How to Care for Calathea 'Makoyana' Peacock

Calathea ‘Makoyana’, commonly known as the Peacock Plant, is admired for its delicate, feather-like leaf patterns that resemble the eye-catching tail of a peacock. Each leaf features a pale green surface with dark green markings that form an elegant, almost hand-painted design. The undersides of the leaves often display a soft purple tone, adding even more visual interest to the plant. 

Native to the tropical forests of Brazil, this plant naturally grows under the canopy of larger trees where light is filtered and humidity is high. Because of its lush foliage and graceful patterns, Calathea ‘Makoyana’ has become a popular choice for indoor plant lovers who want to add texture and vibrant greenery to their living spaces. 

Unlike many flowering plants, the Peacock Plant is grown mainly for its decorative leaves rather than its flowers. Its foliage moves slightly throughout the day, gently raising and lowering in response to light, which is why Calatheas are often called “prayer plants.” With the right care, Calathea ‘Makoyana’ can become a beautiful focal point in any indoor plant collection. In this blog, you will learn how to care for Calathea ‘Makoyana’, including its light, watering, soil, temperature, and humidity needs to help it stay healthy and vibrant indoors.

Image: @Fabrizio Guarisco

LIGHTING

Calathea ‘Makoyana’ grows best in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain the clarity and contrast of its delicate leaf patterns. Gentle, filtered light allows the plant to keep its vibrant markings without causing stress to the foliage. 

Direct sunlight should be avoided, as strong rays can fade the intricate patterns or burn the leaves. Placing the plant near an east-facing window or in a spot where sunlight is softened by a curtain works well. Locations with bright, diffused light often provide the most balanced conditions for healthy growth. 

Although Calathea ‘Makoyana’ can tolerate lower light environments, its growth may slow and the leaf patterns may appear less vivid over time. Rotating the plant occasionally can also help ensure even light exposure and keep the foliage growing evenly.

WATERING

Calathea ‘Makoyana’ prefers consistently moist soil, but it should not sit in soggy conditions. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly at the top before watering again. Checking the top inch of soil is a helpful way to know when the plant needs water. If it feels dry, it is usually time to water. 

When watering, add enough water to thoroughly moisten the soil and allow excess moisture to drain from the bottom of the pot. Good drainage is important because standing water around the roots can lead to root rot. 

This plant can be sensitive to tap water that contains chlorine, fluoride, or heavy minerals. Using filtered water, rainwater, or water that has been left out overnight may help prevent brown leaf tips and keep the foliage looking healthy. During the growing season in spring and summer, the plant may require more frequent watering. In fall and winter, watering can be slightly reduced as growth slows and the soil takes longer to dry.

Image: @Mid Photographer

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY 

Calathea ‘Makoyana’ prefers warm and stable indoor temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. This tropical plant does not tolerate cold conditions well, so it should be protected from temperatures below 60°F. Sudden temperature changes can stress the plant and may cause leaf curling or browning along the edges. 

It is also important to keep the plant away from cold drafts, air conditioners, and heating vents, as these can dry out the foliage and disrupt its growth. A stable indoor environment helps the plant maintain healthy leaves and steady development. 

Humidity plays a key role in keeping Calathea ‘Makoyana’ looking its best. In its natural habitat, it grows in humid tropical forests, so it prefers moderate to high humidity levels. Average household humidity may be acceptable, but higher humidity can help prevent brown leaf edges and keep the foliage lush. If indoor air becomes dry, especially during winter, using a humidifier, pebble tray, or grouping plants together can help increase humidity around the plant.

SOIL AND FERTILIZER

Calathea ‘Makoyana’ grows best in light, well-draining soil that can still hold some moisture. A high-quality indoor potting mix works well, especially when combined with materials such as perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage and airflow around the roots. The soil should remain slightly moist but should never become heavy or waterlogged. 

Using a pot with drainage holes is important to prevent excess water from collecting at the bottom of the container. Proper drainage helps protect the roots from rot while still allowing the plant to receive the moisture it needs. 

During the active growing season in spring and summer, Calathea ‘Makoyana’ benefits from light feeding. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength every 3–4 weeks can support healthy foliage and steady growth. Too much fertilizer should be avoided, as it can cause salt buildup in the soil and lead to leaf damage. In fall and winter, fertilizing can be reduced or stopped as the plant’s growth naturally slows.

TOXICITY

Calathea ‘Makoyana’ is considered non-toxic to pets and humans, making it a safe choice for homes with cats, dogs, or children. Unlike some houseplants that contain irritating compounds, this plant does not pose a serious risk if touched or accidentally nibbled. Even though it is non-toxic, it is still best to discourage pets from chewing on the leaves. Eating large amounts of any plant material may still cause mild stomach discomfort.

EXTRA CARES

POTTING AND REPOTTING

Calathea ‘Makoyana’ benefits from occasional repotting to provide fresh soil and enough space for healthy root growth. In most cases, repotting every 1–2 years is sufficient, especially when the plant begins to outgrow its container. Signs that repotting may be needed include roots growing through the drainage holes, soil that dries out very quickly, or slower growth. 

The best time to repot is during spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing and can adapt more easily to fresh soil. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and make sure it has drainage holes to prevent excess moisture from collecting around the roots. 

Image: @Ellevena

When repotting, gently remove the plant from its container and loosen the root ball if it has become compacted. Replace the old soil with fresh, well-draining potting mix and replant at the same depth as before. After repotting, water the plant lightly and place it in bright, indirect light while it adjusts to the new container.

PROPAGATION

Calathea ‘Makoyana’ is most commonly propagated through plant division, which is usually done during repotting. This method is reliable and allows new plants to develop from the existing root system. 

The best time to propagate is during spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections. Each division should have several healthy leaves and a portion of the root system attached to ensure successful growth.

Once separated, plant each division in its own container with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Water lightly after planting to help the soil settle around the roots. Place the new plants in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture while they establish.

PRUNING

Calathea ‘Makoyana’ does not require heavy pruning, but occasional trimming helps keep the plant healthy and looking tidy. Over time, some leaves may turn yellow, become damaged, or dry out, especially as older leaves naturally age. Removing these leaves allows the plant to direct its energy toward producing new, healthy growth. 

To prune, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears and cut the affected leaf close to the base of the stem. This helps maintain the plant’s neat appearance and prevents damaged foliage from attracting pests or disease. 

Image: @umitc

Pruning can be done at any time of year, but it is most beneficial during the active growing season in spring and summer, when the plant can quickly replace older leaves with new ones.

COMMON PROBLEMS 

Calathea ‘Makoyana’ is a beautiful but sometimes sensitive houseplant, and a few common issues may appear if its growing conditions are not well balanced. Most problems are related to watering, humidity, water quality, or lighting conditions. 

Brown leaf edges or tips are one of the most common concerns. This usually happens when the air is too dry or when the plant is exposed to tap water that contains chlorine, fluoride, or heavy minerals. Increasing humidity and using filtered, distilled, or rainwater can help reduce this problem and keep the leaves looking healthy. 

Curling leaves may indicate that the plant is experiencing stress from underwatering, low humidity, or sudden temperature changes. When the soil becomes too dry, the leaves may curl inward to conserve moisture. Maintaining consistent soil moisture and keeping the plant in a stable environment can help prevent this issue. 

Calathea ‘Makoyana’ can also occasionally attract pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, or fungus gnats, especially when the plant is stressed or grown in dry conditions. Regularly checking the undersides of leaves and maintaining good humidity and airflow can help prevent infestations.