Calathea Makoyana

Calathea Makoyana thrives in dappled light, ideally placed 1 to 2 meters from an east or north facing window, sheltered from any direct sunlight.

In its natural habitat, the Peacock Plant grows under the dense canopy of Brazilian rainforests, where filtered light is its optimal living condition. It tolerates fairly dark exposures but gradually loses the intensity of its leaf patterns if the light is too weak over time.

In summer, keep Calathea Makoyana away from south- or west-facing windows, even behind a curtain. Direct afternoon sunlight quickly causes white discoloration and irreversible burns on its striking leaves. In winter, move it slightly closer to the light source to compensate for the reduced natural sunlight.

Important tip 🌿If your room lacks natural light, don't sacrifice this plant to a dark corner. Ourgrow light for dimly lit indoor environmentsfaithfully mimics full-spectrum natural light, without harmful UV rays, and allows Calathea Makoyana to maintain its colours and leaf movements throughout the year.

Calathea Makoyana is non-toxic to cats, dogs and young children.

This tropical plant, belonging to the Marantaceae family, does not contain dangerous amounts of calcium oxalates, nor latex, saponins, or alkaloids known to be toxic. Reference botanical and veterinary databases, including the ASPCA, classify plants of the genus Calathea as non-toxic to domestic animals and humans.

In the event of accidental ingestion of a few leaves, no serious symptoms are to be expected. Mild, temporary digestive irritation may occur in animals with particularly sensitive digestive systems, but this is not a toxic effect.

What precautions should be taken on a daily basis?

Although Calathea Makoyana is safe, it is best to prevent pets from regularly chewing its leaves, not because of any toxic risk, but to preserve the integrity of its beautiful graphic foliage.

You can therefore install it with complete peace of mind in a home with children and animals, and fully enjoy its decorative presence without any particular worries.

The leaves of Calathea Makoyana most often turn yellow due to overwatering, insufficient light, or a nutrient deficiency.

• If the leaves turn yellow and become limp, the problem usually stems from excess water causing the beginning of root rot.
• If the leaves gradually turn yellow while remaining firm and dry, the plant often lacks light or fertilizer.
• If the yellowing is accompanied by small light spots, a dull appearance or fine webbing, it may be a mite infestation, common in dry atmospheres.

Calathea Makoyana is particularly sensitive to water quality: using tap water that is too hard or fluoridated can cause yellowing on the edges and tips of the leaves, a characteristic reaction of this species that is rarely observed with the same intensity in other tropical plants.

Important tip 🌿One or two old leaves that turn yellow from time to time is perfectly normal and is part of the plant's natural cycle.On the other hand, if several leaves turn yellow rapidly, if the phenomenon affects young leaves or if nighttime leaf movements disappear, it is time to act.

In case of a mite infestation, prioritize ourplant-friendly biological treatmentseffective and non-aggressive to the delicate foliage of Calathea Makoyana.

Calathea Makoyana is ideally repotted in the spring, between March and May, when growth actively resumes.

Repotting is necessary when:

• The roots emerge through the drainage holes.
• Growth is slowing down.
• or that the substrate compacts too quickly after watering.

As a general rule, repotting every 2 years is sufficient for an adult plant.

Calathea Makoyana develops a fine, rhizomatous root system that is not very invasive: it prefers slightly narrow pots rather than overly large containers where excess moist substrate around the fine roots would promote rot.

Choose a pot 2 to 3 cm wider than the old one, and make sure it has drainage holes. Ourtransparent pots to monitor the rootsare ideal: their transparency allows you to monitor root recovery and the condition of the rhizome after repotting, without disturbing the plant.

Prepare a suitable and well-aerated substrate for this tropical plant.We recommend our range ofwell-draining substrates enriched with biostimulantsdesigned to promote drainage, root oxygenation and healthy long-term growth.For Calathea Makoyana specifically, opt for ourdraining substrate formulated for Calathea, perfectly suited to its fine roots and its needs for regulated humidity.

1. Gently remove the plant from its pot by tapping the pot to loosen the root ball without pulling on the petioles.
2. Gently untangle the rhizomes if necessary, without breaking them, and remove any blackened or soft roots.
3. Place a layer of substrate at the bottom of the pot, position the plant upright, then fill in without burying the crown.

Important tip 🌿After repotting, water moderately to help the potting mix settle around the fine roots. Keep the plant away from drafts for a few days to minimize post-repotting stress, and wait until the Calathea Makoyana resumes its regular leaf movement before resuming fertilization.

Calathea Makoyana should be fertilized every 2 to 3 weeks from March to October, with a liquid fertilizer diluted in the watering water.

During autumn and winter, from November to February, significantly reduce or stop fertilizing. This is a period of dormancy during which the plant produces few or no new leaves.

Calathea Makoyana is sensitive to excess mineral salts that accumulate in the substrate: too frequent or too concentrated an application can cause burns on the edges of the leaves and dull the brilliance of its graphic patterns, characteristic signs of over-fertilization in this species.

A well-balanced intake promotes:

• denser, more colorful foliage
• steady growth,
• and improved plant resistance.

👉 For best results, we recommend ourconcentrated fertilizer for houseplantsEasy to dose, with fast visible results. Practical tips are printed directly on the back of the label and on the product information sheet, for simple and hassle-free use.

Important tip 🌿Never fertilize a plant in a dry substrate: this could burn the roots.Water normally first, then apply diluted fertilizer 2 to 3 days later, when the soil is slightly moist. Regular but moderate fertilization will keep your Calathea Makoyana vigorous and healthy 💚

Water Calathea Makoyana when the top 2 centimeters of the substrate have dried out, approximately every 7 to 10 days in summer and every 12 to 15 days in winter. Use room temperature water.

How do I know when to water?

The finger test remains the most reliable method: insert your index finger into the substrate to a depth of 2 to 3 cm. If the substrate is dry, it's time to water. If it's still damp, wait a few more days.

Calathea Makoyana is particularly sensitive to the lime and fluoride found in tap water, two substances that cause characteristic brown necrosis on the tips and edges of its leaves. Use filtered water, rainwater, or tap water that has been left to stand in an open container for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate.

Important advice:When in doubt, it's always better to wait a little longer than to overwater. The fine, rhizomatous roots of Calathea Makoyana are particularly vulnerable to excess water, which quickly leads to rhizome rot that is difficult to stop.

Calathea Makoyana is propagated by division of the rhizome, ideally in spring, between March and April, during annual or biennial repotting.

Rhizome division: the method adapted to this speciesUnlike many tropical plants, Calathea Makoyana cannot be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings. Its propagation relies exclusively on the separation of its rhizomes, the horizontal underground stems that bear the roots and leaves. When repotting, identify sections of the rhizome with at least two to three leaves and a distinct root system. Gently separate them by hand or, if the rhizomes are intertwined, use a tool.Our stainless steel blade pruner for a clean cut, which limits the risk of infection on the soft tissues of the rhizome.

1. Remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the root ball to visualize the rhizomatous structure.
2. Separate the divisions, ensuring that each section retains at least two leaves and well-formed roots. Plant each division inOur transparent pots allow you to monitor root development.which will allow you to visually monitor the recovery without disturbing the young plant.
3. Keep the partitions in a warm, humid atmosphere, away from drafts, with dim lighting.

Repot each division in ourpotting soil suitable for the fine roots of Marantawhich ensures the regulated humidity and drainage necessary for a rapid and vigorous recovery.

Important tip 🌿Recovery after division generally takes 3 to 6 weeks. During this period, do not fertilize and limit watering to the bare minimum. The most reliable sign of success is the appearance of a new, curled leaf that gradually unfurls, indicating that the rhizome has taken root and that the Calathea Makoyana is beginning a new growing season.