Peacock plant (Goeppertia makoyana)
Care, watering, light and tips for Peacock plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Marantaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Peacock plant
Goeppertia makoyana, also known as Calathea makoyana or 'cathedral windows plant', is a tropical plant from the Marantaceae family, renowned for its striking foliage. Its oval leaves feature a decorative pattern of dark green blotches on a lighter green background, with a reddish-purple underside. It's an ideal indoor plant, perfect for adding a touch of color and vibrancy to any well-lit living room or office space.
Native range
Brazil
Care tips
It requires bright, indirect light; direct sunlight will scorch its leaves. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging, using distilled or rainwater to prevent salt buildup. It prefers a well-draining, organic-rich potting mix. A common mistake is low ambient humidity, which can lead to brown leaf tips; ensure high humidity with a humidifier or a pebble tray.
How to save a dying Peacock plant
- Warning signs
- Curled, dry leaves with brown/crispy edges. Drooping leaves or soft stems.
- First aid
- Increase humidity (pebble tray), mist, and water with distilled or rainwater.
- What kills it
- Dry air, lack of humidity, direct sun, or chlorinated/hard tap water. Overwatering too.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't rotted. Improve humidity and watering conditions.