Overview

The Calathea Makoyana live plant, commonly known as the Peacock Plant, is a truly mesmerizing addition to any indoor plant collection. Renowned for its distinctive and vibrant foliage, this tropical houseplant features large, oval leaves adorned with striking dark green patterns resembling peacock feathers on a lighter green background, with a rich purple underside. As a member of the ‘Prayer Plant’ family, Calatheas exhibit nyctinasty, meaning their leaves fold up at night, like hands in prayer, and unfurl again in the morning. This particular indoor Calathea is shipped as a healthy, established 6-inch potted specimen, ready to thrive in its new environment. Its unique appearance and fascinating daily movement make it a focal point in any room, adding both botanical beauty and a touch of dynamic natural artistry to your home or office.

Originating from the rainforests of Brazil, the Calathea Makoyana live plant thrives in conditions that mimic its native humid, shaded habitat. It’s an excellent choice for plant enthusiasts looking for something beyond the ordinary, offering a sophisticated aesthetic that complements contemporary and traditional decor alike. The intricate patterns on its leaves are not just beautiful but also serve as a natural indicator of its health and hydration. With proper care, this Peacock plant will continue to unfurl new, gorgeously patterned leaves, enhancing its lush, full appearance.

Key Benefits

The Calathea Makoyana live plant offers a multitude of benefits, making it a highly sought-after houseplant for both seasoned collectors and beginners alike. Its captivating appearance and unique characteristics contribute significantly to a vibrant indoor living space.

• Stunning Ornamental Foliage: The most prominent feature of the Peacock Plant is its incredibly decorative leaves. Each leaf is a natural work of art, displaying intricate feather-like patterns of dark green on a lighter green, with a beautiful reddish-purple underside. This vibrant coloration and unique patterning make it an instant focal point and a conversation starter in any room.
• Air Purification Qualities: Like many houseplants, the Calathea Makoyana live plant contributes to a healthier indoor environment by helping to filter airborne toxins. It naturally improves air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing fresh oxygen, making your living space more pleasant and invigorating.
• Dynamic Leaf Movement: Experience the fascinating daily rhythm of nature with this plant’s nyctinastic movement. The leaves dramatically fold upwards at night and unfurl again with the morning light, a phenomenon that adds a dynamic and engaging element to its presence. This ‘prayer plant’ behavior is a unique characteristic that sets it apart from many other houseplants.
• Non-Toxic to Pets: For households with curious pets, the indoor Calathea is a safe choice. It is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, allowing you to enjoy its beauty without worry about your beloved furry friends. This makes it an ideal option for pet owners who want to introduce more greenery into their homes.
• Enhances Interior Aesthetics: The lush, tropical appearance of the Peacock plant effortlessly elevates the aesthetic appeal of any interior. Whether placed on a desk, shelf, or as part of a larger plant display, its striking patterns and rich colors add a sophisticated and exotic touch, transforming ordinary spaces into vibrant botanical havens.
• Unique Prayer Plant Varieties: This plant is a prime example of the diverse and beautiful prayer plant varieties available. Collecting different Calatheas can be a rewarding hobby, and the Makoyana is often considered a jewel among them due to its distinctive markings.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Calathea Makoyana live plant involves understanding its tropical origins to replicate an ideal environment indoors. These plants thrive with consistent moisture and humidity, but also require good drainage to prevent root issues. For sunlight, bright, indirect light is paramount; direct sun exposure can scorch its delicate leaves and fade the vibrant patterns. Place it near a north or east-facing window, or a few feet away from a brighter window, ensuring no direct rays hit the foliage. Insufficient light can cause the patterns to become less defined, while too much light can lead to leaf burn and dull colors.

When it comes to watering, consistency is key for the Peacock plant. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but avoid letting the soil become completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause leaf edges to crisp and curl. Use filtered water or rainwater if possible, as Calatheas can be sensitive to chemicals found in tap water. Humidity is also crucial for this indoor Calathea; consider placing it on a pebble tray with water, grouping it with other plants, or using a humidifier, especially in dry environments. The ideal temperature range is between 65-80°F (18-27°C), and it should be protected from cold drafts. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding in fall and winter. Repotting is generally needed every 1-2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, using a well-draining potting mix. Keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites, which can be deterred by maintaining high humidity levels. Understanding these specific needs will ensure your Calathea Makoyana live plant continues to flourish and display its magnificent foliage.

Size & Details

This offering is for one healthy Calathea Makoyana live plant, shipped in a 6-inch nursery pot. The plant typically stands approximately 8-12 inches tall from the base of the pot to the top of its foliage upon arrival, with a spread of about 6-10 inches. The growth rate is moderate, and with optimal care, it can reach a mature height of 1-2 feet indoors, displaying a bushy, upright habit. The distinct feather-like patterns on its leaves become more pronounced as the plant matures, showcasing the full beauty of this Peacock plant. It will arrive as a fully rooted, established specimen, ready to be enjoyed immediately. This size is perfect for tabletops, shelves, or as part of a larger plant arrangement, offering an immediate impact of lush, tropical greenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this Calathea Makoyana live plant get? A: This Calathea Makoyana live plant is shipped in a 6-inch pot and typically stands 8-12 inches tall. With good care, it can grow to a mature height of 1-2 feet indoors, forming a beautiful, dense clump of foliage.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Peacock plant is primarily an indoor houseplant in most climates. It thrives in the stable temperatures and humidity found indoors, mimicking its tropical rainforest origins. It can be placed outdoors in warm, humid, and shaded environments during summer, but must be brought inside before temperatures drop.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This indoor Calathea requires bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch its leaves and cause its vibrant patterns to fade. An east or north-facing window is ideal, or a spot a few feet away from a brighter window.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Calathea Makoyana is considered moderately challenging. It requires consistent humidity and careful watering to thrive, making it a good choice for those with some plant care experience or those willing to learn about specific prayer plant varieties.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your Calathea Makoyana live plant will arrive as a healthy, established plant, securely packaged in its 6-inch nursery pot. We take great care to ensure it reaches you in excellent condition, ready to be enjoyed.
• Q: Is it pet-safe? A: Yes, the Peacock plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. This makes it a safe and beautiful option for households with pets.
• Q: How often should I water my indoor Calathea? A: Water your indoor Calathea when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. It’s better to slightly under-water than over-water.
• Q: What kind of soil does it prefer? A: A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is best for the Calathea Makoyana live plant. This type of soil retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain away, preventing root rot.
• Q: Why are my Calathea’s leaves curling? A: Curling leaves on your Peacock plant often indicate a lack of humidity or insufficient watering. Ensure the plant receives adequate moisture and maintain high humidity around it.
• Q: Can I propagate this plant? A: Calathea Makoyana can be propagated through division during repotting. Carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring each section has roots and at least one shoot, to create new prayer plant varieties.