Calathea Makoyana - The Spectacular Peacock Plant
Prepare to be absolutely mesmerised by the Calathea Makoyana, affectionately known as the Peacock Plant! This Brazilian beauty features the most incredible leaf patterns you'll ever see, with pale green leaves adorned with dark green feather-like markings that genuinely resemble the elaborate tail feathers of a peacock. Turn the leaf over and you'll discover an equally stunning purple-red underside that adds even more drama to this already show-stopping plant!
Native to the tropical rainforests of eastern Brazil, this gorgeous Calathea has earned another common name: Cathedral Windows. When sunlight filters through those intricately patterned leaves, you'll understand exactly why. The patterns seem to shimmer and glow, creating an almost stained-glass effect that makes this plant an absolute centrepiece wherever it's placed.
As a member of the Prayer Plant family (Marantaceae), the Peacock Plant has a magical daily routine. Each evening as darkness falls, you'll notice the leaves gently fold upward, almost like hands coming together in prayer. Come morning, they unfurl again to capture the day's light. This fascinating movement, called nyctinasty, adds another layer of wonder to an already captivating houseplant!
Light Requirements
Your Calathea Makoyana thrives in bright, indirect light to medium light conditions. Think of the dappled light of its native rainforest floor, filtered through the canopy above. An east-facing window or a spot a few metres back from a north or west-facing window is ideal. The key is consistent, gentle light without any harsh direct sun.
Avoid direct sunlight at all costs! Those beautiful patterns will fade and the leaves can scorch if exposed to harsh sun. On the flip side, too little light will cause the vibrant patterns to become less pronounced and growth to slow. If you notice the colours looking dull or washed out, your plant may need a brighter spot.
Watering
Calatheas are a bit particular about their water, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3cm to dry slightly between waterings, then water thoroughly. In winter when growth slows, you can let it dry out a little more between drinks.
Here's an important tip: Peacock Plants are sensitive to the chemicals commonly found in tap water, particularly fluoride and chlorine, which can cause brown leaf tips and edges. For best results, use filtered water, rainwater, or let tap water sit out overnight before using. It's important to only water when it suits the environment your plant is living in because everyone's home is different!
Humidity and Temperature
This is where the Peacock Plant shows its tropical roots! High humidity is absolutely essential for keeping those gorgeous leaves looking their best. Aim for humidity levels of 60% or higher. If you notice brown, crispy leaf edges or curling leaves, low humidity is likely the culprit.
Grouping your plants together creates a lovely humid microclimate that benefits everyone. A bright bathroom or kitchen where humidity is naturally higher can be an excellent spot. You might also consider running a humidifier nearby, especially during the drier winter months when heating can really sap moisture from the air.
Temperature-wise, keep things warm and steady between 16-27°C. Avoid cold drafts from windows, doors, or air conditioning, and never let temperatures drop below 15°C. Sudden temperature fluctuations can stress your plant and cause leaf damage.
Potting Medium
A well-draining yet moisture-retentive potting mix is perfect for your Calathea Makoyana. Our Ultimate Aroid Mix works brilliantly, or create your own using quality potting mix with added perlite, peat or coco coir, and orchid bark for improved drainage and aeration. The soil should hold moisture without becoming waterlogged, as Calatheas are very sensitive to soggy roots.
Feeding Your Peacock Plant
Support that spectacular patterned foliage with regular feeding during the growing season. We recommend Growth Technology Foliage Focus at 3-5ml per litre of water at every watering for optimum results. This complete, balanced formula provides all 12 essential nutrients in ionic form for immediate absorption, helping maintain those vibrant colours and patterns. Pair this with Growth Technology Rootzone at 1ml per litre every 2-4 weeks to encourage strong root development. Reduce or pause feeding during winter when growth naturally slows.
Growth Habits and What to Expect
The Calathea Makoyana grows as a clump-forming perennial, producing new leaves from the centre of the plant. It typically reaches 30-60cm in height with a similar spread, making it a substantial but manageable houseplant. New leaves emerge tightly rolled and gradually unfurl to reveal their stunning patterns.
As leaves age, they may eventually yellow and die off, which is completely normal. Simply trim these away at the base to keep your plant looking fresh. Your Peacock Plant doesn't require much pruning beyond this basic maintenance. Repot every 1-2 years in spring when the plant becomes root-bound, moving to a pot just one size larger.
Great News for Pet Owners!
Wonderful news: The Calathea Makoyana is completely non-toxic to cats, dogs, horses and humans! Verified by the ASPCA as safe, this is a fantastic choice for households with curious pets or young children. You can enjoy this stunning plant with complete peace of mind knowing your furry friends are safe!
Perfect For
- Pet Owners: ASPCA verified safe for cats, dogs and horses!
- Pattern Lovers: Those peacock feather markings are absolutely mesmerising!
- Bathroom Displays: Loves the naturally higher humidity!
- Low Light Spaces: Thrives away from direct sun!
- Plant Enthusiasts: The daily leaf movement adds a magical touch!
- Statement Seekers: An instant conversation starter!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Peacock Plant's leaves curling or drooping?
Curling or drooping leaves typically indicate the plant needs water or humidity is too low. Check your soil moisture and consider increasing humidity around the plant. Note that some leaf movement is normal as part of this plant's daily prayer plant routine!
Why does my Calathea Makoyana have brown leaf tips or edges?
Brown tips and edges are usually caused by low humidity, underwatering, or sensitivity to chemicals in tap water. Try using filtered or rainwater, increase humidity levels, and ensure consistent watering. Once brown, damaged areas won't recover, but new growth should be healthy with improved conditions.
Why are my Peacock Plant's colours fading?
Fading patterns typically mean the plant is receiving too much direct light. Move it to a spot with bright but indirect light, away from any harsh sun. The vibrant patterns should return with new growth.
Please Keep in Mind
Every Calathea Makoyana is a unique individual with its own distinct leaf patterns and colouration. The photos are representative examples of the quality and characteristics you can expect, but natural variations in patterning make every plant one-of-a-kind. This individuality is part of what makes growing plants so special!
If you are from a quarantine restricted state & would like to purchase this plant we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service, make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au
Shipping & Greenhouse Collection
Let's Talk About How Your Plants Get to You!
Alright, so here's the deal with shipping - we try our best to send all our plants potted and ready to go, but sometimes due to larger orders or when we're moving through some big changes, we'll send some plants semi-bare rooted. If you haven't come across this before, it basically means we carefully remove a bunch of the soil before packing them up. I know that might sound a bit scary if you've never ordered plants online before, but trust me, this is actually a really smart way to do it! The main reason we do this is because it creates so much more room in the box, which means we can fit way more plants in one shipment for you. More plants in one box = more green goodness arriving at your door at once! The plants honestly handle the journey better without all that heavy, wet soil sloshing around too. Just make sure you've got some fresh potting mix ready to go when your green babies arrive, because they'll want to get tucked into their new home pretty quickly!
Now, let's chat about what actually fits in our boxes. We can safely fit about 4-6 plants in one box, or if you're stocking up on supplies, one box can hold 3 bags of medium plus 1L of Growth Technology. We really don't recommend adding heavy items with your plants though - it just puts extra stress on your precious plants during transit and limits how many we can fit. If your order ends up being heavier than our standard box can handle, we'll reach out to you about additional postage fees. We're always transparent about costs, no sneaky surprises!
When Does Everything Ship Out?
Here's how our timeline works - we process and ship orders the week after you place them. So if you order on a Tuesday, your plants will get packed and sent out sometime the following week. We ship Monday through Friday (because let's be real, we all need weekends to recharge!), and we're aiming to get your order out within 4-6 business days of processing. Sometimes things take a tiny bit longer because we're a small but mighty team, and we take absolute care in making sure every single plant is packed perfectly. Like, we're talking individual attention for each plant here. We don't rush this stuff!
Once your order ships, you'll get an email with your tracking number. If you haven't received that tracking email, it just means we're still working on your order - it hasn't left us yet. Please be patient with us! We promise we're working as fast as we can while still making sure everything is done right. We pack orders in chronological order to keep things fair for everyone, so no one's getting special treatment or jumping the queue. First come, first served, that's how we roll!
The Journey to Your Doorstep
All our orders ship with Australia Post, and here's something cool - they operate 24/7! That means even if your order gets sent out on a Friday afternoon, it's still making its way to you over the weekend. The postal system doesn't sleep, and honestly, that's pretty amazing for getting plants to you quickly. You can generally expect your plants to arrive within 2-7 days after we ship them, depending on where you are in Australia. Metro areas tend to be quicker, regional spots might take the full week, but either way, your tracking number will keep you in the loop the whole time.
And here's the thing that always blows people's minds - our plants are absolute troopers. We've tested this extensively, and they can genuinely survive in their boxes for up to three weeks if needed. Obviously we don't want them sitting around that long, but life happens, mail gets delayed sometimes, and we want you to know that your plants are prepped and ready to handle whatever the postal system throws at them. While we do our best to avoid delays, occasional unforeseen circumstances may slightly impact delivery times, but rest assured, your plants are packed with extra care and are tougher than you think!
Quarantine States (WA, NT, TAS)
We currently only ship directly to non-quarantine states. Unfortunately, biosecurity restrictions make it pretty complicated to send plants to Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. But don't worry, we've got a solution for you! If you're from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase plants from us, we recommend using Paradise Distributors' concierge service. They're absolute legends and can handle all the biosecurity paperwork and requirements for you. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing so they can give you all the details and help you out: info@rareplants.net.au
Come Visit the Greenhouse! (Rockdale)
If you're local or just love the idea of picking up your order in person, we've got you covered! Greenhouse collection from our Rockdale location is available the same week you make your purchase. Our opening hours are always changing, so make sure to check booking availability on our 'Visit the Greenhouse' page before purchasing. After you've paid for your order, just head over and book a time slot that works for you. You'll get to pick up your plants AND have a wander through the greenhouse while you're here, which honestly is such a vibe. Just please wear a mask if you're feeling unwell - it's a small space and we want to keep everyone safe and healthy!
Catch Us at Markets!
We do regular markets around Sydney and would love to meet you in person! If you'd prefer to skip shipping altogether and grab your order at one of our market stalls, just email us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com and we can arrange collection at an upcoming market. It's a great way to chat plants face-to-face, see what else we've got on the day, and save on postage!
Questions? We're Here for You!
If you've got any questions about shipping, tracking, or literally anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com. We love chatting with you guys and we're always happy to help troubleshoot, answer questions, or just talk plants!
Much love from the GG's Team 🌱
