Calathea makoyana

Description

Calathea makoyana, now botanically classified as Goeppertia makoyana, is a spectacular tropical plant prized for its highly graphic foliage. Its pale green to silvery leaves are marked with dark veins and regular oval patterns reminiscent of peacock feathers, while the undersides display beautiful purple tones.

Its elegant foliage, compact habit and preference for warm, humid conditions make it an excellent choice for large tropical terrariums, paludariums, humid greenhouses and indoor planted displays.

Botanical family

Marantaceae

Genus

Goeppertia

Species / Synonym

Goeppertia makoyana – synonym: Calathea makoyana

Origin

Goeppertia makoyana is native to Brazil, particularly the state of Espírito Santo. It naturally grows in humid tropical forest environments under dense vegetation, where it receives filtered light, high humidity and relatively stable temperatures.

Foliage

The foliage is the main ornamental feature of this species. The oval leaves have a pale green to silvery background marked by dark green veins and a series of regular patches arranged on either side of the central vein.

The undersides of the leaves are generally violet to purple, creating a striking contrast when the leaves naturally lift or move during the day.

Growth habit and development

Calathea makoyana forms a compact clump from underground rhizomes. The leaves are carried on upright petioles, gradually giving the plant a dense and elegant appearance.

At maturity, it can reach approximately 30 to 50 cm in height, with a similar spread depending on growing conditions.

Cultivation

Calathea makoyana prefers moderate to bright indirect light. Excessive light can cause leaf burn and fading of the foliage patterns.

It performs best in a warm, humid environment protected from draughts. The substrate should remain slightly moist while still being sufficiently well drained to avoid root suffocation.

Terrarium compatibility

• Humid tropical terrarium: Yes, large volume
• Paludarium: Yes
• Tropical vivarium: Yes
• Bioactive terrarium: Yes
• Nano terrarium: No at maturity
• Indoor cultivation: Yes
• Tropical greenhouse: Yes

Thanks to its preference for humidity and its spectacular foliage, Calathea makoyana is particularly well suited to large tropical terrariums and paludariums.

Recommended substrate

Use a rich, light and well-draining tropical substrate composed, for example, of coco fibre, organic matter, fine bark, perlite or volcanic rock and optionally a small proportion of sphagnum moss.

The substrate should retain regular moisture while maintaining good oxygenation around the root system.

Watering

Keep the substrate slightly moist with regular watering using soft or low-limescale water. Avoid allowing the root ball to dry out completely between waterings.

This plant can be sensitive to very hard or highly mineralised water, which may encourage browning of the leaf edges.

Humidity

Calathea makoyana appreciates high humidity, ideally between 65% and 85%.

Consistent atmospheric humidity encourages healthy foliage and helps prevent the leaf margins from drying out. Good ventilation remains important in terrariums.

Temperature

Ideal growing temperature: approximately 20°C to 27°C.

Avoid prolonged temperatures below 15°C as well as cold draughts and sudden temperature fluctuations.

Growth

Moderate growth. The plant gradually produces new leaves from the base and forms an increasingly dense clump over time.

Current size

The plant is supplied in the pot size and format indicated in the product specifications. Height, number of leaves and intensity of the foliage patterns may vary depending on the individual plant, season and shipment.

Maintenance

Remove old or damaged leaves at their base using clean and disinfected tools. Gently clean the foliage when necessary to remove dust.

Avoid excessively dry air and direct sunlight.

Fertilisation

Apply a balanced fertiliser for tropical plants at a low concentration approximately every three to four weeks during the growing period.

Reduce feeding when growth slows and avoid excessive fertilisation, which may lead to mineral salt accumulation in the substrate.

Propagation

Propagation is mainly carried out by dividing the clump or rhizomes during repotting. Each division should retain several healthy roots and at least one active growing point.

Why choose Calathea makoyana?

Calathea makoyana is a highly decorative tropical plant, immediately recognisable by its peacock-like foliage patterns and the contrast between the silvery green upper surface and purple underside of the leaves.

It is an excellent choice for bringing colour, texture and a strong rainforest atmosphere to a terrarium, paludarium or planted display.

JungleBox advice

Place your Calathea makoyana in a bright area protected from direct sunlight, using a rich substrate that remains slightly moist. In a terrarium, position it preferably in the mid-ground or background to allow enough room for the foliage to develop.

Combine it with tropical ferns, Fittonia, Selaginella, mosses and other understory plants to create a dense and natural-looking display.

Additional information

• Commercial name: Calathea makoyana
• Accepted botanical name: Goeppertia makoyana
• Family: Marantaceae
• Origin: Brazil
• Type: Rhizomatous tropical plant
• Foliage: Pale green to silvery, dark green markings, purple undersides
• Growth habit: Compact upright clump
• Exposure: Indirect light to partial shade
• Watering: Regular
• Humidity: High
• Temperature: 20 to 27°C
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Mature height: Approximately 30 to 50 cm
• Humid tropical terrarium compatible: Yes, large volume
• Paludarium compatible: Yes
• Bioactive terrarium compatible: Yes
• Nano terrarium compatible: No at maturity
• Indoor cultivation: Yes