How to grow Calathea makoyana? A complete guide to its cultivation methods

Calathea makoyana, also known as blue-flower banana, five-color arrowroot, etc., is a perennial evergreen herb of the genus Calathea in the family Marantaceae, native to Brazil. Its leaves are thinly leathery, ovate-elliptical, with feather-like markings of dark green alternating with white or pale yellow on the leaf surface, just like the pattern on peacock tail feathers, graceful and uniquely charming. Let us take a look below at the cultivation methods for Calathea makoyana!

Growth habits of Calathea makoyana

Calathea makoyana likes semi-shade, cannot tolerate direct sunlight, and adapts to growing in a warm, humid environment. When cultivating it, a certain degree of shading should be provided, and the temperature should be kept at around 12-29°C. In winter, the temperature should be maintained at 16-18°C. It grows vigorously in spring and summer, requiring relatively high air humidity, and can be misted. It is not very demanding regarding soil, but the soil should be kept moderately moist. During the growing season, fertilize about once every 2 weeks, while in winter the soil can be slightly drier and cooler, and the frequency of fertilization should be reduced.

Propagation methods for Calathea makoyana

1. Division: Division propagation is carried out in early summer each year when the daily temperature is around 20°C. After digging up the dense old plant, divide it along the underground rhizome, preferably leaving 2-3 dormant buds per section. After cutting, immediately pot them up, place them in a cool place for one week, and then gradually move them to a place with sufficient light. In the early stage after division planting, water should be controlled, and only after new roots develop should they be watered thoroughly.

2. Cuttings: Cutting propagation usually involves selecting in summer young shoots with 2 to 3 leaves at the base as cuttings, or using the creeping stems of some types for cuttings. A mixture of half peat soil and half river sand, or vermiculite and perlite, can be used as the substrate. Keep it moist, and roots will form in about 5 weeks, after which they can be divided and potted.

Cultivation methods for Calathea makoyana

1. Soil: For potted Calathea makoyana, it is best to use loose, fertile, well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acidic loam. Generally, it can be prepared by mixing 3 parts leaf mold, 1 part peat or sawdust, and 1 part sand, with a small amount of soybean cake added as base fertilizer. Avoid heavy garden soil. When potting, first place a 3 cm thick layer of coarse sand at the bottom of the pot as a drainage layer to facilitate drainage.

2. Water: During the growing period, Calathea makoyana should be given sufficient water. Especially in summer and autumn, in addition to keeping the potting soil moist at all times, the leaves must also be misted frequently to lower the temperature and maintain humidity. It requires relatively high air humidity, preferably reaching 70% to 80. Dry air and dry potting soil should be avoided, but waterlogging is not allowed. After late autumn, water should be controlled to help it resist cold and survive the winter.

3. Sunlight: During the growing season from May to September, Calathea makoyana should be placed in a shaded or semi-shaded place, maintaining a light transmittance of 40-60%, avoiding direct scorching sun. Too strong light or dry air can easily cause scorching and withering of leaf margins and tips, and make the leaf markings dull and lusterless. However, if the light is too weak, growth will weaken and the leaves will lose their distinctive metallic luster. In winter, it can receive direct sunlight through glass.

4. Fertilizer: When Calathea makoyana lacks fertilizer, the plant becomes noticeably shorter, the leaf color becomes dull, and the golden luster is not vivid. During the growing period, apply dilute liquid fertilizer once every 20 days, with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 2:1:1, which can make the leaf color glossy and vivid. Be sure not to use too high a proportion of nitrogen fertilizer. If 0.2% liquid fertilizer is sprayed directly on the leaves every 10 days, it is extremely beneficial for budding and growth. Stop fertilizing in winter and summer.

5. Pests and diseases: Calathea makoyana has relatively few pests and diseases, but under conditions of dry air and poor ventilation, it is prone to scale insects, whiteflies, etc., which can be killed by spraying with 25% phosmet emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 times dilution or 40% omethoate at 1500 times dilution.

6. Repotting: Calathea makoyana is generally repotted in spring when it is divided, once every 1-2 years. When repotting, new culture soil must be added, and residual roots and dead leaves should be trimmed off, then replanted to promote growth.