Peacock Plant Care With Growing Guide
By Mlbrun Team | On 21 April 2024 04:08 AM
The Peacock plant is a trendy indoor plant, cherished for its stunning watermelon-like leaves with vibrant patterns. Its reverse side boasts a rich maroon-purple hue, enhancing any living space.
Although caring for the Peacock plant is not an immensely complicated task, many new gardeners are unsure where to start. But, worry not, this ultimate guide has got you covered.
Peacock Plant Overview
Common Name | Peacock Plant, Cathedral Windows |
Botanical Name | Calathea spp. |
Plant Family | Marantaceae |
Plant Type | Perennial |
USDA Hardiness Zones | 10-12 (best suited for warm, tropical climates) |
Sunlight Requirement | Indirect sunlight |
Soil Type/pH | Well-draining soil, slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5) |
Mature Size | Typically 1 to 2 feet in height and width |
Bloom Season | Rarely flowers indoors; grown for its foliage |
Native Area | Native to the tropical regions of South America, primarily found in Brazil |
What Is A Peacock Plant?
The Peacock Plant, scientifically known as Calathea makoyana plant, is a visually striking tropical houseplant renowned for its vibrant and intricately patterned foliage. Native to Brazil, it belongs to the Marantaceae family.
The leaves, resembling the feathers of a peacock, feature a mix of green hues with unique markings. Known for its air-purifying qualities, the Peacock Plant adds a touch of elegance to homes while offering a captivating display. The best part about these plants is that they are safe plants for dogs, cats, and other common household pets which makes them a safe choice for homes.
Peacock Plant Care
Taking care of a peacock plant is important to keep its vibrant colors and unique movements in your home. These plants come in various stunning colors and can be a real attention-grabber as well as suitable indoor plants in any room.
To make sure your Calathea plant stays healthy, you need to know and fulfill its specific requirements, some of which are detailed below.
Light
Calathea Peacock Plants like to be indoors where they can get medium to bright, indirect sunlight. They don't enjoy direct sunlight because it can harm their delicate leaves. If they don't get enough light, they might not grow well, and there could be big gaps between their leaves.
When you decide where to put your peacock plant, it's important to find a good spot. Give it enough sunlight, but not too much, so it can grow nicely and keep its colorful and patterned leaves.
Soil
For your plant to thrive, choose the right soil mix with peat, perlite, and pine bark. Peat acts like a water sponge, keeping the soil moist for the plant's love of humidity. Likewise, Perlite adds small bits for good water drainage, preventing the soil from becoming too soggy.
Pine bark contributes structure and aids in aeration, maintaining a healthy balance for the plant's root breathing. Ensuring this mix provides an optimal environment, supporting the peacock plant's well-being and vibrant growth in your home.
Water
Water your Peacock Plant a few times a week, but check the soil first. Only water when the top inch feels dry, usually every 1-2 weeks in summer. In winter, when the plant isn't growing much, water less often.
Don't give it too much water, as peacock plants don't like wet roots and might get sick.
Temperature
Keep your household plant happy by keeping the indoor temperature between 65 and 75°F. If it's a nice evening (around 55-60°F), you can let it enjoy the outdoors, but keep it away from direct sunlight.
Humidity
Peacock Plants enjoy a humid environment with plenty of moisture. You can make the air around them more humid by placing a tray of water nearby, and giving the leaves a little spray now and then will help keep them healthy and full of color.
Fertilizer
Give your peacock plant the right food with a liquid fertilizer. Feed it once or twice a month when it's growing, usually in spring and early summer. This helps the plant get a steady supply of nutrients, making it grow strong and keeping its leaves colorful and lively.
Pruning
Keep your peacock plant healthy and looking good by giving it a regular trim. This helps it grow nice and strong. Here's how to do it:
- Take off any yellow or damaged leaves: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to carefully cut these away.
- Trim the base of the affected leaf: This encourages new growth and keeps your plant looking fresh.
By doing this regularly, your peacock plant focuses its energy on growing healthy leaves, making it not just healthy but also more beautiful.
Propagating Peacock Plant
Propagating your Peacock Plant can be a rewarding adventure, and the go-to method is division. While some may debate the ease of using cuttings, dividing the plant is a tried-and-true technique that often guarantees success.
For a successful division, wait until your peacock plant is in its growth groove, typically during spring or early summer. Gently take it out of its pot, and with a delicate touch, separate the roots into different sections.
Also, make sure each new section has its roots and a bunch of healthy leaves. This straightforward method ensures you'll have new, thriving peacock plants ready to add their vibrancy to your indoor garden.
Potting and Repotting
When it comes to potting and repotting your peacock plant, a few key considerations can make all the difference. Opt for a pot with drainage holes; this prevents waterlogging, keeping your plant's roots happy. If your peacock plant starts feeling a bit cramped or the soil seems tired, it's time for a change.
Spring is the magic season for this when your plant is in full growth mode. Repotting lets it stretch its roots and adapt to a fresh environment without too much shock. While peacock plants can handle a bit of cozy root space, choose a well-draining mix and a pot size that balances growth without causing a root-crowding commotion.
Winter Care
As winter rolls in, your peacock plant needs a bit of extra care, especially if it enjoyed the summer sunshine. First off, bring it inside when it gets cold, around 50°F (10°C), so it doesn't catch a chill. Adjust your watering game too; let the topsoil take a breather between sips.
Now, winter air can be a bit too dry for your plant's liking, so think about getting a humidifier or just spritz its leaves occasionally to keep the humidity cozy at 50-60%. Lastly, protect it from winter drafts; those chilly winds can be rough on its leaves.
Pest Control
Watch out for little critters like spider mites and aphids on your peacock plant. Check under the leaves and along the stems regularly, as these pests can mess up your plant's good vibes.
If you spot any, grab some insecticidal soap; it's very effective for plants. Just spray it on the bugs, and it'll take care of them without harming your peacock plant.
Keep an eye on your green buddy, and if you notice any unwanted guests, give them the boot with the soapy solution. This way, your peacock plant can stay happy, healthy, and bug-free.
Peacock Plant Periodic Rotation
Regularly rotating your Peacock Plant is a simple yet effective strategy for fostering balanced and even growth. By turning the plant periodically, you prevent it from leaning towards a single light source, encouraging uniform exposure to sunlight on all sides.
This practice helps avoid lopsided development and ensures that every part of the plant receives its fair share of light. Adequate sunlight is crucial for the peacock plant's photosynthesis and overall vitality.
Aim to rotate the plant every few weeks, allowing each side to bask in the sunlight, promoting a symmetrical and visually appealing appearance for your indoor green companion.
Care For Cold Drafts
Cold drafts can be detrimental to the well-being of your Peacock Plant. Sudden temperature drops can stress the plant, hindering its growth and overall health. These drafts are especially problematic during the colder months or when the plant is placed near windows or doors.
To shield your plant from such drafts, consider relocating it to a more protected spot within your home. Ensure that it's away from chilly windowsills and entryways, providing a stable and warm environment. This precautionary measure helps maintain a consistent temperature, safeguarding your peacock plant from the adverse effects of cold drafts and promoting optimal growth.
Dust Removal From Leaves
Give your peacock plants some TLC by dusting off their leaves. Just grab a damp cloth, gently support the leaves, and wipe away the dust. Be super careful not to harm the delicate leaves or bend the stems. If you prefer a shower approach, place your plant under a gentle stream and let the filtered water rinse away the dust.
Keeping those leaves clean isn't just about aesthetics; it helps the plant with photosynthesis, ensuring it can soak up the sunlight and thrive.
Calathea Peacock Plant Types
Here are some popular Calathea types to consider for your indoor garden:
- Calathea orbifolia: Known for its large, round leaves with silver-green stripes, creating an eye-catching display.
- Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant): Features long, wavy leaves with dark green spots and a purplish underside, resembling a rattlesnake's skin.
- Calathea roseopicta (Rose-Painted Calathea): Showcases dark green leaves with pink stripes, adding a touch of elegance to your indoor space.
- Calathea medallion: Characterized by round leaves with a distinctive pattern of dark green and silver markings resembling a medallion.
- Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant): Boasts light green leaves with a unique peacock feather pattern, giving it its common name.
- Calathea zebrina (Zebra Plant): Features striking zebra-like stripes on its leaves, creating a visually appealing and dynamic appearance.
When choosing a peacock plant for indoors, consider factors such as leaf pattern, size, and care requirements to find the variety that best suits your preferences and home environment.
Grow Peacock Plant From Seed
While it's technically possible to grow peacock plants from seeds, it's not the most common or straightforward method of propagation. Growing peacock plants from seeds can be challenging because they often have low germination rates, and the seeds may take a long time to sprout.
Additionally, the resulting plants may not exhibit the same vibrant characteristics as those grown from division, as the genetics of seeds can vary.
How To Grow Peacock Plants from Seed?
- Collect mature peacock plant seeds from dry pods.
- Fill trays with damp, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Place seeds on the soil surface; lightly press in.
- Cover with a thin layer of soil and enclose in plastic for a greenhouse effect.
- Maintain 70-75°F (21-24°C) temperature; mist for moisture.
- When seedlings have true leaves, transplant them to individual pots.
Challenges And Issues With Peacock Plant
While the peacock plant is resilient and captivating, it may encounter a few common issues. Identifying and addressing these challenges promptly is crucial for maintaining the health and vibrancy of your peacock plant.
- Yellowing Leaves: Sign of overwatering or inadequate light. Adjust watering and ensure the plant gets sufficient indirect sunlight.
- Rolling Leaves or Brown Edges: Indicates low humidity or water with chlorides, salts, or fluorides. Boost humidity using a humidifier, misting, or placing a water-filled tray nearby.
- Leaf Curling: Results from underwatering or exposure to drafts. Adjust watering and relocate the plant to a draft-free zone.
- Root Rot: Common in overwatered soil. Let the topsoil dry and avoid excessive watering.
- Pest Problems: Aphids and spider mites can lead to leaf damage. Apply insecticide every two weeks until pests are controlled for a healthy peacock plant.