It grows in high humidity with temperature range between 22 to 24°C.

An ornamental plant, it should be used a substrate of coarse mulch of leaves, peat and sand, with soil that should be kept moist and misted throughout the summer months. Liquid fertiliser must be added every 15 days. It would also need shade or semi-shade as it cannot tolerate direct sunlight, as its leaves will become dulled and less vibrant, and it must not be watered with cold water.

In a dry environment, it can be frequently attacked by the red spider mite that dries the tip of the leaves.

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Marantaceae
Genus: Calathea
Species: C. makoyana

Parts of the plant are known to contain calcium oxalate crystals in varying concentrations. Although the plant is known to be toxic to mice and rats, the current literature is conflicting with regards to its toxicity in cats. Its possible toxic effects on humans are currently unknown although likely very mild if not harmless.

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron
Species: P. hederaceum