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© Leandro Maioli, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) · iNaturalist
Goeppertia makoyana
Peacock Plant
{Goeppertia makoyana} is native to eastern Brazil
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
10 - 12These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Goeppertia makoyana (synonym Calathea makoyana) is a translucent-leaved Calathea with a dual-surface pattern, growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and wide. Pale silvery-green oval leaves have dark green oval markings and thin dark lines along the veins, resembling peacock feather eyespots. The same pattern appears on both leaf surfaces — green on the upper side and purple-maroon on the lower. Leaves are thin and semi-translucent; when backlit, the pattern shows through both surfaces simultaneously. Named after Jacob-Makoy, a 19th-century Belgian nurseryman. The dual-surface patterning (identical markings visible from above and below) is specific to this species among other Goeppertia species, which typically have unpatterned undersides. Same Marantaceae care: filtered water, evenly moist soil, humidity above 40%. Non-toxic to cats and dogs. The thin leaves are more susceptible to browning in dry air than thicker-leaved species. Growth rate is moderate at 1-2 new leaves per month. Overwatering causes root rot in the shallow root system. Avoid placing in cold drafts below 60°F (16°C), which causes leaf curling.
Native Range
Goeppertia makoyana is native to eastern Brazil.Suggested Uses
Grown in containers of 1-3 gallons (4-12 liters) in bright indirect light. Position where backlight can illuminate the translucent leaves and dual-surface pattern. Non-toxic — safe for households with pets.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Rare indoors. The peacock-patterned dual-surface foliage is the year-round display.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White (rare indoors)Foliage Description
Pale silvery-green with dark green ovals and thin dark lines painted along the veins — like peacock tail feather eyespots; the same pattern is visible on both sides with the underside showing the pattern in purpleGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bright indirect light (backlighting reveals the cathedral-window effect). Keep evenly moist. Use filtered water. Humidity 40%+. Non-toxic. The pattern shows on both leaf surfaces.Pruning
Remove brown or crispy leaves at the base.Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons