Calathea Makoyana

Calathea makoyana is a colourful, tropical foliage plant with a bushy habit. This stylish Calathea has broad, oval leaves. The green leaves have a fun pattern of contrasting stripes and oblong blotches. Even the undersides of the leaves are adorned with this pattern, but then in a cool pink/reddish colour. As a typical Calathea, C. makoyana too earns its nickname as ‘living plant’ because it closes or rises its leaves at night and uncurls or lowers them again in the morning. With all its colours and patterns, this crazy night habit gives an even more significant effect. Calathea makoyana is native to tropical areas of South America, where it grows as an evergreen perennial in the shady, damp understories of rainforests. It makes for a stylish and easy houseplant. Calathea makoyana is commonly known as Goeppertia makoyana, Cathedral windows or Peacock plant, because of its typical leaf pattern. Evanthia has Calathea makoyana starting material available all year round, as tissue culture young plants.

Light

The Calathea Makoyana should be placed in a medium or bright indirect light. Prayer plants should be placed out of direct sunlight. If placed in very bright light the Calathea Makoyana’s variegation will start to fade. It’s important that the Calathea is placed in a room with one window and should never be placed anywhere with no natural light. Lighting-wise the Calathea Makoyana would match perfectly with Andy the Yucca and Maya the parlour palm.

Watering

Getting the balance may be tricky at first as the Calathea Makoyana prefers semi-moist soil. Always check the first few inches of soil before you water again and never let the soil become soggy or overly wet. This will lead to root rot.