Calathea Makoyana has many names, but the stunning patterned foliage is unmistakable. This plant is a looker. Whether adorning a desk or end table or regally showcasing its good looks in a floor stand, the Makoyana is impressive. Calatheas intimidate many plant owners, and for a good reason: these leafy beauties can be tricky. These plants are not necessarily hard to maintain but picky. Learn more about Calathea Makoyana care, this plant’s various names and aliases, and more.
Mrs. Peacock in the Study with the Humidifier
The Peacock Plant nickname is sometimes used to describe all Calathea or Prayer Plants, but sometimes, it’s intended to indicate the Calathea Makoyana, specifically. You may also see the Makoyana under the nickname Cathedral Windows plant.
To make things more confusing, Calatheas were reclassified several years back, and they are now Goeppertias, so this plant is a Goeppertia Makoyana. Calathea is no longer accurate, but it’s still the name people are most familiar with, so that is what I use in this article. Just know that the plant is technically a Goeppertia Makoyana.
Makoyana Background
The Peacock Plant hails from the tropical rainforests of eastern Brazil. Like all Calatheas, the Makoyana is a clump-forming plant. Mature plants stand up to two feet tall and one foot wide. The rounded leaves have a slight ruffle and come to a gentle point. The foliage subtly moves throughout the day. Make it a point to stop and look at the plant when you walk by and make note of the position of the leaves. You can’t notice the movement while it’s happening because it is so gradual, but it happens.
Calatheas are known for their variegation, but in an entire family of stunningly variegated plants, the Makoyana stands out. The base color of the foliage is light green, but the margins and midrib are medium green. Elongated splotches of dark green connect the midrib to the margins. The maroon stems contrast the variegation and coordinate with the purple undersides of the leaves.
It’s clear why this Calathea is known as the Peacock Plant because the leaves resemble showy peacock feathers. I’ve always thought the variegation looks like the handiwork of a skilled barista.
New Leaves
When new leaves first unfurl, they may have muted colors or a yellow hue—this is normal. The tint will fade in about a week, and the new leaf will look amazing.
Calathea Makoyana Care
The Makoyana is typical in terms of Prayer Plant care. If you are familiar with caring for other Calatheas, Goeppertias, or Marantas, you’ll do fine with a Makoyana. Locate the plant in medium sunlight. Direct light is a dealbreaker and will burn the leaves. The plant will fail to thrive in low light.
Use a rich, moist, well-drained soil. The soil should retain some moisture but not become soggy. Situate the plant in a warm area away from HVAC vents or drafts. Like all Prayer Plants, the Peacock Plant has a clump-forming growth habit. When it’s time to repot, upgrade to a larger container or divide the plant into smaller containers.
Peacock Plant Water Needs
Water the plant when the top layer of the potting soil is barely damp. Calatheas have increased water needs and like to dry out somewhat but not completely. Curling leaves indicate the plant is too dry, and yellow leaf tips occur when the plant is too wet. A moisture meter can help you get a better handle on soil dampness and when to water this Calathea.
To complicate matters further, Calatheas can be picky about water quality. Water with a high mineral content or municipal water with fluoride can be more than the plant can handle. All your other houseplants may be fine with tap water, but Calatheas will take issue. Consider using distilled or filtered water if you notice leaf discoloration or the plant shows signs of water stress.
Calathea Makoyana Humidity
Humidity is a challenge for many first-time Calathea owners. Dry air causes the leaves to curl, eventually dry out, and turn brown along the edges. The initial symptoms of low humidity and underwatering look the same, so if you notice curling foliage, reevaluate your watering routine and the humidity. The problem may be one of these factors or a combination of both.
Keep the humidity at 50% or more. Locate the plant in a naturally humid area or group some plants to increase the air moisture in the immediate vicinity. You can improve the humidity with a humidifier or a pebble tray with water. Dry air may be a seasonal problem, so monitor the conditions around the change of seasons. The summer may be plenty humid, but you may need to run a humidifier during the winter.