Calathea Makoyana

If you’re looking for a houseplant with stunning leaves that seems to move with a rhythm of its own, you’ve found it. The Calathea makoyana, with its graceful peacock-patterned foliage, is a true standout. Often called the Peacock Plant or Cathedral Windows, it brings a living piece of art into your home. This guide will help you understand exactly how to care for this beautiful but sometimes fussy plant, so you can enjoy its vibrant leaves for years to come.

This plant is all about the leaves. Each one is a pale, almost silvery green, marked with dark green feathered patterns that look just like a peacock’s tail feather. The undersides are a rich purple-red, which adds to the dramatic effect. The leaves are thin and papery, emerging rolled up from the center of the plant. They famously move throughout the day, following the light in a process called nyctinasty, so don’t be suprised if your plant looks different in the evening.

Ideal Light Conditions

Getting the light right is the first step to a happy Peacock Plant. It needs bright, indirect light to maintain its vivid patterns without getting damaged.

Avoid Direct Sun: Direct sunlight will scorch and fade those beautiful leaves, causing brown patches.
Perfect Placement: A north or east-facing window is ideal. You can also place it a few feet back from a south or west window.
Low Light Tolerance: It will survive in lower light, but growth will slow and the patterns may become less distinct.

Watering Your Peacock Plant Correctly

Watering is where most people run into trouble. This plant is sensitive to both drought and overwatering.

Keep it Moist: Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy. Think of a well-wrung sponge.
Use the Finger Test: Before watering, stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Water Quality Matters: Calatheas are sensitive to chemicals in tap water. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater if you can, or let tap water sit out overnight.
Drainage is Non-Negotiable: Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Humidity & Temperature Needs

As a tropical native, this plant craves humidity. Average home air is often too dry, especially in winter.

Humidity Goal: 60% or higher is ideal. You’ll see brown, crispy leaf edges if the air is too dry.
How to Increase Humidity:
- Use a humidifier (most effective).
- Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
- Group it with other humidity-loving plants.
Temperature: Keep it in a warm spot between 65°F and 85°F (18°C – 29°C). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Soil and Fertilizer

The right soil mix supports healthy roots, which is the foundation of a thriving plant.

Soil Type: Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. A good recipe is two parts peat or coco coir, one part perlite.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years in spring, moving only one pot size up. They like to be slightly root-bound.
Feeding: Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. Do not fertilize in fall and winter.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Crispy Brown Leaf Edges

This is almost always due to low humidity or chemicals in water. Increase moisture in the air and switch to purified water. You can trim the brown edges with clean scissors, following the leaf’s natural shape.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves can have a couple causes. Overwatering is the most common—check your soil moisture. Older leaves sometimes yellow naturally as they die off; you can just remove them.

Curling or Drooping Leaves

This is usually a sign the plant is thirsty. Check the soil! If it’s dry, give it a good drink. If the soil is wet and leaves are curling, you may have root rot from overwatering.

Pests

Spider mites and mealybugs can be a problem, especially in dry conditions. Look for fine webbing or cottony white spots.

Isolate the affected plant.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth.
Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensuring you cover the undersides of leaves.

Propagation

You can create new plants from your Calathea makoyana through division. The best time to do this is when you repot in the spring.

Gently remove the plant from its pot and brush away excess soil.
Look for natural clumps with their own roots and stems.
Carefully tease the roots apart with your fingers or a clean knife.
Pot each new division into a small container with fresh potting mix.
Water lightly and keep in a warm, humid spot while they establish.

Is the Calathea Makoyana Pet-Friendly?

Yes! This is great news for pet owners. The Calathea makoyana is non-toxic to both cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. While it’s always best to discourage pets from chewing on any plant, this one won’t cause harm if they take a curious nibble.

FAQ

Why are the leaves on my Calathea makoyana turning brown?
Brown leaves are usually caused by low humidity, using tap water with chlorine/fluoride, or under-watering. Check your care routine and adjust.

How often should I water my Peacock Plant?
There’s no set schedule. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. This could be once a week or every 10 days, depending on your home’s conditions.

Does Calathea makoyana flower?
It can produce small, inconspicuous white or purple flowers, but it’s very rare indoors. The plant is grown primary for its spectacular foliage.

Why do the leaves move?
The leaves move to follow light sources (a process called nyctinasty). It’s a normal behavior and a sign your plant is healthy and responsive.

What’s the best pot for a Calathea?
A plastic or glazed ceramic pot with drainage holes works well to retain moisture. Terracotta can dry out to quickly for this moisture-loving plant.

Caring for a Calathea makoyana is a rewarding experience. Its graceful peacock-patterned foliage offers a daily display of natural beauty and rythm. By providing the right balance of indirect light, consistent moisture, and high humidity, you’ll be able to enjoy this captivating plant. Pay attention to its signals—like moving leaves or slight curling—and you’ll develop a great understanding of what it needs. With a little patience and these care guidelines, your Peacock Plant will thrive and become a cherished part of your indoor garden.