Calathea Makoyana is a beautiful plant with long leaves. This plant produces beautiful flowers that have different colors and shapes. Division, seeds, or cuttings can also propagate Calathea Makoyana. It is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures.
Description
The Calathea Makoyana has heart-shaped leaves that grow to 10 inches wide. Its color usually ranges from bright green to yellow. The underside of its leaves is covered with white spots or streaks. Its top side has a dark green hue with white dots on it as well.
The Calathea Makoyana has short stems and small white flowers. Its flowers bloom from mid-spring until late summer. This plant doesn’t only grow in tropical climates; some are available in North America! It’s relatively easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors. Just make sure it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Watering Frequency
Water the plant at least once weekly, water thoroughly, and allow the soil to dry out between watering.
How Much To Water?
Water deeply enough to soak the soil in a pot with at least 1 gallon (4 liters). For instance, for plants that have a 5-inch pot, add about 3 quarts (2.8 liters) of water. Use your finger or stick to test whether the soil is wet enough down to its bottom edge. If it isn’t, continue adding small amounts until it has been fully watered.
Watering Method
Fill a bucket with room-temperature water and let it sit for about 10 minutes before using it on your plants. It allows the chlorine in the tap water to evaporate before touching them. Chlorine will damage leaves as they grow.
Lighting
Calathea Makoyana plants need a lot of light. They will not tolerate low light, so keep them out of your darkest corners or under fluorescent bulbs. They can grow in full sun and do well in partial shade.
Temperature And Humidity
The best temperature for this plant is between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius. The humidity levels should be at 40-60%.
Soil Mix
Use a well-draining mix that contains equal parts potting soil and perlite. Add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil before planting. Do not use garden soil, compost, or peat moss because they promote fungal growth and rot in your plant.
Fertilizing
To keep your Calathea healthy and vigorous, fertilize monthly during summer. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). For example, 10-10-10. It is important not to overfertilize; it can result in leaf burn.
Suppose you grow your Calathea in a container with drainage holes at the bottom. In that case, water will drain out of them. Any excess fertilizer will stay behind in the potting soil rather than being washed away. It means you must use less fertilizer when growing Calathea with drainage holes. You can add granular fertilizer around the plant’s roots instead of doing it directly. Avoid getting it too close because this could cause burns on tender stems or leaves.
For some plants, repot them every 12 months. Repot them into new pots filled with fresh potting soil. Your potting soil should contain sphagnum moss, peat moss, and perlite/vermiculite. Add organic mix, such as ProMix BXBX.
Pests And Diseases
While pests and diseases are not common, you may encounter one. If you notice a problem with your Calathea Makoyana, treat it immediately. Treating them straight away would prevent further damage.
If you do have an issue with pests or diseases, there are several things you can do:
- Remove the affected leaves and wash them in tap water. Doing this will remove insects or fungus spores infestation. You can also use insecticides and fungicides now if desired. But note that these products only kill the visible insects/fungus. They won’t get rid of any eggs or larvae that may still be present in your plant.
Propagation By Division
Propagation by division is a good way to propagate Calathea Makoyana. Divide the plant when its growth slows down and stops flowering. Do this during spring through summer.
Divide the rhizomes into segments with three or more leaves each, using a sharp knife or spade. Each segment should have a healthy root system with plenty of new roots.
Calathea Makoyana Plants Need Regular Attention
Calathea plants are tropical, so they do not overwater. If you notice that the soil is dry, it’s time to water. The plant should be watered when the top of its soil is dry to the touch. It can take around a few days to a week or two. It would depend on how quickly your room temperature changes and if your pot has drainage holes. You can test by sticking your finger down into the pot.
Calathea plants need consistent moisture throughout their pots’ depth. Do not let them sit in the water! If there are pools of water at the bottom after watering, continue watering normally! Gently remove any excess moisture with a paper towel or cloth after watering. Allow excess moisture to evaporate before re-watering again.
The beautiful foliage is one of the main features that makes Calathea Makoyana so appealing.
Calathea Makoyana is a plant that is easy to care for and makes a beautiful addition to your home. It’s perfect for beginners, as well as those with limited space.
The plant has large, glossy leaves that are dark green on the top and cream or white on their undersides. The foliage can grow up to six inches wide and twelve inches long (15 x 30 cm).
They are arranged in pairs along the stems, giving the plant a unique appearance compared to other Calathea plants. These leaves tend to be stiffer than most others in this genus, making them an excellent choice if you have pets or small children who might want to play with them!
Conclusion
There are many ways to grow Calathea Makoyana. You can choose terra-cotta, plastic pots, or a regular potting soil mix. The most important thing is that the container has enough drainage holes. It allows the roots not to get waterlogged in case there are heavy rains or frequent watering sessions.
