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Calathea Makoyana

Calathea makoyana

houseplant

verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

The Calathea Makoyana, known as the Peacock Plant, displays extraordinary oval leaves with intricate patterns of dark green feathering on a lighter green background, resembling peacock plumage. The undersides of the leaves feature striking reddish-purple coloring. This exquisite plant is highly prized by collectors but is considered demanding due to its strict care requirements.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Calathea Makoyana is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Brown Tipschevron_right

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Curling Leaveschevron_right

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Yellow Leaveschevron_right

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Brown Spotschevron_right

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Pale Leaveschevron_right

Care Guide

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Light

Medium to bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves; prefers consistent, filtered light conditions

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Water

Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged; water when top inch feels dry; always use distilled or rainwater to prevent mineral damage

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Soil

Loose, porous mix of peat moss, coconut coir, orchid bark, and perlite; excellent drainage prevents root rot issues

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Fertiliser

Apply diluted balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during spring and summer; discontinue in fall and winter

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Temperature

Prefers consistent warmth of 65–75°F (18–24°C); extremely sensitive to temperature fluctuations and cold drafts

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Humidity

Requires very high humidity of 70–80%; use a humidifier, create a pebble tray, and mist regularly to maintain moisture

Toxicity

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Safe for all household members; non-toxic to cats, dogs, and children

Common Diseases

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Common Pests

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Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Calathea Makoyana considered harder to care for than other Calatheas?

It's especially strict about humidity (70–80%) and temperature stability — even brief cold drafts or dry air cause noticeable leaf curling and browning faster than in hardier Calathea varieties, so consistency matters more here.

What causes the reddish-purple color on the underside of my Calathea Makoyana's leaves?

That's natural pigmentation characteristic of this species — the peacock-like feathering pattern on top paired with deep red-purple undersides is what gives Makoyana its ornamental appeal, not a symptom of a problem.