Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana) care guide
Goeppertia makoyana (syn. Calathea makoyana) · Marantaceae
Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana) (Goeppertia makoyana (syn. Calathea makoyana)) is a terrarium plant. It belongs to the Marantaceae family. It is native to South-east Brazil. It needs bright indirect light or partial shade; copes with low light but the pattern fades; direct sun scorches light. Water temperature: 18°C – 24°C. Care difficulty: Moderate. Growth rate: moderate.
How do you care for Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)?
| Light | Bright indirect light or partial shade; copes with low light but the pattern fades; direct sun scorches |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | Humidity 60% or higher |
| Temperature | 18°C – 24°C |
| Placement | SUITS LARGE closed terrariums – its high-humidity, draught-free needs match them well; too big for small jars (about 30–60 cm tall). Midground or background. (The closed-terrarium note in sources covers Calathea generally.) |
| Growth | Moderate |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Family | Marantaceae |
How do you trim and propagate Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)?
Remove old or damaged leaves at the base. Divide the rhizome clump in late spring; dividing about every two years keeps it vigorous.
What problems affect Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)?
Curling leaves or brown edges from low humidity or fluoride in tap water; scorched patches from direct sun; faded pattern from low light; root rot from overwatering; spider mites, aphids, scale, mealybugs (worse in dry air).
How do you fix Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana) problems?
Use distilled or rain water; keep moist but not soggy in an organic-rich mix with perlite, acidic to neutral. Raise humidity to about 60%+. Balanced feed every ~4 weeks in the growing season, none in winter. Keep out of draughts and direct sun; minimum about 15°C.
Where does Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana) come from?
South-east Brazil (Espírito Santo), in warm, shaded, humid Atlantic rainforest understorey. Now placed in Goeppertia (formerly Calathea)
What should you know before buying Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)?
Non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses (ASPCA lists Calathea; NC State confirms for this species).
Sources
- Goeppertia makoyana (É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez (GBIF backbone; distribution from WCVP/Kew) — GBIF / Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants
- Goeppertia makoyana - peacock plant — Royal Horticultural Society
- Goeppertia makoyana — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Goeppertia makoyana — Wikipedia
- Large Terrarium Plants — Terrarium Tribe
- Calathea — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
Which aquascapes and tanks use Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)?
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides