Calathea Makoyana Care Guide
Also known as the Prayer Plant or the Peacock Plant. The Calathea Makoyana is native to the tropical forests of Brazil.
LIGHTING 
The Calathea Makoyana should be placed in a medium or bright indirect light. Prayer plants should be placed out of direct sunlight. If placed in very bright light the Calathea Makoyana’s variegation will start to fade. It’s important that the Calathea is placed in a room with one window and should never be placed anywhere with no natural light. Lighting-wise the Calathea Makoyana would match perfectly with Andy the Yucca and Maya the parlour palm.
WATERING 
Getting the balance may be tricky at first as the Calathea Makoyana prefers semi-moist soil. Always check the first few inches of soil before you water again and never let the soil become soggy or overly wet. This will lead to root rot.
HUMIDITY 
The Calathea Makoyana should be placed in a humid environment. Place the Calathea near a humidifier or in a bathroom. Find out how to increase humidity in your home here. Keep Kai away from any excessive sources of heat or cold. This includes open windows, air vents and radiators. Any sources of heat will dry out the foliage causing the leaves to brown and crisp.
TEMPERATURE 
The perfect indoor temperature for the Calathea Makoyana is between 18ºC-24°C. As long as the indoor temperature doesn't dip lower than 18°C the Calathea Makoyana will be happy.
FERTILISER 
Use our fortifying fertiliser once every 4-6 weeks for optimal growth. Do not fertilise in the winter months as this can lead to shocking the plant during their dormancy.
REPOTTING 
The Calathea Makoyana can stay in its original pot for 1-2 years. Check the bottom of the pot for large, white roots sticking out of the bottom. This is a sign that Kai is ready to be repotted. Use a blend of peat free soil, perlite and orchid bark for the perfect Calathea potting mix.
TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR CALATHEA MAKOYANA
Drooping leaves -Drooping leaves are usually a sign that the Calathea Makoyana needs a drink. In some cases it has been noticed that Calatheas move with the light. The leaves appear droopy during the day and will move upwards in the evening.
Curling leaves - This can happen for two reasons:
- The Calathea Makoyana is experiencing cold stress. Keep Kai away from any windows or doors that could let in a draft.
- The Calathea Makoyana is ready for a drink. Check the first few inches of soil and only water when they are dry.
Crispy brown edges - The brown leaves could be caused by a variety of things.
- The Calathea Makoyana is sensitive to hard water which could be causing the leaves to brown. If possible use filtered or rainwater.
- Lack of humidity levels. Be sure that Kai is placed near a humidifier or is grouped with plants that release humidity in the air like the peace lily, boston fern and spider plant.
OUR TOP 3 CARE TIPS 
Top tip 1: Use our beautifying leaf shine on the Calathea Makoyana’s leaves once every 2-3 weeks to remove any dirt or dust.
Top tip 2: The Calathea Makoyana can be quite sensitive to draughts and could suffer from cold damage. Keep Kai away from any open windows or frequently used doors.
Top tip 3: Water the Calathea Makoyana with filtered or rain water. She will react badly to the chemicals found in tap water.
