The Calathea makoyana, often recognized as the Peacock Plant, is a popular houseplant celebrated for its distinctive and ornamental foliage. This species originates from the tropical rainforests of Brazil, where it thrives in the shaded undergrowth. Its striking appearance makes it a sought-after addition to indoor plant collections.
Understanding the Makoy Plant
The Makoy plant features remarkable physical characteristics, most notably its large, oval-shaped leaves. These leaves display an intricate pattern resembling a peacock’s feathers, with dark green veins and blotches set against a lighter green background. The underside of each leaf often exhibits a rich reddish-purple hue.
A unique behavior of the Makoy plant, shared with other members of the Marantaceae family, is its “prayer plant” movement. During the day, the leaves lie relatively flat to maximize light absorption. As evening approaches, specialized cells at the base of the leaves, called pulvini, cause the leaves to fold upwards, resembling hands in prayer. This movement, known as nyctinasty, is driven by changes in water pressure within these cells and follows a circadian rhythm.
Essential Makoy Care
Light Needs
The Makoy plant thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat beneath the dense canopy of rainforests. Placing it near a north-facing window is often ideal, or a few feet away from an east or west-facing window can also work well. Direct sunlight should be avoided because it can scorch the delicate leaves, causing the vibrant patterns and colors to fade. Consistent light conditions help maintain the plant’s health and the vibrancy of its foliage.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture in the soil is important for the Makoy plant, but overwatering can lead to root rot. A good practice is to water the plant when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch. It is beneficial to use filtered, distilled, or rainwater for irrigation, as Makoy plants are sensitive to the fluoride and chlorine often present in tap water, which can cause browning of leaf tips and edges. Ensuring the pot has drainage holes prevents water from accumulating and saturating the roots.
Humidity Requirements
High humidity is a fundamental requirement for the Makoy plant, reflecting its tropical rainforest origins. Low humidity levels can cause the leaves to develop crispy, brown edges or to curl. To increase humidity, placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, using a room humidifier, or grouping it with other plants can be effective. While misting can provide temporary relief, its long-term effectiveness in significantly raising ambient humidity is limited.
Temperature Preferences
Maintaining a stable temperature range is important for the Makoy plant’s well-being. The ideal indoor temperature for this plant is typically between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 27 degrees Celsius). It is important to protect the plant from sudden temperature drops and cold drafts, such as those near open windows or heating and cooling vents. Consistent temperatures contribute to healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Soil and Fertilization
A well-draining yet moisture-retentive potting mix is suitable for the Makoy plant. A mixture that includes components like peat moss, perlite, and bark provides both good drainage and the ability to retain adequate moisture. During the active growing season, typically spring and summer, a balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied every four to six weeks, diluted to half strength to prevent over-fertilization. Fertilizing should be reduced or stopped during the cooler, dormant months.
Repotting and Propagating Makoy
Repotting the Makoy plant is generally needed every one to two years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots growing out of the drainage holes. When repotting, select a new pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid over-potting, which can lead to excess moisture retention. It is important to handle the plant gently to minimize disturbance to its root system during this process. Fresh, appropriate potting mix should be used to replenish nutrients and provide a healthy environment for continued growth.
The primary method for propagating Makoy plants is through division, often performed during repotting. This involves carefully separating sections of the root ball, ensuring each new division has a portion of the rhizome with a few leaves and healthy roots attached. After division, plant each section into its own pot with fresh potting mix. New divisions benefit from warm, humid conditions and indirect light to help them establish and reduce transplant stress. Propagating from seeds is considerably more challenging for home growers.
Troubleshooting Common Makoy Issues
Crispy or brown leaf edges frequently point to insufficient humidity or the use of tap water containing high levels of minerals like fluoride and chlorine. Increasing ambient humidity and switching to filtered or distilled water can help resolve this.
Yellowing leaves can signal either overwatering, which leads to root rot, or underwatering, where the soil becomes too dry. Adjusting the watering schedule to ensure consistent moisture without saturation is important.
Fading leaf patterns or a lack of the characteristic “prayer plant” movement often indicates incorrect light levels, either too much direct sun or insufficient indirect light. Relocating the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light can restore its vibrancy and natural leaf movement.
Makoy plants can also be susceptible to common houseplant pests such as spider mites and mealybugs, particularly in dry conditions. Regularly inspecting the plant’s foliage can help in early detection. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels can act as a preventative measure against some pests like spider mites. If an infestation occurs, treating with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage the problem.