How to Grow Calathea Makoyana
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Calathea Makoyana
Goeppertia makoyana
flowerCalathea Makoyana, commonly known as Peacock Plant, is a striking tropical houseplant prized for its large, distinctively patterned oval leaves featuring peacock-eye-like markings in deep green and silver. The foliage displays intricate venation with burgundy undersides, creating a dramatic ornamental display. It is a non-toxic plant that thrives indoors in humid, warm conditions.
When should you plant Calathea Makoyana in your zone?
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Example Calathea Makoyana timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Calathea Makoyana
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Calathea Makoyana blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Year-round indoors in zones 11-12; elsewhere as a houseplant requiring warm, humid conditions (65-80°F)
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Get my Calathea Makoyana timeline →Growth Stages
Propagation/Establishment
2-4 weeksDivision or newly potted rooted cuttings showing initial leaf unfurling and root development
Maintain high humidity (60-80%) using pebble trays or humidifier. Keep soil consistently moist. Avoid fertilizing for first 4-6 weeks
Vegetative Growth
3-6 monthsRapid leaf unfurling and expansion; new petioles emerging regularly with full peacock eye patterns developing
Maintain humidity above 50%. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during growing season (spring-summer) with diluted balanced fertilizer. Rotate pot weekly for even growth
Mature Foliage
OngoingPlant reaches full size with 6-12 large patterned leaves; leaf patterns become increasingly vivid and defined
Continue consistent watering and humidity. Wipe leaves monthly with distilled water and soft cloth to remove dust and enhance appearance. Maintain temperatures 65-80°F
Flowering (Rare Indoors)
VariableSmall, inconspicuous white or pale purple flowers may appear at base of plant; minimal ornamental value
Flowering rarely occurs indoors. If flowers develop, continue standard care; do not remove flowers unless desired
Rest/Winter Dormancy
2-3 monthsSlower growth, reduced leaf unfurling, plant enters semi-dormant state
Reduce watering frequency slightly. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks or discontinue. Maintain minimum 60°F temperature. Increase humidity if heating dries air
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity to 60%+. Spray leaves with water. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days. Isolate affected plant
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spray with insecticidal soap. Treat every 7 days for 3-4 weeks
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Scrape off manually with soft brush. Treat with horticultural oil or neem oil every 7-10 days
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Increase humidity. Use blue sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly
Uses
Indoor Air Purification
HouseholdCalathea Makoyana helps filter indoor air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene, improving indoor air quality while providing striking visual interest to living spaces and offices. [source]
Decorative Houseplant
HouseholdThe dramatic peacock-eye patterned foliage makes this plant a premium choice for interior design, adding tropical elegance to bedrooms, living rooms, and office spaces with its distinctive emerald and silver leaf markings. [source]
Non-Toxic Pet Safety
WildlifeCalathea Makoyana is completely non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets, making it a safe decorative choice for pet-owning households without risk of poisoning from accidental ingestion. [source]
Humidity Indicator Plant
HouseholdThe plant's leaf curling and browning are excellent indicators of insufficient humidity, helping gardeners monitor and adjust indoor humidity levels for optimal plant health and comfort. [source]
Botanical Propagation Practice
CraftCalathea Makoyana can be propagated through rhizome division, making it an excellent plant for learning and practicing tropical plant propagation techniques. [source]
Harvest Tips
Peacock Plant is ornamental foliage; harvesting is not applicable. Remove dead or yellowed leaves by cutting at petiole base with clean scissors. Do not harvest leaves for propagation unless dividing mature plant
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Calathea Makoyana leaves exhibit nyctinasty (sleep movements), where leaves fold up at night and unfold during the day—you may hear soft rustling sounds as the plant 'sleeps'
- 🌱 The peacock-eye pattern on leaves serves as a survival adaptation in rainforest understory, mimicking eye spots to deter herbivores in its native Brazilian habitat
- 🌱 The plant was reclassified from Calathea to Goeppertia genus in 2012 based on DNA analysis, though it remains commonly sold and referred to by its old Calathea name
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