Calathea Makoyana Plant: Overview

The Calathea Makoyana plant, also known as the Peacock Plant, is a striking member of the Prayer plant family (Marantaceae) native to Brazil. Its large, oval leaves are adorned with feather-like patterns in shades of deep green and light cream, resembling a peacock’s tail, giving the plant its common name. The undersides of the leaves are a rich purple, adding to its visual appeal, especially when the leaves fold up at night, a characteristic behavior of prayer plants.

This tropical evergreen thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10-11 but is typically grown indoors in other regions. The Calathea Makoyana can reach up to 2 feet in height and spread, making it a perfect plant for adding lush greenery to indoor spaces. It prefers indirect light, as direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves. Known for its relatively high humidity and moisture needs, it’s considered a moderate-care plant, ideal for plant enthusiasts who can provide the right environment. 

Symbolically, the Calathea Makoyana is often associated with new beginnings and positivity, making it a meaningful addition to homes or offices. In addition, Calathea plants are also pet-friendly, making them a safe choice for households with cats and dogs. Other notable Calathea species include the Calathea Orbofilia, with its large, round leaves, and the Calathea Setosa, known as the Compact Star plant. 

Calathea Plant: Benefits

• It has strong air-purifying properties. Hence, it improves indoor air quality.
• Safe for homes with pets, as it's non-toxic to cats and dogs
• Symbolizes new beginnings, positivity, and renewal
• Adds aesthetic value with its vibrant, patterned foliage

Calathea Peacock Plant: Care Guide

The Calathea Peacock Plant, also known as Calathea makoyana, is a relatively easy-care plant, ideal for indoor gardeners, who can provide a humid environment and indirect light for this tropical plant. Here's a comprehensive Calathea care guide:

Watering & Humidity

Calatheas prefer consistently moist soil but avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. High humidity is essential, so consider placing the plant in a bathroom or using a humidifier. Misting the leaves regularly will also help maintain humidity.

Light & Temperature

Place your Calathea in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light will cause the vibrant patterns to fade. Keep the plant in a room between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and avoid cold drafts or sudden temperature drops.

Soil & Repotting

Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter, such as a blend of peat, perlite, and pine bark. Repot your Calathea every 1-2 years in the spring or when the roots outgrow the current pot to refresh the soil and provide more space for growth.

Feeding & Pruning

Feed your Calathea every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Prune any yellow or damaged leaves to maintain the plant's appearance and health. Regular cleaning of the leaves with a damp cloth will help remove dust and prevent pests.

Propagation

Calathea propagation is relatively easy. To propagate your prayer plant, it’s best to divide it during repotting. Carefully separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each has healthy roots and leaves. Place the new plants in a spot with indirect light.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Watch for common leaf issues with your Calathea prayer plant, like leaf curling, which can indicate underwatering or low humidity. Brown leaf edges may signify dry air, while yellowing leaves could indicate overwatering. Treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil if you notice pests like spider mites or aphids.

Calathea Peacock Plant: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

The Calathea Peacock Plant is a versatile and attractive indoor plant that thrives in specific environments and complements various decor styles. Here’s where and how it can be best utilized. 

Best Locations & Uses

• The calming patterns on the leaves make it a perfect addition to a restful bedroom environment.
• As a non-toxic plant, it’s safe for homes with curious cars or dogs.
• It thrives in high-humidity environments, making it an excellent choice for bright bathrooms.
• Its symbolic association with new beginnings makes it a meaningful gift for special occasions.
• It can add a tropical flair to a shaded porch or patio in mild climates.  

Companion Plants

The Calathea Peacock Plant pairs beautifully with other indoor plants that thrive in similar conditions. 

• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum.): Peace Lily is an elegant, easy-care plant that shares Calathea’s preference for low to medium light and high humidity. 
• Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): The popular Golden Pothos is a hardy, trailing plant that complements Calathea’s upright growth and thrives in similar low-light conditions. 
• Japanese Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum): The Japanese Bird’s Nest Fern is a pet-friendly fern that adds a lush, tropical vibe and thrives in the same humid environment as the Calathea plant. 

Alternative Plants

If you’re looking for pet-friendly alternatives with similar aesthetics and care needs, consider these options:

• Marantha Red Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoveana): With striking patterned leaves that require the same level of care as the Calathea Peacock, the Maranta Prayer Plant is a beautiful alternative. 
• Calathea Freddie (Calathea concinna): Calathea Freddie is a gorgeous, easy-care plant with light green leaves and dark green stripes, ideal for low-light environments. 
• Calathea Rattlesnake (Calathea lancifolia): With its long, wavy leaves and striking patterns, the Calathea Rattlesnake is perfect for those who want a unique and rare plant that is equally pet-friendly. 

Order Your Calathea Makoyana From Lively Root Now!

Bring home the stunning Calathea Makoyana from Lively Root today and elevate your indoor space with its vibrant, air-purifying beauty!