Peacock-feather calathea with pale-green blotched leaves and purple undersides that fold in prayer at night; a bright-windowsill AGM houseplant.
Light ExposureinfoIndoor light recommendation based on the plant's native habitat. "Bright indirect" means near a window but shielded from direct rays.
Medium To Bright Indirect — Needs strong ambient light. Avoid direct hot sun.
Watering HabitinfoHow forgiving this plant is when you miss a watering or accidentally overwater. High tolerance means more room for error.
Low — Water when soil surface is dry.
Maintenance DifficultyinfoOverall ease of care rating. Beginner-friendly plants communicate their needs clearly through visible signs.
Medium — Needs basic observation skills.
Spatial RequirementinfoExpected mature size in a typical indoor environment. Actual size depends on light, pot size, and growing conditions.
Small — Best for Living Room, Bathroom, Kitchen, Home Office.
Seasonal BehaviourinfoHow this plant's growth changes with the seasons. Use this to adjust your care routine throughout the year.
Slows in Winter — Growth dips during shorter days. Ease off watering and skip fertilizer until spring.
Temperature NeedsinfoThis range represents the plant's survival tolerance. Optimal growing temperatures are typically 5-10°C higher than the minimum.
15°C – 28°C — Standard Indoor — Typical room temperature works well. No extra attention needed.
Leaf Size
infoBetween 20 and 50 cm — bold statement leaves. Fiddle-leaf fig and bird of paradise fall here.Large
Leaf Surface
infoFlat and velvety with no reflections. Light is absorbed evenly for a calm, muted look.Matte
Leaf Texture
infoPaper-thin and fragile — tears easily and bruises in strong sun or dry air. Handle with care.Thin Delicate
Leaf Shape
infoBroad and rounded at both ends. Gently curved, about twice as long as wide.Oval
Leaf Type
infoOne continuous leaf blade, even if it has holes or shallow lobes (like Monstera).Simple
Visual Form
infoLeaves shoot up from the centre and arc outward like a fountain spray.Upright Fountain
Foliage Density
infoPartially filled — some gaps but overall good coverage. A natural, balanced look.Moderate
Variegation
infoColours swirl together in soft, cloud-like patches with no hard edges between them.Marbled
Size Gauge
Height
Small / Shelf (0.45m)
Spread
Narrow (0.25m)
Display Position
Windowsill
Perfect for
Bathroom, Kitchen, Living Room, Home Office
Color Palette
Check the soil frequently — it should never dry out completely. When the surface feels just barely dry, it's time to water.
Near an east or west window with a sheer curtain. Your hand should cast a soft but defined shadow.
Any standard indoor potting mix from the garden center will do. Add a handful of coco coir if you want it to hold moisture a bit longer.
Comfortable in normal room temperatures, 15–28°C. Nothing special needed. Thrives in high humidity (60–80%). A bathroom or kitchen spot is ideal, or use a humidifier nearby.
This is a slow grower — it won't outgrow its spot anytime soon, so enjoy it as-is and mostly takes care of itself. Just remove the occasional yellow leaf.
What Makes It Special
Leaves exhibit nyctinasty (prayer-plant behaviour): they fold upwards at night like hands in prayer and reopen at dawn, triggered by changes in light and temperature
Botanical Archive
Marantaceae · Goeppertia
Goeppertia makoyana (É.Morren) Borchs. & S.Suárez
Brazil (Espírito Santo)
Storage and Survival Organ
Rhizome
How this plant survives unfavorable seasons
Seasonal Growth Cycle
Year Round Mild Winter Slow
When to expect new growth and feed actively
Clonal Spread
Rhizomes
How this plant naturally expands in a pot
Root Sensitivity
Low
How carefully you should handle roots during repotting
Attachment Strategy
Terrestrial
How this plant anchors itself in its native environment
Root System
Rhizomatous
The structure and behavior of the root system
Light Ecology
Filtered Shade
The light environment this plant evolved to thrive in
Growth Habit
Herbaceous Dieback
How persistent and structural the plant tissue is