Peacock Plant
Varieties
Calathea Makoyana / Ornata / Orbifolia / ’Picturata’ / Lancifolia ‘Rattlesnake’/ Roseo Picta
Origin
Native to tropical South and Central America, Africa and the West Indies
Low light tolerant
Pet-friendly
General Care
Light
Medium to bright filtered. Tolerates low light. Avoid direct sun, which scorches leaves and ruins their colour.
Temperature
18-24°C. Keep above 15°C. Protect from hot or cold drafts.
Humidity
Higher. For extra humidity: mist 1-2 times per week to daily, place pot on moist pebbles in a tray, group with other plants, or, introduce a humidifier.
Water
Weekly. Water moderately (spring-fall) and allow moist potting mix to dry within top 1”. Water sparingly (winter) and allow barely moist mix to dry almost fully. Always check moisture level before watering. Aerate mix to improve its condition.
Fertilizer
Every 2 weeks (spring-fall). Use organic houseplant fertilizer, according to packaging instructions.
Maintenance
Every 1-2 weeks, rotate plant to ensure even growth. Every 1-2 months, dust leaves with a soft, damp cloth and inspect for pests, when doing so. Trim unsightly leaves into a “V” with sterile shears or remove entirely.
Potting and Repotting
Soil-based potting mix amended with up to 1/3 peat moss. Every 1 -2 years (spring) move plant into a planter 1-2” larger (diameter and depth); or, repot in the same planter, using new potting mix, after cleaning planter and partially trimming back roots and foliage. Top dress annually, once maximum convenient planter size reached.
Special Points/Common Problems:
- Droopy or curling leaves often suggest underwatering.
- Yellow or brown edged leaves often suggest inconsistent watering or insufficient humidity.
- Leaves change position throughout the day and according to the sun.
- May produce small flowers (TBC). Once faded, trim flowers at their base.