How to Grow and Care for Cathedral Window Plant

The Calathea makoyana, known as the Cathedral Window or Peacock Plant, is prized for its foliage. The intricate, feather-like patterns on its large, oval leaves create a stained-glass effect with a mix of green, cream, and pink hues on top and purple or maroon undersides. As a member of the “prayer plant” family, it exhibits nyctinasty, where its leaves fold upwards at night like praying hands. Native to the tropical forests of Brazil, this plant brings a lush feel to indoor spaces.

Cathedral Window Plant Care

Light

The Cathedral Window Plant thrives in bright, indirect light, which mimics the filtered sunlight of its native forest floor habitat. An ideal placement is near a window with a sheer curtain or in a spot that receives dappled sun. Both direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, and insufficient light will cause the leaf patterns to fade.

Soil

The Cathedral Window Plant requires a potting medium that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is recommended. You can create a suitable blend by combining standard houseplant compost with perlite or horticultural sand to improve drainage and aeration. The soil should also be high in organic matter to provide nutrients for leaf production and protect against root rot.

Water

This tropical plant prefers its soil to be kept evenly moist but never soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch. These plants are sensitive to minerals in tap water, so using distilled, filtered, or collected rainwater is best to prevent issues like browning leaf tips.

Temperature and Humidity

Cathedral Window Plants flourish in temperatures between 61 to 75°F (16 to 24°C) and do not tolerate cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. High humidity is required, with levels around 60% being ideal. To increase ambient moisture, you can use a room humidifier, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or group it with other humidity-loving plants to create a beneficial microclimate.

Fertilizer

During the growing season from spring through fall, feed the plant every two to four weeks. Use a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength to encourage foliage growth. Do not over-fertilize, as this can lead to salt buildup and damage the roots. In winter, when growth slows, reduce or stop feeding.

Propagating the Cathedral Window Plant

The primary method for propagating a Cathedral Window Plant is division, performed in the spring or during repotting, as it cannot be grown from cuttings. This process involves separating the plant at its root system into smaller sections. Each new plant needs a healthy foundation to establish itself.

To divide the plant, remove it from its pot and shake off excess soil to expose the root ball. Look for natural clumps with their own stems and roots. Using your fingers or a clean knife, pull these clumps apart, ensuring each new division has a good portion of the root system and at least three or four stems.

Pot each new section into its own container with fresh potting mix. After potting, water the new plants and keep them in a warm, humid location with reduced light as they acclimate. Covering the new plants with a plastic bag can help maintain high humidity during this period.

Common Problems and Solutions

Crispy, brown leaf edges are a frequent issue, often caused by low humidity or a reaction to minerals in tap water. To resolve this, increase the humidity around the plant using a humidifier or a pebble tray, and switch to watering with distilled or filtered water. While trimming the brown edges can improve the plant’s appearance, addressing the underlying cause is necessary for long-term health.

Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, which can lead to root rot. While the soil should be moist, waterlogged soil suffocates the roots. If you suspect overwatering, allow the top layer of soil to dry out more between waterings and ensure the pot has adequate drainage.

These plants are susceptible to spider mites, especially in dry conditions. Spider mites thrive in low humidity and can be identified by fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and small spots on the foliage. If an infestation is detected, rinse the leaves and treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, while also increasing humidity.

Fading leaf patterns point to a lighting issue. This loss of color is caused by either too much direct sunlight, which bleaches the leaves, or not enough light. If patterns are fading, assess the plant’s location. Move it away from direct sun or, if in a dark area, find a spot with brighter, indirect light.