Peacock Plants: Care & Growing Guide

There are many species within the genus Calathea. They are all known for their striking foliage and are sometimes called “prayer plants” because their leaves often rise and curl up overnight. Calathea Makoyana is one that is usually sold as a tropical houseplant.

The general genus Calathea is sometimes called a peacock plant, but it is Makoyana which is officially known by this common name (and sometimes even as the window of cathedrals). This is because the eye-catching patterns on the broad leaves resemble the tail feathers of the famous birds.

The leaf patterns are available in a variety of shades including green, cream, pink, white and gray. The stems are always a reddish-reddish-brown hue, and the underside of the leaves is dark purple.

It’s really about the patterns on the lush leaves with this species. If you are a lover of beautiful flowers, the peacock plant will not be for you. They produce flowers, but they are very small and not decoratively significant.

With a lump-forming habit, the lush and dense foliage will look good in all household settings that are warm, moist and out of intense sunlight.

If the temperatures are warm enough, peacock plants can also be grown outdoors. They work well for mass planting ground covers, in bushy borders and in containers on shady patios.

Peacock plants are not always the best choice for beginners as a collector of potted plants. If you can get the conditions right, however, you will be rewarded with a beautiful plant that will surely impress all visitors.

Care of peacock plants

Peacock plants have some rather special care requirements. This makes them a little more challenging to care for if you are new to potted plant collection. Filtered light, high humidity and sufficient humidity are all important. Don’t let this deter you, though. If you take the time to make sure they have what they need, they will turn into a stunning display of lush foliage.

Light

Although a tropical species, peacock plants are not fans of intense, direct sunlight. This can cause the patterns and colors of the foliage to fade. Filtered light conditions are recommended, but these plants can also grow in full shade, although this can slow down growth significantly.

Soil

For your peacock plant, you want to choose a plant medium that retains moisture but is still well drained. A mixture of peat, sand and perlite is often recommended.

To ensure lush and vibrant leaf production and color, it should also be one that is humus-rich and contains a lot of organic material.

Water

Getting the right balance when it comes to irrigation is the key for peacock plants. If the leaves begin to shrink, this may be a sign of underwater. Too much water can cause root rot. These plants like even and even moisture levels and many enthusiasts use a moisture meter to help them measure when the plant needs watering.

Although these plants still need watering during the winter, they like to have a rest period, and the frequency should be significantly reduced.

Distilled water or something caught from rain is generally considered a better option compared to getting it from the tap. Peacock plants are sensitive to fluoride, and this can result in the leaf tips turning brown. The water should also be lukewarm or room temperature. It can shock the plant if it is too cold.

Temperature and humidity

For your peacock growth to thrive, ideal temperatures are between 60ºF – 75ºF. It is also important to ensure that the plant is not exposed to any sudden and extreme changes in its environment. Cold drafts and rapid temperature changes can be problematic.

High levels of humidity are also the key to your peacock’s growth. Low humidity levels can cause the leaves to turn brown or curly. Fogging is beneficial and if you are worried that your home environment may be too dry, it may be worth investing in a humidifier. You can also add a tray filled with pebbles under the well-draining plant pot. In this way, all excess water will flow through and sit directly under the pot and add moisture without leaving the plant in standing water.

Fertilizers

Feeding your peacock plant from spring to autumn, during its growing season, is another important factor given its abundant leaf production. Feeding every two weeks with diluted liquid manure is recommended. Leaf sprays that contain nitrogen and iron can help if fresh leaves do not have the same color depth as the mature leaves on the plant. During the winter months, feeding may stop completely.

Propagating peacock plants

Peacock plants are usually propagated by division. However, it can be quite tricky so it is best that you wait until the plant has formed into a well-established and large clump. The transplanted compartments must be kept moist, warm and moist while establishing themselves. You can cover them with polyethylene sheets if you are worried that the environment may be too dry.

Pot and replant peacock plants

Healthy, flowering peacock plants, with their lump-forming habit, can grow quickly, which means they tend to need to be replanted every two years. Splitting can be done at the same time if you want to reuse the same pot; otherwise you need to choose a larger container that also has decent drainage holes.

Common pests and diseases

Peacock plants are not known to have any major disease problems. However, if the environment is too dry, red spider mites can be a problem. Keeping the plants in humid conditions outside of direct sunlight can help.