How to Grow and Care for Calathea makoyana in Home Hydroponics

Calathea makoyana, also called the peacock plant, is a foliage plant. Its leaves are very distinctive and colorful, like the tail of a peacock with its feathers spread, extremely beautiful and graceful. The unique charm of Calathea makoyana makes it very suitable as an indoor decorative plant, and Calathea makoyana can be grown not only in soil but also in water. Let's learn about the hydroponic method for Calathea makoyana together!

How to Grow Calathea makoyana in Home Hydroponics

1. Substrate selection

Actually, when it comes to hydroponics for Calathea makoyana, it is not completely without soil. Usually, a mixed substrate of perlite:vermiculite at 1:1 or perlite:peat:slag at 1:1:1:1 is chosen.

2. Hydroponic plants

For hydroponic Calathea makoyana, be sure to choose small, robust soil-grown plants. Note the key word "small" - if the plant is too large, it is hard to choose a suitable container for hydroponics, and it easily falls over and is difficult to care for.

3. Hydroponic method

First, take the soil-grown plant out and clean the roots with clean water, trying not to leave any soil behind, otherwise the water will be very cloudy for a period of time and will take a long time to become clear.

Then spread a layer of expanded clay pellets at the bottom of the pot as a drainage layer, then place the seedling upright, add the prepared substrate until the pot is eight-tenths full, press it down with your hand, and finally add another layer of expanded clay pellets on top of the pot to prevent algae growth after sun exposure and to prevent the substrate from being washed away or the seedling from being knocked over.

There is also a simplest method: in spring and summer, when dividing the plant, select a clump with 5-9 leaves, wash the soil clean, remove rotten roots, and soak in potassium permanganate solution for about 10 minutes.

Hydroponic Care for Calathea makoyana

1. Calathea makoyana is afraid of dryness. In dry seasons and during summer high temperatures, frequently spray water on the leaves.

2. Calathea makoyana plants are most afraid of direct sunlight. Direct light will cause leaf curling and dry edges, so they should be placed in a spot with bright indirect light indoors all year round.

3. Pay attention to cold protection and warmth. Room temperature should not be lower than 13°C, otherwise it is prone to cold damage, root rot and yellow leaves.

4. During winter heating, do not place it near a stove, radiator or air conditioner. If necessary, cover it with a plastic bag, and open it often to spray water for moisture and ventilation.

Morphological Characteristics of Calathea makoyana

Calathea makoyana grows in dense, upright clumps and reaches 20-60 cm in height. The petioles are purplish-red and grow from the rhizome. The leaves are thinly leathery, ovate-elliptic, 10-20 cm long and 5-10 cm wide, yellow-green. On the green surface of the leaves, a metallic sheen faintly appears, bright and gorgeous. On both sides of the main vein, alternately arranged feather-like dark green long elliptical velvety markings appear, and the underside opposite the markings is purple, arranged alternately left and right. The leaves have a “sleep movement”, that is, at night the leaves fold upward from the leaf sheath to the leaf blade and wrap around the stem, and the next morning after sunlight shines on them they unfold again.

Uses and Value of Calathea makoyana

1. Ornamental value of Calathea makoyana

Calathea makoyana has beautiful and moving leaves. It grows densely and also has shade-providing ability, making it an ideal indoor greenery plant. Do not underestimate this plant; its leaves have excellent ornamental value. The dark green and white feather-like markings on the leaf surface have a unique metallic sheen, like a peacock's tail feathers. Think about it: how many times can you see a peacock spread its tail at the zoo? With a pot of greenery like this at home, wouldn't you be able to see it every day?

Calathea makoyana is very suitable for potting and for indoor display. It is very unique and exquisite, and can be appreciated as a single plant or for the beauty of a group.

2. It can purify the air

Generally, plants with large leaves like this have some air-purifying effect. Calathea makoyana can absorb formaldehyde. Although its effect is a little smaller than that of spider plants, it is much higher than that of many other plants. In addition, Calathea makoyana is also an expert at removing ammonia pollution. It is understood that within 10 sq m it can remove 0.86 mg of formaldehyde and 2.19 mg of ammonia. The effect is great!

3. Beautifying the home

Calathea makoyana can beautify the home and serve as an indoor decorative accent. Modern people pursue a comfortable home. Placing a few pots of greenery that match the home decor can also help relax the mood. Calathea makoyana has a neat plant shape, and its leaf surface is full of wonderful and delicate markings and a unique metallic sheen. Its colors are fresh, gorgeous and soft, so it is increasingly favored by people and has become a treasure among indoor foliage plants. It is also highly adaptable and can survive for a long time in places with weak indoor light. However, in homes, small plants are mostly grown, placed in studies, bedrooms, living rooms and other places.

The above is the hydroponic technique for Calathea makoyana summarized for you. I hope it can help you! Calathea makoyana is different from other green plants. Its leaves remain green all year round, and its plant shape is beautiful and exquisite, so it is deeply loved by everyone.