Calathea makoyana

Common Name:
Peacock Plant

Description:
Calathea makoyana, commonly known as the Peacock Plant, is a striking tropical foliage plant admired for its ornamental leaves, which feature feather-like patterns in shades of deep green and cream with a subtle pink to purplish underside. The leaves open and close with the light, giving it a living, dynamic presence indoors. Native to Brazil’s rainforest understorey, this plant thrives in warm, humid environments and prefers consistent moisture without sogginess. It performs best in a well-lit, humid indoor space away from direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate foliage. In Melbourne, it is best grown indoors or in a protected glasshouse environment. Calathea makoyana is primarily grown for its foliage, with any flowers being rare and insignificant under typical growing conditions here. With proper care, including high humidity, filtered light, and regular watering, the Peacock Plant adds vibrant colour and a lush, tropical feel to indoor plant collections all year round.

Form:

• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:

• Height: 40–60 cm

• Width: 40–60 cm

Aspect:

• Part Shade

• Full Shade

• Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:

• Does not flower under Melbourne's weather conditions

Flower Colour:

• Not applicable / insignificant

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Herbaceous

• Suitable as Indoor Plant

• Air Purifying

• Non-toxic foliage (safe for most pets)

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and pets

Companion Plants:

• Maranta leuconeura (Prayer Plant)

• Fittonia (Nerve Plant)

• Ferns (such as Boston Fern)

• Philodendron hederaceum

• Aspidistra elatior (Cast Iron Plant)