How to Grow Calathea Makoyana

Calathea makoyana is an eye-catching houseplant that adds a touch of the rainforest to any indoor space. Check out to know how to grow it.

Also known as the Peacock Plant or Cathedral Windows, Calathea makoyana is a striking tropical houseplant known for its ornately patterned leaves. Here’s how to grow it easily!

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Calathea Makoyana Information

The plant has large, oval-shaped leaves with prominent patterns of dark green spots and lines on a light green background. The patterns resemble the intricate markings on a peacock’s tail, calling the plant “Peacock Plant.” The undersides of the leaves are typically maroon or purple.

Calathea makoyana can grow to a height of about 30 to 60 centimeters under ideal conditions. The leaves can reach a length of around 15 to 25 centimeters.

Calathea makoyana is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil. It thrives as an understory plant in its natural habitat. However, due to its popularity as a houseplant, it is now grown as an ornamental plant in homes, gardens, and indoor spaces across India.

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Common Names in Different Languages

• Calathea makoyana in English: Peacock Plant, Cathedral Windows
• Calathea makoyana in Hindi: मोर पेड़ (Mor Ped)
• Calathea makoyana in Bengali: ময়ুরপাখি পাতা (Moyurpakhi Pata)
• Calathea makoyana in Tamil: மயில் பாகு (Mayil Paaku)
• Calathea makoyanain Kannada: ನೆವಿಲಿಕಾಯಿ (Nevilikayi)
• Calathea makoyana in Malayalam: മയിൽ പഴം (Mayil Pazham)
• Calathea makoyana in Gujarati: મોરનું પેડુ (Moranu Pedu)

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How to Grow Calathea Makoyana?

• Select a mature plant with multiple stems or a clumping growth habit. This will ensure that there are enough healthy roots for successful propagation.
• Fill clean pots with a suitable potting mix or a well-draining growing medium. The pots should be large enough to accommodate each division.
• Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, being gentle with the roots to avoid damage.
• Inspect the root system and identify natural divisions or separate clumps of stems with roots. Using clean and sharp pruning shears or a knife.
• Plant each division into its pot with the prepared potting mix or growing medium. Make a hole in the medium with a pencil and gently place the division, ensuring the roots are well-covered with the mix.
• Firmly pack the medium around the roots to hold the division in place.
• After planting the divisions, water them thoroughly to settle the soil and promote root establishment. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged in the following weeks.
• Keep an eye on the new divisions and provide them the same care as you would for mature plants. Regularly check the soil moisture and water as needed.

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Requirements to Grow Calathea Makoyana

Sunlight

It prefers bright, indirect light. It thrives in areas with filtered sunlight or away from direct sun exposure. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as intense sunlight can burn the leaves and cause leaf damage.

Soil

Use a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture but doesn’t become waterlogged. A blend of peat moss, perlite, orchid bark or coco coir works well. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral to support healthy growth.

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Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. It prefers slightly moist soil at all times. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure that water drains well from the pot to prevent soggy soil.

Temperature

Calathea makoyana prefers temperatures between 18°C to 32°C. It is sensitive to cold and should be protected from drafts and temperatures below 15°C.

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Calathea Makoyana Care

Fertilizer

Feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the dormant season when the plant’s growth slows.

Pruning

Regularly remove any yellow or damaged leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and health. You can also trim back leggy or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth.

Pests and Diseases

The plantcan be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Inspect your plant regularly and take action if you notice any infestations.

Leaf spot diseases can be a concern if the plant’s leaves are consistently wet. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent leaf spots.

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