Calathea 'Makoyana'

Nature has always been the greatest artist — and the Calathea Makoyana is one of its finest masterpieces. Known as the Peacock Plant, this extraordinary Calathea features large, oval leaves painted with an intricate mosaic of light and dark green, cream, and burgundy — a pattern so detailed and precise that it looks as if it were hand-drawn by a botanical illustrator. The undersides of the leaves reveal a rich purple-burgundy that flashes beautifully as the plant moves through its daily ritual of opening and closing with the light.

Like all Calatheas, the Makoyana is a prayer plant — its leaves gently rise and fold each evening as the light fades, then open again with the morning sun. This daily movement is one of the most enchanting things about owning a Calathea — a living, breathing reminder that your plant is responding to the world around it. In a home, it brings a sense of quiet wonder that no other plant quite replicates.

Native to the tropical rainforests of eastern Brazil, the Calathea Makoyana has evolved in the dappled shade of the forest floor, where it thrives in warmth, humidity, and filtered light. Recreate those conditions in your home, and this plant will reward you with foliage that grows more lush and dramatic with every passing season.

🌿 Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Calathea makoyana
• Common Names: Peacock Plant, Cathedral Windows, Zebra Plant
• Origin: Eastern Brazil (tropical rainforest)
• Available Sizes: 2", 3", 4", and 6" nursery pots
• Growth Habit: Upright, clumping — grows fuller and more lush over time
• Foliage: Light green with dark green feathered markings, cream midrib, purple-burgundy undersides

✨ Why the Peacock Plant Captivates Everyone

• 🦚 Extraordinary peacock-inspired foliage — intricate feathered markings unlike any other houseplant
• 🌙 Moves with the light — leaves rise and fold each evening in the classic prayer plant ritual
• 💜 Stunning purple undersides — a hidden detail that reveals itself as the plant moves
• 💚 Pet-friendly — non-toxic to cats and dogs, safe for the whole family
• 💡 Low to medium light — thrives without direct sun, perfect for shaded rooms and offices
• 📦 Available in 4 sizes — from a starter 2" to a full, lush 6" plant

💡 Care Guide

👍 Light: Bright to medium indirect light is ideal. The Calathea Makoyana thrives in dappled, filtered light — a spot near a north- or east-facing window, or set back from a brighter window, is perfect. The intricate leaf patterns are most vivid in good indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which will fade and scorch the delicate markings.

💧 Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry. Calatheas are sensitive to minerals and fluoride in tap water — for best results, use filtered water, rainwater, or let tap water sit overnight before watering. Brown leaf edges typically indicate low humidity or mineral buildup; yellow leaves often signal overwatering.

🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture — a blend of quality potting mix, perlite, and coco coir works beautifully. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot while keeping roots consistently hydrated.

💨 Humidity: This is the Calathea Makoyana's most important care requirement. It loves humidity — aim for 50–70% relative humidity. Bathrooms and kitchens are naturally ideal spots. A humidifier nearby, a pebble tray with water, or regular misting will keep the leaves lush and the edges crisp. Dry air is the #1 cause of brown leaf tips in Calatheas.

🌡️ Temperature: Thrives in warm, stable temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Keep away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature changes — Calatheas are sensitive to cold and will show stress quickly.

🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause tip burn. Do not fertilize in fall and winter when growth slows.

🪴 Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years in spring when roots begin to circle the bottom of the pot. Choose a pot just 1–2 inches larger — Calatheas prefer to be slightly snug in their containers.

🐾 Pet Safety

Great news — the Calathea Makoyana is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it one of the most beautiful and safest choices for pet-friendly homes. Explore our full pet-friendly plant collection for more safe options.

Available in 2", 3", 4", and 6" nursery pots. As a living product, slight variations in leaf count, size, and pattern intensity are natural — each plant is a unique work of art!