The peacock plant, also known by its scientific name Calathea makoyana, is a gorgeous tropical houseplant known for its beautiful, colorful foliage. This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil and makes an excellent indoor plant when given proper care
Overview of the Peacock Plant
The peacock plant is characterized by its striking patterned leaves that resemble a peacock’s feathers, hence the common name. The leaves are pale green in color with dark green oval markings along the outer edges, looking like painted feathers. The undersides of the leaves are usually a pinkish-purple color. Mature peacock plants can grow to be 1-2 feet tall and 8-12 inches wide.
This plant is a member of the prayer plant family, Marantaceae. The leaves fold up vertically at night, like praying hands.
Some key things to know about caring for peacock plants:
- Requires bright, indirect light
- Likes warm temperatures between 60-75°F
- Needs high humidity – at least 60%
- Prefers moist soil – don’t let it dry out
- Water with distilled or filtered water
- Feed every 2-4 weeks during growing season
- Prune old leaves and pinch back stems to encourage bushiness
- Repot every 2 years in spring
- Watch for pests like spider mites
Proper care will result in a bushy, vibrant peacock plant with stunning patterned leaves. Read on to learn more details about how to grow this plant successfully indoors.
Light Requirements
Peacock plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They thrive in locations that receive plenty of sunlight but are protected from harsh direct rays.
East or north facing windows are ideal spots for these plants. You can also place them near a bright south or west window with a sheer curtain to filter the light. Avoid direct southern exposure, which can scorch the leaves.
If the plant isn’t getting enough light, you may notice slower growth, smaller leaves, and faded coloration. Make sure to rotate the pot periodically so all sides receive equal light.
Temperature Needs
Peacock plants prefer warm temperatures between 60-75°F. Avoid exposing them to cold drafts, which can shock the plant. Keep them away from drafty windows, doors, and air vents.
In most homes, they can remain in these warm temperatures year-round. You can also take them outside in summer as long as temperatures stay above 55°F at night.
Sudden temperature drops and fluctuations can stress the plant, causing leaf curling and browning, so keep the environment stable.
Soil and Potting
Use a rich, well-draining potting mix for peacock plants. A quality potting soil with ingredients like peat moss, perlite, bark chips, and compost will provide the moisture retention and aeration these plants need.
You can add sand, perlite, or vermiculite to improve drainage if needed. Allow the soil to almost dry out between waterings. The pot should have drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Repot every 2 years in the spring. Move the plant to a container that’s 2 inches larger to allow room for growth. Trim any damaged roots and loosen the root ball before repotting.
Watering and Humidity
Peacock plants need consistently moist soil. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out, then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Never let the soil get completely dry. Distilled or filtered water is best since tap water may contain chemicals that can damage the foliage.
These plants also require high humidity of at least 60%. Mist the leaves regularly or use a pebble tray to boost humidity. Keep the plant away from heating and cooling vents which can dry out the air.
Signs of low humidity include brown leaf tips and edges. Increase watering frequency a bit in winter when the air is drier.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength to feed peacock plants every 2-4 weeks in spring through fall. This provides nutrients for growth during the active season. Stop fertilizing in winter when growth slows.
Look for a fertilizer where the three numbers on the label are equal, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Dilute it to half strength before applying according to package directions.
Pruning
Prune off any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage as needed to maintain an attractive appearance. Use sterilized scissors to prevent spreading issues.
You can also pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Do this kind of pruning and shaping in spring or fall. Remove spent leaves at the base of the plant.
Propagation
Propagate peacock plants by dividing mature plants when repotting. Carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each division has plenty of healthy roots. Repot into separate containers using fresh potting mix.
Keep the divided plants warm, humid, and out of direct sun while they establish. New growth will appear after a few weeks. Propagation by seed is also possible but more challenging.
Common Problems
Overwatering is the most common problem with peacock plants. Ensure the soil drains well and allow it to dry out adequately between waterings.
Low humidity can also cause issues like leaf browning and curling. Monitor humidity closely and mist or use a pebble tray if needed.
Watch for pests like spider mites, scale, and mealybugs which can infest the foliage. Isolate infected plants and use neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays to treat.
With the proper care, peacock plants will thrive for years as an easy-to-grow houseplant with their beautiful and unique foliage.
Caring for a peacock plant primarily involves providing the right amounts of bright, indirect light, warm temperatures, humidity, water and fertilizer. Pay close attention to its moisture and humidity needs, allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and mist the leaves regularly. With a little practice, these plants can be grown successfully indoors to add vibrant color and tropical flair. Their striking patterned leaves will surely be a showstopper in any indoor garden.
Peacock Plant: Care Guide
The Peacock Plant is moderately easy to care for, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Place your Calathea plant in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Protect the plant from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. Peacock plants thrive in high humidity. Mist the leaves regularly or use a humidifier to maintain humidity levels above 50%.
Plant in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Repot annually in spring if the plant has outgrown its current pot. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Propagate your Peacock Prayer plant through division during repotting or by taking stem cuttings. Ensure each division or cutting has several leaves and healthy roots. Remove yellowing or damaged leaves regularly to maintain plant health and appearance. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and dust-free.
Watch out for leaf curling, browning edges, or drooping leaves, which can indicate underwatering, overwatering, or low humidity. Pests, such as spider mites and aphids, may occasionally infest the plant and require treatment with insecticidal soap.
Calathea Peacock Plant Care & Buying Guide
- Medium to bright indirect light. Never direct sunlight. Enjoys being on the moist, but not soggy side. Enjoys high humidity. Spritz occasionally. Avoid any sudden temperature changes. Keep humidity high in warmer temperatures. Outside: Grow in morning light, partial shade (4-6 hours) where nights are above 45°F. Indoors: This plant prefers bright, indirect light for at least six hours in a southern, eastern and western windows. Trim off any dead or damaged stems to keep energy moving to the healthy leaves. Shower the leaves using a watering can with filtered or rainwater to remove dust. Remove any debris on the soil and replenish soil if needed. When receiving the plant, do not repot immediately but wait at least 6-12 months. Repot in the spring, using a 2″ wider pot. (Too large of a pot could cause the soil to dry slower, which is not helpful.) Use a well-draining indoor potting mix with perlite to help with drainage or an african violet potting mix. Water your plant in the old pot and let sit an hour before transferring. Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to secure the soil and allow to drain. Add soil to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen. Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant is rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling. Ensure the plant is sitting about 1″ below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over. Water thoroughly, leaving the soil damp but not soggy. If settling occurs, add more soil. Enclose the new plantings in plastic bags, mist and keep them in medium light. Remove the plastic bag when the roots are established. You may observe some leaf changes as they acclimates to their new environment. They may suffer some transplant shock depending on how tight the roots were intertwined together. Trim off any declining leaves as they regains their energy and gets rooted into the soil over time. Trim off any dead or damaged stems to keep energy moving to the healthy leaves. Shower the leaves using a watering can with filtered or rainwater to remove dust. Remove any debris on the soil and replenish soil if needed. Indoors: Propagate and divide Peacock plants in the early spring when emerging from dormancy. Pull from the container and brush or wash away the soil carefully. Carefully divide and repot in a rich, indoor potting soil mix or African violet mix. Use a container that has drainage and is deep enough for the roots to grow. Set them in medium to bright, indirect sunlight while they are rooting. Check the moisture and humidity each day and add misting to keep the soil moist while the roots establish. After 6-8 weeks, roots will begin to establish. You can tug onto the stem to ensure the roots are anchoring well. Outdoors: Carefully loosen the soil and dig the roots up and separate the plant in new locations in your garden. Add rich, damp, and loamy soil in a part-shade morning sun location. Water with filtered or rain water at soil level. You might also like…
The Peacock Plant, scientifically known as Calathea roseopicta, is a stunning tropical plant cherished for its vibrant and intricately patterned leaves. Belonging to the Marantaceae family, this plant hails from the rainforests of South America, particularly in Brazil and Colombia. Its distinctive foliage features green, purple, and pink hues, with intricate patterns that resemble the feathers of a peacock, hence its common name.
Calathea roseopicta is primarily cultivated as a houseplant due to its preference for indirect light and consistently moist soil. While it thrives in humid conditions, it can adapt well to typical indoor environments with proper care. This plant is not sun-loving and is best suited for locations with low to moderate light levels. In addition, the Peacock plant requires attention to watering and humidity levels, making it moderately easy to care for.
It’s essential to note that while the Peacock plant enhances indoor aesthetics, it is also a great plant choice for patios and balconies in warmer regions. Calathea plants are pet-safe and suitable for households with furry companions.
Another popular Peacock plant variety within the Calathea genus is the Calathea Cathedral Windows (Calathea makoyana), which shares similar care requirements and features striking leaf patterns reminiscent of stained glass windows.
- Strong air-purifying properties, enhancing indoor air quality
- Acts as a natural humidifier, increasing moisture levels in the surrounding environment
- Symbolizes new beginnings and growth, making it a perfect addition to spaces where positive energy is desired
- Adds aesthetic value with its vibrant and intricately patterned leaves, creating a visually pleasing atmosphere
- It helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation, making it suitable for bedrooms and office spaces
- Rose-Painted Calathea
- Rose-Painted Prayer Plant
- Malathea Medallion
- Peacock Plant
- Prayer Plant
Tips for Keeping Your Peacock Plant (Calathea Makoyana) Happy and Healthy
FAQ
Why are my peacock plant leaves turning brown?
Crispy Brown Leaf Edges are a sign of low humidity. Cut off the brown bits and increase humidity by either spritzing regularly, relocating to a more humid location or placing them on a pebble tray (a tray filled with pebbles and some water).
How to care for a peacock for beginners?
Feeding a mix of good quality dried dog food, corn, grains, seeds, grass, greens, table scraps and some chicken rations is appropriate. If kept confined, a shelter should be provided and pens should be covered as peacocks are strong flyers.