Goeppertia makoyana

Evergreen indoor herbaceous perennial to 39", erect and spreading.  A tropical houseplant that has showy leaves resembling a peacock's tail.  It prefers filtered bright light and high humidity.  Mist the leaves with filtered or distilled water to avoid damaging them with fluoride or place the pot on a saucer of wet pebbles.    Grows best in well-drained potting soil with a high amount of organic matter.  It does not go winter dormant like other houseplants but does appreciate a rest in the winter and a cut back on watering.  Every two years consider dividing the plants to increase vigor. 

Desired for colorful, papery thin, erect leaves that look like peacock feathers; used as specimen or atrium plant in high humidity, indoor settings. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Egg-shaped leaf is held erect on long petiole
• Peacock pattern: green spots with cream feathering
• Leaf is papery thin with purple underside

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, scale. and spider mites. Low humidity causes leaves to roll or brown.

Intolerant of low humidity, wet soil, dry soil, low or inconstant temperatures, cold drafts, direct sun, low light; prefers well-lit site with high humidity, moist soil and constant average room temperature; no serious disease/pest problems.