Key Features:
- Size: Typically grows up to 30-60 cm in height with a similar spread.
- Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate leaves.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
- Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Protect from drafts and avoid placing it near air conditioners or heaters.
- Additional Features: Known for its dramatic leaf movement, Calathea ‘Makoyana’ raises and lowers its leaves in response to light, a behavior known as nyctinasty.
Care Tips:
- Plant in well-draining, peat-based potting soil, and use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
- Maintain high humidity levels, as Calathea thrives in a humid environment. Consider using a humidity tray or misting the leaves regularly.
- Water with filtered or distilled water to avoid mineral buildup, as Calathea is sensitive to salts and chemicals found in tap water.
- Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them free of dust and enhance their natural beauty.
Calathea ‘Makoyana’ is perfect for those who appreciate a more exotic, decorative houseplant. Its unique leaf patterns and elegant form make it a standout in any indoor plant collection, providing a lush, tropical feel to your space.