If you’re looking for a houseplant that truly stops you in your tracks, the calathea makoyana – stunningly patterned prayer plant is a perfect choice. Often called the Peacock Plant for its incredible leaf patterns, this beauty brings a living piece of art into your home.
Its large, oval leaves feature a mesmerizing design of dark green brushstrokes and feathered lines on a light green background, with a deep purple underside. Like other prayer plants, its leaves move in a daily rhythm, rising in the evening and lowering in the morning. This guide will give you all the practical tips you need to keep your Calathea Makoyana thriving, not just surviving.
Calathea Makoyana – Stunningly Patterned Prayer Plant
This plant is a standout member of the Marantaceae family. Its name, Calathea makoyana, honors the Victorian-era gardener Richard Makoy. The “prayer plant” nickname comes from its nyctinasty—the leaves’ movement in response to light changes.
It’s a moderate grower, typically reaching about two feet in height and width indoors. It’s non-toxic, making it a safe option for homes with pets and children. The real magic is in the foliage; each new leaf unfurls from a central stem, revealing more of its intricate, painted-like pattern.
Ideal Light Conditions for Healthy Growth
Getting the light right is the single most important factor for a happy Calathea Makoyana. It needs bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant patterns and encourage new growth.
- Best Spot: A north or east-facing window is ideal. A few feet back from a south or west window with a sheer curtain also works perfectly.
- Signs of Too Much Light: Leaves will fade, look washed out, or develop brown, scorched patches. The plant may also become leggy as it tries to move away from the light.
- Signs of Too Little Light: Growth will slow or stop. The stunning leaf patterns will become less distinct, and the plant may lose its compact shape.
Remember, in their natural habitat, these plants grow on the forest floor beneath the canopy. They are adapted to dappled sunlight, not direct rays.
Watering: Finding the Perfect Balance
Watering is where most people encounter problems. Calathea Makoyana likes consistently moist soil, but it absolutely despises sitting in water. It’s a delicate balance.
- Water Type: Use room-temperature filtered, distilled, or rainwater if possible. They can be sensitive to the fluoride and chlorine in tap water, which can cause brown leaf tips.
- How to Check: Before watering, stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it still feels damp, wait another day or two.
- Watering Method: Water thoroughly until you see it run out of the drainage holes. Then, empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes to prevent root rot.
In winter, when growth slows, you’ll need to water less frequently. Always let the top inch of soil dry out slightly between waterings in the cooler months.
Humidity and Temperature Needs
As a tropical plant, Calathea Makoyana thrives in humid air. Average home humidity (around 30-40%) is often too low and can lead to crispy leaf edges.
- Target Humidity: Aim for 60% or higher.
- How to Increase Humidity:
- Use a humidifier placed near the plant (most effective method).
- Set the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot sits above the water line).
- Group it with other humidity-loving plants to create a microclimate.
- Ideal Temperature: Keep it in a warm spot between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Avoid cold drafts from windows, doors, or air conditioning vents, as temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can damage the plant.
Choosing the Right Soil and Pot
The correct soil mix ensures good drainage and aeration for the roots. A standard potting soil is too dense and retains to much water.
Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. You can make your own by combining:
- 2 parts peat or coco coir
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part orchid bark or horticultural charcoal
This mix retains some moisture but allows excess water to drain away quickly. Always use a pot with drainage holes. Terracotta pots are excellent because they allow the soil to dry more evenly.
Fertilizing for Vibrant Foliage
Your Calathea Makoyana doesn’t need heavy feeding, but a little fertilizer during the growing season supports its beautiful leaf production.
- When to Fertilize: Only during the active growing season (spring and summer). Stop fertilizing completely in fall and winter.
- What to Use: A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20).
- How to Apply: Dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the bottle. Apply every 4-6 weeks when you water.
Over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup in the soil, leading to root burn and brown leaf tips. If you see a white crust on the soil surface, flush the soil with plenty of water to leach out the excess salts.
Pruning and Routine Maintenance
Regular care keeps your plant looking its best and encourages healthy new growth.
- Cleaning Leaves: Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks. This removes dust, allowing the plant to breathe and photosynthesize efficiently. It also helps you spot pests early.
- Pruning: Use clean, sharp scissors to remove any leaves that are yellowing, brown, or damaged. Cut the leaf stem at the base near the soil line. This directs the plant’s energy to new, healthy growth.
- Rotation: Turn the pot a quarter turn every time you water. This ensures all sides of the plant receive even light, preventing it from leaning toward the window.
How to Propagate Your Calathea Makoyana
The best and most reliable way to propagate a Calathea Makoyana is by division during repotting. This is typically done in spring or early summer.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully shake away excess soil from the roots.
- Look for natural divisions or “clumps” in the root ball. Each division should have several healthy stems and a good portion of roots attached.
- Using your hands or a clean knife, gently separate the clumps. Try to minimize root damage.
- Pot each new division into a small container with fresh, pre-moistened potting mix.
- Water lightly and place the new plants in a warm, humid, and low-light spot for a few weeks to help them recover from the shock.
Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy during this recovery period. New growth is a sign that the propagation was succesful.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems.
Crispy, Brown Leaf Edges
This is almost always due to low humidity or chemicals in tap water. Increase humidity around the plant and switch to filtered or distilled water for watering and misting.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves can have a few causes:
- Overwatering: The most common cause. Check your watering habits and ensure the pot drains well.
- Underwatering: While less common, consistently dry soil can also cause yellowing.
- Natural Aging: It’s normal for the oldest leaves (usually the lower ones) to occasionally yellow and die off.
Curling or Drooping Leaves
Leaves that curl inward or droop dramatically usually indicate the plant is thirsty. Check the soil moisture. If it’s dry, give it a thorough drink. The leaves should perk up within a few hours.
Pest Infestations
Calathea Makoyana can sometimes attract spider mites, mealybugs, or fungus gnats. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves.
- For Spider Mites: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or spray with a mixture of water and a little mild soap. Increase humidity, as mites thrive in dry conditions.
- For Mealybugs: Dab the cotton-like insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- For Fungus Gnats: Let the top layer of soil dry out more between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps to catch adults.
Repotting Your Calathea Makoyana
Repot every 1-2 years in spring to refresh the soil and provide a slightly larger home. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes, slowed growth, or the plant drying out very quickly.
- Choose a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
- Prepare fresh, well-draining potting mix.
- Gently remove the plant, loosen the root ball, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil at the same depth it was before.
- Water thoroughly and return the plant to its usual spot.
Avoid fertilizing for about a month after repotting to allow the roots to settle without risk of burn.
Seasonal Care Adjustments
Your plant’s needs change with the seasons. Adjusting your care routine is key to year-round health.
- Spring & Summer (Growing Season): This is when your plant is most active. Water regularly, fertilize monthly at half-strength, and maintain high humidity. It’s the best time for repotting or propagation.
- Fall & Winter (Dormant Season): Growth slows or stops. Reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to dry out more. Stop fertilizing completely. Protect the plant from cold drafts and dry heating air by maintaining humidity with a humidifier.
FAQ About Calathea Makoyana
Why are the leaves on my Calathea Makoyana turning brown?
Brown leaf tips or edges are most commonly caused by low humidity or minerals in tap water. Try using filtered water and increasing the moisture in the air around your plant.
How often should I water my Peacock Plant?
There’s no set schedule. Always check the soil first. Water when the top inch feels dry to the touch. This could be once a week in summer and every two weeks or less in winter.
Does a Calathea Makoyana flower?
It can produce small, inconspicuous white or purple flowers indoors, but this is rare. The plant is grown primarily for its spectacular foliage, not its blooms.
Is the prayer plant safe for cats?
Yes, Calathea Makoyana is non-toxic to both cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. It’s a pet-friendly houseplant choice.
Why do the leaves move up and down?
This daily movement, called nyctinasty, is thought to help the plant maximize light capture during the day and reduce water loss at night. The leaf stems (petioles) have specialized cells that change turgor pressure with light changes.
Can I put my Calathea outside in summer?
You can, but you must be careful. Place it in full, deep shade—never in direct sun. Also, ensure nighttime temperatures stay above 60°F. Always acclimate it gradually to the outdoor conditions over a week to avoid shock. Bring it back inside well before nighttime temperatures drop in the fall.
With its breathtaking looks and fascinating daily rhythm, the Calathea Makoyana is a rewarding plant to care for. By providing the right balance of indirect light, consistent moisture, high humidity, and warm temperatures, you’ll be able to enjoy its stunning patterned leaves for many years. Pay attention to its signals, and you’ll develop a great routine that keeps this prayer plant looking its absolute best.