How to care for Calathea makoyana?
The Calathea makoyana, also known as the Peacock Plant, is a beautiful houseplant with stunning variegated leaves. Here’s how to care for it to keep it thriving:
Light:
- Bright, indirect light: Calathea makoyana prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh direct sunlight, especially during the afternoon, as this can scorch the leaves. Think dappled sunlight filtering through trees or a spot near a window with sheer curtains.
Watering:
- Moist but not soggy: Aim for consistently moist soil, but not waterlogged. Sticking your finger into the top inch of soil is a good way to check moisture. Water deeply when the top inch feels dry to the touch, and allow excess water to drain freely from the pot.
Humidity:
- High humidity preferred: Calathea makoyana thrives in high humidity levels (around 60% or more). This can be challenging in drier climates. Here are some ways to increase humidity:
- Use a pebble tray filled with water placed under the pot (ensure the pot sits above the water level).
- Group plants together to create a humid microclimate.
- Run a humidifier near your plant.
- Mist the leaves regularly with filtered or distilled water (avoid excessive misting which can encourage fungal diseases).
Temperature:
- Warm temperatures: Maintain a warm temperature range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 30°C). Protect your Calathea makoyana from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Soil:
- Well-draining potting mix: Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for aroids or prayer plants. A good option is a mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark for optimal drainage and aeration.
Fertilizing:
- Light feeding: Calathea makoyana is not a heavy feeder. You can fertilize it monthly during spring and summer with a diluted balanced fertilizer, but it’s not essential for healthy growth.
Additional Tips:
- Wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve light absorption.
- Use filtered or distilled water whenever possible, as Calathea makoyana is sensitive to minerals in tap water.
- Brown leaf tips can be a sign of low humidity or underwatering.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or furniture polish near your plant.
How to propagate Calathea makoyana?
Calathea makoyana is best propagated by division. Here’s how to do it:
- Time it right: Propagate during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
- Remove the plant: Gently remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil to expose the roots.
- Divide the plant: Look for natural divisions in the root system and separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each division has a good root system and at least one healthy stem and several leaves.
- Replant: Plant each division in its own pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Water them thoroughly and place them in a warm, humid location with indirect light.
- Care: Maintain the same care routine as for the parent plant, keeping the soil moist and the humidity high.
Is Calathea makoyana poisonous to cats?
Calathea makoyana is non-toxic to cats and dogs. It’s a safe choice for households with pets, as it does not pose any known risks of toxicity if ingested. However, it’s still wise to discourage pets from chewing on the plant to prevent any potential stomach upset or damage to the plant.
Does Calathea makoyana plant need bright light?
Calathea makoyana prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so it’s best placed in a spot with filtered light or in a location where it receives plenty of ambient light. Low light can cause the plant to lose its vibrant colors and slow its growth, so a balance is key.
How often to water Calathea makoyana?
Water Calathea makoyana when the top inch of soil feels dry. It’s essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to curl and brown at the edges. Using room-temperature, filtered water or rainwater is ideal, as Calathea plants can be sensitive to fluoride and chlorine found in tap water.
Is Calathea makoyana a prayer plant?
Yes, Calathea makoyana is considered a prayer plant. Like other members of the Marantaceae family, its leaves exhibit nyctinasty, where they raise and lower in response to the light levels in their environment, appearing to “pray” at night when the leaves fold up.
When to repot Calathea makoyana?
Repot Calathea makoyana every 1-2 years, preferably in the spring when the plant is entering its growing season. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one, and ensure it has drainage holes. Repotting provides fresh soil and more room for the roots to grow, promoting healthy growth. Be gentle with the roots during the repotting process to avoid damaging the plant.
Calathea peacock vs Makoyana
My Calathea peacock is a drama queen. Its leaves curl dramatically at the slightest change in humidity, demanding daily misting sessions to unfurl its vibrant green and purple plumage. It’s a fussy but rewarding plant – the sight of those iridescent leaves catching the sunlight never fails to impress. The Makoyana, on the other hand, is much more laid-back. Its velvety, olive green leaves boast intricate pinstripes and seem content with just moderate humidity. While not as flashy as the peacock, the Makoyana’s understated elegance makes it a calming presence in my home.
Calathea makoyana vs Medallion
While both the Makoyana and the Medallion share a love for evenly moist soil, their watering needs differ slightly. The Makoyana’s softer leaves seem to wilt faster, requiring more frequent check-ins than the Medallion’s stiffer, more resilient foliage. Calathea Medallion‘s real showstopper is its stunning medallion pattern – a mesmerizing mix of deep green, lighter green, and burgundy that seems to radiate outwards from the center of each leaf. The Makoyana’s pinstripes are more subtle, but their velvety texture adds a touch of luxury. Overall, the Makoyana feels like a delicate dancer, while the Medallion is a bold, captivating centerpiece.
