Like their bird namesake, peacock plants are the undisputed kings of the stage. The watermelon-like design on the plant’s leaves and the contrasting maroon-purple colour on the other side of the leaves appeal to both gardeners and those who don’t normally tend to plants. As an added bonus, you’ll notice that these plants are constantly on the go. Leaves are open throughout the day to soak up the sun and close at night to seek out the stars.
The striking design of this plant has earned it the moniker “prayer plant,” after the religious symbol of praying hands. In light of this, some have adopted the plant as a sign of devotion. This plant’s affinity for humidity and tropical hues stems from the fact that it is an evergreen perennial in its native South America. Extra effort is needed, but it’s well worth it when you consider how much your nicely toned leaves will appreciate you every hour of the day. People like the way they look, especially the bright colours of their leaves, which can give a landscape a nice, exotic, tropical feel.
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see about: Peacock Plant
Peacock plant: Key facts
| Common name | Peacock plant |
| Botanical name | Calathea makoyana |
| Family | Marantaceae |
| Mature size | Upto 4ft |
| Sunlight | Partial sun, full sun |
| Soil type | Moist but well-drained |
| Soil pH | Acid, neutral, slightly alkaline |
Peacock plant: Characteristics
Peacock plant is an evergreen, herbaceous perennial plant, which belongs to the genus Goeppertia in the family Marantaceae. It is widely used as a houseplant in temperate regions and known for its unique leaf patterns. The plant leaves are round, pale, shiny. The upper portion of the leaves are marked with dark green blotches along their veins. The lower surfaces are deep purple in colour while leaf shafts are very thin.
The plant has a horizontal soil stem, rhizome, from where the plants grow up and roots develop. It needs a minimum temperature of 16 °C.
Do Peacock plants flower?
The Peacock plant produces flowers anytime of the year. However, these are small flowers and do not have any ornamental importance. The flowers are white in colour.
Peacock plant: How to grow and repot?
- If you have a clump of houseplants that have gotten too large, you should divide it in the spring.
- Use African violet potting soil or any soil that retains a substantial amount of water. Every year or two, you need to either propagate your plant or replant it in a larger container to accommodate its rapid growth. A standard procedure is to extend the diameter of the pot by an additional inch or two. If you don’t want your plants to drown, it’s best to choose containers with drainage holes.
- Propagate by soaking the planting medium before planting dividings. With care, remove the plant from its pot and release the soil around its roots. Take note of the juncture of the stems and the joints. Carefully pull apart root sections and stems. Put the plants in several containers, covering the roots as before. Plants should be kept in plastic bags in medium light. Once the roots have taken hold, you can remove the plastic bag. While the plants are adapting to their new surroundings, you can notice some leaf changes. Depending on how tightly its roots are entangled, it can experience transplant shock. As the plants recover their vitality and establish their roots, you can remove the drooping leaves.
Peacock plant: Maintaining a beautiful plant
Preferable lighting
Medium to bright indirect light is ideal for peacock plants because that’s what they’d naturally be exposed to in their original habitat of the lower levels of Brazil’s tropical woods. Therefore, it is one of the few additional tropical plants that can survive in low-light conditions. This also implies the leaves should be kept out of direct sunshine since this can cause them to become dull or even burn. If the plant is getting too much sunlight, you will notice that the leaves have bleached or developed crispy brown tips. However, if the peacock plant doesn’t get enough sunlight, its growth will be stunted, and it will develop noticeable gaps between its leaves. Provide at least eight hours of sunlight per day. A southern or dual-aspect orientation is ideal.
Water/humidity
Humidity levels of 50-60% are ideal for peacock plants. To keep the plant’s leaves content, mist them often or use a humidifier. If you want to increase the humidity, you can also use a pebble tray with water. You should keep a watch on your plant’s leaves for signs of browning or yellowing, which could imply that the plant is suffering from a lack of humidity. The ideal soil moisture for a peacock plant is between slightly dry and slightly wet. When they are partially dry, water with rainfall, filtered or bottled water at room temperature (they don’t like hard water). Determine how moist the soil is surrounding the plant. A moisture metre could be useful as well.
Ideal temperature
It should be at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit, preferably between 65 and 75 degrees. Keep in mind that putting them near windows in the winter or draughty areas, or air conditioning units in the summer can cause them to freeze. The intense cold will cause peacock plants to stop developing and eventually die. It is okay to leave this plant outside until the nighttime temperatures drop below 55°F to 60°F. Be cautious to find a patio that is somewhat shaded to avoid sunburn.
Fertiliser/plant food
During the growing seasons of spring and summer, fertilise your peacock plant once or twice every month. In the winter, when it is no longer growing, you can stop feeding it. Be cautious while fertilising your Peacock Plant with a liquid or water-soluble fertiliser, and consider using a smaller amount than suggested.
Common pests and diseases
No serious diseases are known to affect peacock plants. However, red spider mites might become problematic if the surrounding environment becomes too dry. The plants can benefit from being kept in a humid climate, away from direct sunlight.
Peacock plant: Toxicity
The peacock plant is harmless to humans, cats, and dogs. Hence it is safe and used as a houseplant.
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Peacock plant: Uses
- Extensive and decorative appearance.
- Helps the relative humidity.
- Calathea is pet-friendly.
- Calatheas are dust-trapping plants.
- Peacock plant effectively removes chemical vapours from the air and has a somewhat high transpiration rate, making it an excellent complement to your home environment.
- Increases oxygen concentration in the air.
- Enhances concentration and productivity.
- Relieves stress.
FAQs
Can people get sick from eating peacock plants?
There is no evidence that any of these plants are harmful.
Do peacock plant flowers bloom?
Peacock plants can produce little white flower clusters multiple times per year.
