Goeppertia makoyana aka Peacockplant

Taxonomy

Goeppertia makoyana, also known as peacock plant or cathedral windows, is a species of evergreen perennial belonging to the genus Goeppertia in the family Marantaceae. It is native to Espírito Santo state of eastern Brazil and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Growing up to 45 cm (18 in), it has round, pale, glossy green leaves with dark green blotches along the veins on the upper surface, and deep purple coloring on the lower surface with thin leaf shafts. When new leaves grow, they are rolled up, displaying their pinkish-red undersides. Goeppertia makoyana has a horizontal soil stem, rhizome, from which the plants grow up and the roots develop. It requires a minimum temperature of 16 °C (61 °F) and is often cultivated as a houseplant in temperate areas. As with many in the genus, it displays nyctinasty, meaning the leaves will fold up at night, earning them the common name of prayer plants.

Common names

Peacockplant, Brainplant, Cathedral Windows

How to care for Peacockplant

Difficulty

Peacockplant presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Peacockplant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Peacockplant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Peacockplant prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Peacockplant is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

The Peacockplant is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Peacockplant should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Peacockplant is clumping in nature, with new growth originating from the soil in close proximity to the original plant.

Region of origin

Peacockplant’s native range is Tropical Americas.

Flower

Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Peacockplant blooming.


More info:
Wikipedia