The genus Calathea is sometimes known as the peacock plant. Calathea makoyana best fits this common name because of the striking peacock feather pattern on the broad leaves. This tropical houseplant’s leaf patterns come in various shades, including green, cream, pink, white, and gray.
The stems are always reddish maroon in tone, and the undersides of the leaves are dark purple. With a scraggly habit, the thick, luscious foliage will look great and thrive in any warm, moist location protected from direct sunlight.
Because of their specific light conditions, peacock plants aren’t always the best choice for novice houseplant collectors. However, if you provide the right conditions, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful plant that will impress any visitor. Now we will know about how to grow and care for peacock plant.
Peacock Plant: Benefits
- Powerful air purification features that improve indoor air quality.
- It acts as a natural humidifier, increasing the humidity level in the surrounding environment.
- It symbolizes new beginnings and growth and makes it a perfect addition to spaces where positive energy is desired.
- It adds aesthetic value with its vibrant, intricately patterned leaves, creating a visually pleasing environment.
- It helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation, making it perfect for bedrooms and office spaces.
Calathea Roseopicta: Alternative Names
- Calathea painted pink
- Rose Painted Prayer Plant
- Malatea Medallion
- Peacock tree
The Peacock Plant is Poisonous to Cats.
The peacock (Calathea Makoyana) is a fast-growing plant with large leaves. It is safe for your cat, as it is not poisonous and is very easy to care for. This plant stands out for its leaves, which have a unique design: wavy stripes that take on light and dark tones of a beautiful green.
Fortunately, you can enjoy the look of this visually appealing plant in your home without endangering your cat or dog.
Peacock Plant Care
Here are the primary care requirements for growing a peacock plant:
- Plant the peacock plant in a potting medium with good drainage and high organic matter.
- Choose a location in the shade or with filtered light.
- Water is just enough to keep it constantly moist.
- Control room temperature: It should be between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Create a high humidity level by misting the plant, using a humidifier, or placing it in a tray of water pebbles.
Light (medium)
Moderate to bright indirect light. Never in direct sunlight.
Water (medium)
It likes to be on the moist side but not soggy.
Humidity (high)
Enjoy high humidity. Sometimes fog.
Temperature (60 to 75)
Avoid any sudden temperature changes. Keep humidity high in warm temperatures.
Hardness zone (10 | 11)
Outdoors: Grow in the morning light, partial shade (4-6 hours) where nights are above 45°F.
Indoor
This plant prefers at least six hours of bright, indirect light in the south, east, and west windows.
Fertilization (monthly)
Prune dead or damaged stems to direct energy to healthy leaves. To remove dust, spray the leaves using a watering can with filtered or rainwater. Remove any debris from the soil and replenish the soil if necessary.
Peacock Plant Pruning
Prune peacock plants as desired to help keep them more compact. This should be done in autumn and winter. You may want to remove dead or mostly brown leaves by cutting off stems attached to the ground.
If the tip of a leaf shows slight browning, it is acceptable to cut off only the browned parts. Remove plants whenever brown parts appear.
Propagate the Peacock Plant
Before you begin propagating your peacock plant, make sure it is not a prohibited variety, such as “Colored Flower Medallion.”
Otherwise, it is best to propagate the peacock plant by division. Wait until the plant matures and forms a large, well-established clump.
- The day before dividing the plant, soak it.
- Slide the root ball out of the holder. Use your fingers to separate the root system gently. Adjacent lumps usually close quickly. Make sure each section has a good amount of roots attached.
- Transplant each section into its pot with a peat-perlite mix or another good potting mix. Adding some soil from the mother plant helps reduce transplanting stress.
- Keep new plants moist, warm, and humid when established. If the environment tends to be dry, cover the plants with plastic domes or transparent plastic sheets with holes. The split should be well established in about two to four weeks.
Does the Peacock Plant ever bloom?
Although peacock plants are commonly grown for their heavily patterned foliage, they can produce clusters of small white flowers several times a year.
An exception is the flowering calathea (Calathea crocata), which is expensive but popular. Its abundant bright orange flowers stand proudly against the dark green foliage.
What problems can a peacock plant cause?
Too Much Light
In the wild, calathea plants grow under the canopy of more giant trees, so they are adapted to more dense shade. When growing a Calathea indoors, ensure it has bright but indirect light and is out of direct midday light.
Too much direct light will burn the leaves and discolor the patterns, which will look bad. This prevents the leaves from absorbing light and generating energy.
To avoid this, make sure your plant is in a location where it doesn’t get direct sunlight or your window is covered with a blind that filters the light.
Temperature Problem
You will get the best results from your Calathea when it adapts as much as possible to its natural environment. As a tropical houseplant, temperature is the most critical factor for replication. For best results, you should keep Calathea between 19 and 29 degrees Celsius.
Normal room temperature should be fine for keeping your Calathea, but you should be aware of cold drafts in your home and keep your plants away. Care should also be taken not to leave the windows open for too long in winter.
Low Humidity
Moisture is essential for a healthy calathea plant. Calathea absorbs water through its leaves and roots, so watering alone is insufficient to give it all the moisture it needs. If the leaves are dry, the plant’s first defense is to curl up to retain moisture.
Improper Watering
Calathea plants can be temperamental about how much water they need. Too little water will cause the plant to dry and the leaves to wilt.
Overwatering causes root rot, preventing the plant from absorbing nutrients and causing the leaves to wilt and wither.
FAQ
What Does a Peacock Plant Look Like?
The Peacock plant’s attractive large, oval leaves are white with prominent dark green stripes and pink tinges throughout the year. Flowers have no decorative significance.
How Do you Care for a Peacock Plant Indoors?
Primary peacock plant care includes regular watering and fertilizing. Calathea makoyana needs evenly moist soil, especially during the growing season. Check to make sure the soil is always slightly damp but not soggy.
Does a Peacock Plant Need Sunlight?
Peacock plants require moderate to bright indirect light to thrive, making them suitable for indoor environments.
Where Should I Put my Peacock Plant?
Place them where there is light and shade.
Why is the tip of my peacock plant turning brown?
Curled brown leaf edges are a sign of low moisture. Cut off any brown bits and add moisture by misting regularly.
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