Goeppertia Makoyana Care

Identification

Goeppertia makoyana, also known as Peacock Plant, Prayer Plant, and Cathedral Windows, is well-known for its beautiful peacock-like foliage and markings. Its leaves are dark green with a feathering effect on each leaf’s perimeter. The undersides of the leaves are a deep purple, adding a splash of colour and intrigue to the plant. 

Goeppertia makoyana can be easily found at many big box stores, garden centers, and plant shops. While this plant is beautiful, it has earned a reputation for not being the easiest to take care of. 

Goeppertia makoyana has also gone through a couple of re-classifications, having previously been classified as a Calathea. The plant has since been classified under the Goeppertia genus. It has also been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. 

Origin and Indoor Environment

Goeppertia makoyana is native to the Espirito Santo state of Brazil, and as such prefers high humidity conditions. As an evergreen perennial, the Goeppertia makoyana has a horizontal soil stem or rhizome that sends out roots and shoots from its nodes. 

Like other prayer plant varieties, the Goeppertia makoyana also raises and closes its leaves at night, opening them up again in the morning. 

Lighting Requirements

Like other prayer-plants and Goeppertia varieties, the Goeppertia makoyana prefers low light conditions. By low light, we do not mean no light. North-facing windows would be best recommended for the Goeppertia makoyana or a few feet away from east or west-facing windows.

We do not recommend placing your Goeppertia makoyana in a spot that receives direct sunlight as this can burn its leaves. 

Watering Frequency, Humidity, and Temperature

Goeppertia makoyana appreciates moisture, and a moderate watering schedule would be recommended. At the same time, we do not recommend overwatering your Goeppertia makoyana as this could also result in root rot. Keeping the soil moist, and not soggy will lead to your houseplant’s success. 

During the growing season, you’ll want to water your Goeppertia more regularly in comparison to the fall and winter months. In the colder months, wait until the first layer of soil has dried out before watering. 

Goeppertia are also quite sensitive to the type of water you use as they prefer distilled or rainwater instead of tap water. This is because tap water often contains salts and minerals that can build up in the plant’s soil and eventually begin to turn the edges of your Goeppertia’s leaves brown and crispy. If you don’t mind having crispy leaves, then tap water can also be fine. I don’t mind having crispy leaves, so I often use tap water.  

As mentioned above, Goeppertia makoyana appreciates high humidity and warm conditions. To increase humidity in your home, you can choose to buy a humidifier. Otherwise, grouping plants with similar high humidity needs together can raise the humidity in the area. 

When it comes to temperature, ensure that it does not go below 20 degrees celsius as Goeppertia makoyana is also sensitive to colder temperatures. 

Potting Mix and Fertilization Needs

When repotting your Goeppertia makoyana, wait until your plant is a bit root-bound. Opt for a pot with a drainage hole that is 2 inches bigger than the pot your plant was in previously, but ensure it is at the same depth.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix, that can still retain some moisture to keep your Goeppertia happy. 

Fertilization might not be necessary if you have just brought your houseplant home from the nursery or garden center. The potting mix your Goeppertia makoyana comes in should have the right nutrients to sustain it for at least a few months. 

You can choose to fertilize your Goeppertia makoyana monthly during the growing season. Choose a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with 10/10/10 NPK and follow the instructions. 

Goeppertia Makoyana Propagation

You cannot water propagate the Goeppertia makoyana. Instead, you can propagate from seed or through division.

Propagating through division should be simple enough. Just separate a section from the main root ball when repotting. 

Pest Problems

Spider mites are the biggest problem that plague Goeppertia, Calathea, and Maranta. While they aren’t super noticeable to the naked eye, you will likely first be able to see their distinct webbing in the foliage of your plants. 

As a preventive measure, we recommend neem oil to minimize the risk of a spider mites outbreak from happening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you care for Calathea Makoyana?

Calathea Goeppertia (previously Calathea makoyana) appreciates high humidity, moist soil, and low lighting. 

Is Calathea Makoyana a prayer plant?

Yes, much like other prayer-plants, the Goeppertia makoyana raises and closes its leaves at night and opens them up again in the morning.

Are Peacock plants easy to care for?

Peacock plants have a reputation for being difficult to care for, but ensuring they are provided with the right growing conditions can help to ensure their success. Calathea makoyana thrives best in high humidity, moist soil, and low lighting conditions.