Goeppertia makoyana (formerly Calathea makoyana), the Peacock Plant, is a showy prayer-plant grown for its large, oval leaves intricately patterned in green, cream and purple-red undersides. The leaves rise and fold together at night and relax by day, a charming natural rhythm. It prefers warmth, high humidity and bright indirect light, making it ideal for bright bathrooms and shaded balconies in India. Non-toxic to pets, it is a safe, decorative choice for animal-loving homes. Though a little fussy about humidity and water quality, its spectacular foliage rewards attentive care with a vivid, jungle-like display.
Specifications
| Family |
Marantaceae |
| Native region |
Brazil |
| Mature height |
30-60 cm |
| Mature spread |
30-50 cm |
| Growth rate |
Moderate |
| Foliage |
Oval, patterned green-cream; purple undersides |
| Flower colour |
Insignificant (rare indoors) |
| Flower season |
Rarely flowers indoors |
| Climate zone |
Tropical, warm humid |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Bright indirect light; no direct sun |
| Watering |
Keep evenly moist; do not let it dry fully |
| Soil / mix |
Light, well-draining mix rich in cocopeat |
| Temperature |
18-29 C; protect below 15 C |
| Humidity |
High humidity essential (60%+) |
| Fertilizer |
Diluted balanced feed monthly in growing season |
| Pruning |
Remove crisp or damaged leaves at base |
| Repotting |
Every 1-2 years in spring |
| Propagation |
Division at repotting |
| Pests & problems |
Spider mites in dry air; fungus gnats |
| Toxicity / safety |
Non-toxic to pets and humans |
| Difficulty |
Moderate |
Uses
Decorative humidity-loving foliage plant for bright bathrooms, terrariums and shaded indoor spaces. A safe, pet-friendly statement plant.
Growing tips
Use filtered or rainwater and keep humidity high, as Calathea is sensitive to hard water and dry air that brown the leaf edges. In India a bright bathroom or shaded, humid balcony suits it best.