Calathea makoyana

Calathea makoyana, the peacock plant, is a perennial in the family Marantaceae, native to Brazil. Its striking oval leaves display an intricate pattern of alternating light and dark green lines radiating from the midrib on the upper surface — an arrangement that closely resembles the elaborate eye pattern of a peacock's feather — while the undersides are purple. Like other marantaceae, it folds its leaves upward at night in a nyctinastic sleeping movement. It thrives in bright indirect light; direct sun bleaches and damages the intricate patterns. Keep the soil consistently slightly moist; the plant is sensitive to both drought (which causes leaf curling) and waterlogging. Sensitive to chlorine in tap water — filtered or rainwater is ideal. High humidity (above 60%) is essential. Though demanding in its requirements, the peacock plant's extraordinary leaf artistry makes the effort thoroughly rewarding.

Liquid fertilizer 1-2x monthly in spring-fall