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Peacock Plant Goeppertia makoyana

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Peacock Plant:

Previously known as:

  • Calathea makoyana
Phonetic Spelling
GO-per-sha mak-koy-AY-nuh
Description

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. 

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

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

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

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.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#showy leaves#colorful leaves#colorful#interiorscape#interesting leaves#variegated#fantz#compact habit#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical feel#container plant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#showy leaves#colorful leaves#colorful#interiorscape#interesting leaves#variegated#fantz#compact habit#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical feel#container plant#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Goeppertia
    Species:
    makoyana
    Family:
    Marantaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Brazil (EspĂ­rito Santo)
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    Insignificant
    Pink
    Variegated
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Raceme
    Flower Description:
    Insignificant and rarely appear on houseplants. White, lobes purple, in pairs; bracts green, spirally arranged.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Variegated
    Leaf Feel:
    Papery
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Oblong
    Obtuse
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The large (12" long) leaves are pale green with a dark green feathered effect from the middle of the leaf to the outer edges. When new leaves grow they are rolled up and show off their pinkish-red undersides; giving it another splash of color. Erect, basal or crowded alternate, simple, ovate, obtuse, rotund, entire, papery thin, pale green feathered cream with dark green, rounded, oblong blotches along veins and dark green border above, with a purple repeating pattern beneath, to 12"; petioles long, slender, sheathing at base.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Short, erect aerial or rhizomatous.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Humidity