Peacock plant guide
Goeppertia makoyana, also called Calathea makoyana, cathedral windows
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Medium
- Water
- When the top 2 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Never let it dry out.
- Humidity
- High. Dry winter air crisps the leaf edges.
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 15°C (60°F).
- Soil
- Light, airy houseplant mix that holds some moisture
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Fussy
- Mature size
- 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) tall
- Propagation
- Divide the clump when you repot
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes peacock plant different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the calathea care guide.
What it is
Peacock plant has thin, oval leaves with a pattern of dark green ovals along the veins, on a pale green background. The pattern looks like a peacock’s tail feather. The undersides show the same pattern in purple-red. Hold a leaf up to the light and it glows like stained glass, which is why it is also called cathedral windows. Select-A-Plant notes it grows fast for a calathea.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Peacock plant | Thin, oval, peacock feather pattern | Thin leaves you can see light through |
| Rattlesnake plant | Long, narrow, wavy, spotted | Long, wavy, upright leaves |
| ‘Medallion’ calathea | Round, thick, feathered silver | Thicker, rounder leaves |
Care differences
The thin leaves curl fast in dry air or dry soil. Keep the soil moist and the humidity at 50% or more.
Select-A-Plant suggests a mix of peat, sand, and perlite, and repotting every couple of years.
Grow it by division
Divide the clump in spring. Each piece needs leaves and roots.
Buying it
Peacock plant is common at garden centers. Look for flat, open leaves. Curled leaves in the store mean it is already thirsty or dry.