and use a pair of clean gardening shears to cut off a section with a good root structure; you can plant these in a new pot with a similar well-draining soil. Keep these new cuttings in a warm and humid environment.
A simple root division technique for your Calathea Makoyana:
Gently shake the soil from the plant's pot to expose its root system.
Carefully separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a good amount of roots.
Plant each section in its own pot, using well-draining soil to promote healthy growth.
Keep the newly propagated plants in a warm and humid environment, such as a greenhouse or a terrarium.
Mist the plants regularly to maintain high humidity levels.
Provide bright indirect light for the propagated plants to help them establish strong roots.
Toxicity Insights of Calathea Makoyana
The good news is that this beautiful plant is non-toxic to humans and pets, so you can enjoy its vibrant foliage without worrying about harmful effects. Remember that it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your plants and pets just to be extra careful. Still, you can relax knowing that this plant won't cause any significant harm but might give you or your home companion a stomach ache.
Implications for Human Health
The plant is non-toxic, making it safe for households with children or pets. Its lush leaves even act as natural air purifiers by filtering harmful toxins and pollutants, which helps improve indoor air quality and creates a healthier living environment.
Potential Reactions in Pets
Pets can sometimes be curious about plants, and it's essential to know if a plant like Calathea Makoyana can harm them. But as stated above, this plant is non-toxic for cats, dogs, and other pets.
Troubleshooting Common Calathea Makoyana Issues
Solutions for Leaf Yellowing
The most common reason that the leaves of your Calathea Makoyana are turning yellow is that you are overwatering your plant! Another possibility is that your plant isn't receiving enough light. Try moving it to a brighter spot with indirect sunlight.
Addressing Browning Leaves
Browning leaves on your Calathea Makoyana can be scary but don't shy away from the problem, as it is most likely due to insufficient water or the air around your plant being too dry. So it's essential to water your plant once the soil has completely dried out and ensure you aren't placing your plant near any dry air drafts such as heaters. Other causes of brown leaves on your Calathea Makoyana are too much direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves or even chemical burns from over-fertilization.
Prevention and Treatment of Diseases
As an avid Calathea grower, I know that Calathea Makoyana can sometimes face diseases like bacterial leaf spots and root rot caused by overwatering. But don't worry I have put together some ways to prevent and treat your Calathea Makoyana houseplant:
Watch for common diseases like bacterial leaf spot and fungal infections.
Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent moisture buildup.
Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
If you notice any signs of disease, such as spots on the leaves or wilting, isolate the affected plant from others to prevent spreading.
Remove any infected leaves or areas of the plant using clean scissors or pruning shears.
Treat bacterial leaf spots with a copper-based fungicide according to the product instructions.
For fungal infections, use a fungicide formulated explicitly for houseplants or consult a professional for advice.
Strategies for Pest Control
Dealing with pests can be a challenge when dealing with this finicky houseplant. The Calathea Makoyana is susceptible to common houseplant bugs like fungus gnats, which can be caused by overwatering, or the infamous spider mites that any houseplant enthusiast will have to deal with.
Here are some strategies I've found helpful:
Regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids.
Use a gentle soap and water solution to remove visible pests on the leaves or stems.
Use natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap to repel and control pests.
Quarantine any infected plants to prevent the spread of pests to other houseplants.
Maintain good plant hygiene by removing dead or decaying foliage that could attract pests.
Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings that prey on common houseplant pests.
If all else fails, consult a professional or visit your local garden center for advice on specific pest control products.
FAQs
What are the ideal conditions for Calathea Makoyana?
Calathea Makoyana, also known as Cathedral Windows, thrives in tropical conditions with indirect lighting, ideal temperatures, and specific humidity requirements.
How do I manage brown leaf tips and other growth problems?
Proper soil composition, a good drainage system, and correct light requirements can help prevent brown leaf tips and solve other growth problems.
What's the best way to propagate my Peacock Plant?
The best way to spread your prayer plant is by root division during its growing period.
How often should I use fertilizer on my Calathea Makoyana?
You should apply fertilizer to your plant frequently but in small amounts throughout its growing time.
Thriving with Your Calathea Makoyana
While caring for your Calathea Makoyana can have its challenges, it can be a rewarding and fun experience; following the tips above will help you create a perfect environment for this stunning houseplant to thrive in your home.