Calathea "Makoyana"

Calathea "Makoyana," commonly known as Peacock Plant or Cathedral Windows, is a beautiful and eye-catching houseplant native to eastern Brazil. This stunning plant is well-known for its oval-shaped leaves with striking patterns resembling a peacock's feathers, which gives it its common name. The leaves are light green with dark green markings on the top, while the underside showcases a lovely shade of purple. Calatheas are known for their unique behavior of opening their leaves during the day and folding them up at night, resembling hands in prayer. This fascinating plant is perfect for adding a touch of natural beauty and interest to any indoor space.

To ensure your Calathea "Makoyana" thrives, follow these plant care instructions:

1. Light: Provide your Calathea "Makoyana" with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to fade and lose their vibrant patterns, while insufficient light can lead to slow growth.

2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use filtered or distilled water, as Calatheas are sensitive to the minerals and chemicals found in tap water. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

3. Humidity: Calathea "Makoyana" prefers high humidity levels, ideally around 60-80%. To maintain humidity, place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water, use a humidifier, or mist the leaves regularly.

4. Temperature: This tropical plant thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Keep it away from drafts, air conditioning vents, or heaters, as fluctuations in temperature can cause stress to the plant.

5. Fertilizer: Feed your Calathea "Makoyana" with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid root burn. Reduce feeding during the fall and winter, as the plant enters a period of slower growth.

6. Pruning: Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and visually appealing. Regularly trim your Calathea "Makoyana" to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth.

7. Repotting: Repot your Calathea "Makoyana" every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Choose a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Pet-friendliness:

Calathea "Makoyana" is considered non-toxic to pets, according to the ASPCA's website. This makes it a pet-friendly houseplant, suitable for households with cats and dogs. However, it is still a good practice to keep all houseplants out of reach of pets to prevent them from chewing on leaves or stems, which could still cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction in some pets. Monitoring your pets around houseplants and taking precautions to keep them from ingesting any plant material can help ensure the safety and well-being of your furry companions.