If you’re looking for an attractive and easy-to-care-for houseplant, Calathea makoyana is a great option. This plant is native to South America, and it sports beautiful, dark green leaves with intricate silver markings.
Here are some tips on how to grow and care for C. makoyana.
Plant Facts
| Scientific name | Calathea makoyana |
| Common names | Peacock plant, peacock calathea, cathedral windows |
| Family | Marantaceae |
| Plant Type | Houseplant |
| Height and Width | 4’ tall and wide |
| Origin | Eastern Brazil |
| Flower colors | Purple and white |
| Foliage color | Dark green and purple |
| Sun Exposure | Indirect sunlight |
| Soil Type & pH | Well-drained neutral soil |
| Special features | Low maintenance, attractive foliage, compact varieties available |
How to Grow Calathea Makoyana
The C. makoyana, also known as the Peacock Plant, is a beautiful tropical plant that is native to Brazil. The plant gets its name from its stunning leaves, which are green and white with a purple underside.
The peacock plant is a perfect plant for anyone looking to add some color and beauty to their home. The plant is relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a pot or in a bed. When planting, make sure to choose a spot that has well-draining soil and partial shade. The plant prefers humid conditions, so be sure to water regularly.
With a little bit of care, the peacock plant, also known as cathedral windows, will thrive and bring beauty to any home.
Propagation
If you are lucky enough to have one of these plants, you may be wondering how to propagate it. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to do.
One method of propagation is by division. This can be done when you are repotting the plant. Simply carefully remove the root ball from the pot and divide it into two or three sections, making sure that each section has several healthy roots. You can then replant each section in its own pot.
Another method of propagation is by stem cuttings. Cut a section of stem that is about four inches long and has at least two leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting in a pot of moist soil and keep it warm and humid until new growth appears. At that point, you can begin to reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings.
With a little patience and care, you will soon have a new calathea to care for!
Soil
The peacock plant prefers a moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It does not tolerate drought well, so it is important to keep the soil evenly moist. The peacock plant also prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. If the soil is too alkaline, the leaves will begin to yellow.
Pruning
When pruning C. makoyana, it is important to remove any dead or dying leaves. This will help encourage new growth and maintain the plant’s overall health. In addition, it is a good idea to trim any long or leggy stems. This will help to promote a fuller, more compact plant. When pruning, always use clean, sharp shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Repotting and Transplanting
Many houseplants outgrow their pots and need to be repotted or transplanted. This is especially true for fast-growing plants like Calathea makoyana. Repotting is a simple process that involves removing the plant from its current pot and placing it in a new, larger pot.
Transplanting is a more involved process that involves digging up the plant and replanting it in a new location. Both repotting and transplanting can be stressful for plants, so it’s important to do them carefully and follow all instructions. With a little bit of care, your plant will thrive in its new home.
How to Care for Calathea Makoyana
The C. makoyana, also known as the peacock plant, is a beautiful tropical plant that is native to Brazil. The leaves of the plant are large and brightly colored, with a distinct pattern that resembles a peacock’s tail.
The peacock plant is a popular houseplant, and it is not difficult to see why. However, like all plants, it requires some care and attention in order to thrive.
Here are some peacock plant care tips:
Water
When it comes to watering, cathedral windows require a lot of water. In fact, they should be watered daily during the hottest months of the year. However, they also need good drainage. As a result, it is important to use a pot with drainage holes and to avoid overwatering.
When watering, be sure to drench the soil and allow the excess water to drain away. Watering in the morning is best, as this gives the plant time to dry out before nightfall. With proper care, cathedral windows can thrive in any hot, humid climate.
Sunlight
When choosing a location for your C. makoyana, it is important to take into account the amount of sunlight that the plant will receive.
The ideal sunlight level for this plant is bright, indirect light. If the plant does not receive enough light, the leaves will begin to fade and the plant will become leggy. However, if the plant receives too much light, the leaves will begin to scorch and turn brown.
As a result, it is best to place your Calathea makoyana in a spot that receives bright, indirect light. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the container you use has adequate drainage holes to prevent the roots from rotting.
Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature and humidity for Calathea makoyana is 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 60%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will curl and the plant will suffer. If the air is too humid, the plant may develop root rot. By maintaining the proper temperature and humidity, you will ensure that your C. makoyana stays healthy and grows to its full potential.
But how do you do this?
During the winter months, when indoor heat can be drying, misting your calathea plant daily will help to create a more humid environment. You can also provide extra humidity by setting your plant on a pebble tray or using a humidifier. Pay close attention to your plant’s leaves, as they will begin to droop if the air is too dry.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing is an important part of keeping your C. makoyana healthy and vibrant. While they are not heavy feeders, they do benefit from being fertilized every few months during the growing season.
A balanced all-purpose fertilizer will work well, or you can use a fertilizer specific for houseplants. When fertilizing, be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package, as too much fertilizer can damage the roots and leaves of your plant.
As with most things in life, moderation is key when it comes to fertilizing your C. makoyana.
Pest and diseases
Although it is relatively easy to care for, this plant can be susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. Common problems include mealybugs, spider mites, and whitefly. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, leading to yellowing or browning.
In addition, the plant may also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or root rot. While not all of these problems are fatal, they can cause the plant to lose its vibrant color and appearance. As a result, it is important to be on the lookout for signs of pests or disease and take action to correct the problem as soon as possible.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white, fuzzy pests that thrive in warm, humid environments. If you have ever seen a mealybug, you know that they are quite a nuisance.
These pests pierce the leaves of plants and suck out the sap, causing the leaves to turn brown and wilt. Mealybugs can quickly destroy a plant if they are not dealt with immediately.
The first step in dealing with mealybugs is to isolate the affected plant from other plants. Next, take a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and dab it on the mealybugs. This will kill them instantly. Finally, mist the affected leaves with a mixture of water and soap to help prevent further infestation.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are one of the most common pests that can affect houseplants. These tiny creatures sucks the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually brown and drop off. In severe infestations, the plant may become stunted or even die.
While spider mites can be difficult to control, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. One is to introduce predators such as ladybugs or green lacewings into your garden. Another is to spray the plants with a strong stream of water every few days. This will knock the mites off the leaves and prevent them from returning.
Whitefly
Whiteflies are one of the most common pests that can attack houseplants. These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually drop off. In severe cases, whiteflies can weaken a plant so much that it dies.
To deal with an infestation, it’s important to start by isolating the affected plant. This will help to prevent the whiteflies from spreading to other plants. Next, remove any affected leaves and dispose of them in a sealed bag. Finally, wash the plant with a gentle soap and water solution to get rid of any remaining insects.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungus that can affect a wide range of plants, including calathea. The fungus itself is white or grayish in color and appears as a powdery coating on the leaves of affected plants.
While powdery mildew is not typically fatal to plants, it can cause leaf damage and reduce the plant’s overall vigor. Luckily, there are a few simple measures that gardeners can take to control powdery mildew on your plants.
One of the most important things to do is to ensure that the plants have good air circulation. This means spacing plants so that they are not crowded together, and avoiding overhead watering. In addition, it is also helpful to remove any affected leaves as soon as possible.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious problem for calathea plants. The roots of the plant will start to rot away, causing the plant to become unhealthy and eventually die. There are a few things you can do to deal with root rot on your plant. First, make sure that you are watering the plant properly.
Calathea plants need to be kept in moist soil, so make sure that you are not letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. Second, if you see any signs of root rot, such as mushy or brown roots, remove the affected roots immediately.
Finally, make sure that the pot has good drainage and is not sitting in water. If you take these steps, you should be able to successfully deal with root rot on your calathea plant.
Common Varieties and Cultivars
In addition to the popular C. makoyana, there are many other beautiful varieties of calathea plants.
The C. roseopicta, for example, is known for its stunning pink and green leaves.
The C. orbifolia is another popular plant, with large, round leaves that are striped in shades of green and white.
There are also several cultivars of calathea plants, including the Calathea ‘Dottie’, which has distinctive orange and brown markings on its leaves.
Whatever variety you choose, calathea plants make a beautiful addition to any home.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant that will add some life and color to your home, C. makoyana is a great option. With a little bit of TLC, this plant can thrive in your environment and bring you years of enjoyment.
Have you grown one of these calathea plants before? What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?
*image by khairil77/depositphotos
