The Calathea Makoyana, often referred to as the "Peacock Plant," is a beautiful houseplant that brings an elegant atmosphere to your home. With its unique leaves adorned in an intricate pattern, this plant adds a touch of exotica to any environment. A fascinating feature of this plant is that it raises its leaves in the evening, as if preparing for rest – a behavior it shares with the prayer plant. The pale green color of the leaves is complemented by dark green ovals and fine lines, as well as a strong purple hue on the underside, creating a spectacular contrast. The stems are reddish-brown and very slender, giving the plant a delicate dimension.
Typical characteristics:
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unique, decorative leaves with peacock feather pattern
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moves leaves depending on the time of day (nyctinasty)
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pet-friendly and safe
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creates a tropical, elegant atmosphere
☀️ Location, soil and more.
The Calathea likes it warm and not too bright. The right location is crucial to maintain the intense delicate leaf pattern and prevent scorching.
Location
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semi-shady to bright (but tolerant of slightly less light than many other plants)
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no direct sun (leaves are thin and burn very quickly)
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high humidity is strongly preferred
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Perfect for bathrooms with windows or humid corners in living areas.
🌿 Care of Calathea Makoyana – Overview
This plant is a real eye-catcher, but it is considered a small diva that demands some attention. However, those who meet its needs will be rewarded with magnificent growth.
🌱 Growth
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upright and bushy growth
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usually reaches a height of approx. 40 to 60 cm
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forms clumps and appears very dense
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contributes to an elegant and structured appearance.
🍃 Leaves
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oval, wafer-thin and paper-like
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light green with dark green ovals and fine streaks (like a peacock's tail)
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underside shimmers intensely violet to purple
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The evening "closing" of the leaves particularly highlights the beautiful red underside.
💧 Watering / Water
Unlike many other plants, Calathea is very sensitive to dry root balls and water quality.
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always keep soil slightly moist
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absolutely avoid dry root balls
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water exclusively with low-calcium, room-temperature water (rainwater)
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however, waterlogging quickly leads to root rot.
🌼 Fertilizing
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from spring to autumn: every 2–3 weeks
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liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength
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stop fertilizing in winter
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salt deposits from over-fertilization can damage the roots.
🌱 Substrate
A loose soil climate is important, as the roots need air:
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humus-rich
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well-draining
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slightly acidic
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A mixture of high-quality potting soil, perlite, and a little bark works well.
🪴 Repotting
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every year or every 2 years in spring
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If the roots completely fill the pot, it's time for a larger container.
✂️ Pruning
The Calathea Makoyana does not require regular shaping.
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simply remove dried or brown leaves at the base
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this promotes new growth and keeps the plant healthy
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use clean, sharp tools.
🌱 Propagating Calathea Makoyana
Propagation is best done by division (cuttings rarely or never work with Calatheas):
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when repotting, carefully untangle and divide the root ball
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place the separated plants in their own pots and keep them warm and moist.
☠️ Is Calathea poisonous?
No – the Calathea Makoyana is completely non-toxic.
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safe for cats and dogs
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safe for small animals
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Similar to the Maranta and the Kentia palm, it is an absolutely safe option for all pet owners.
👉 You can safely place it anywhere your furry friends roam.
🧠 Other Care Tips
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Humidity is king: Mist the leaves very regularly with soft water or use a humidifier.
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Brown, crispy leaf edges are almost always a sign of air that is too dry or watering with water that is too hard.
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The plant loves temperatures around 20–25 °C and is sensitive to temperature fluctuations (avoid "cold feet").
✅ Conclusion
With its spectacular appearance and pet-friendly nature, the Calathea Makoyana is an excellent choice for plant lovers with an eye for detail. Although it is a little more demanding to care for, it rewards you with an incomparable look and creates a tropical, lively atmosphere. Let this beautiful plant beautify your interior.