Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant)

Calathea makoyana, commonly known as the Peacock Plant, is an exquisite species valued for its decorative foliage that resembles the vibrant patterns of a peacock’s tail. This species, formerly assigned to Calathea, is now in the genus Goeppertia.

Calathea makoyana – Peacock Plant: An In-depth Look

The Peacock Plant is celebrated for its visually striking leaves, which are oval in shape and boast a spectacular pattern of light and dark green, mimicking a peacock’s feathers. The underside of each leaf is a rich purple, adding to its allure.

Native: Calathea makoyana originates from the tropical rainforests of eastern Brazil. It thrives under the canopy of these lush forests, where the environment is warm, humid, and shaded. It belongs to the arrowroot family (Marantaceae), along with the Prayer Plant.

Plant Type and Habit: The Peacock Plant is a clump-forming evergreen perennial with leaves emerging from a central rosette, creating a compact and bushy appearance.

Size: On average, the Peacock Plant reaches about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in height and 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in spread, making it an ideal houseplant that fits well in various indoor settings without requiring excessive space.

Flowers: Though Calathea makoyana can bloom, producing small white or purple flowers, it is a rare occurrence in indoor conditions. The plant is primarily grown for its stunning foliage.

Foliage: The Peacock Plant boasts long-stalked, ovate, silvery-green leaves detailed with darker green veins and regular dark blotches along each side of the midrib. The striking foliage is complemented by a vivid purple underside, embodying the plant’s peacock-inspired elegance and visual appeal.

Hardiness: The Peacock Plant is hardy in USDA zones 11-12. It is not frost-tolerant and must be kept in environments above 60°F (15°C) to thrive.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Uses: Primarily used for decorative purposes, the Peacock Plant enhances interior spaces with its lush, vibrant foliage.

Toxicity: Calathea plants are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, making them a safe choice for pet owners and families. Their sap may irritate sensitive skin.

Benefits: Beyond its ornamental appeal, it improves indoor air quality by filtering out pollutants.

Peacock Plant Care

Caring for the Peacock Plant involves creating a balanced environment that mimics its native tropical habitat.

Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can fade the stripes on the leaves and cause burn marks. Ideal near a window with sheer curtains or in a room that receives plenty of natural light without direct exposure.

Soil: A well-draining, peat-based mix is suitable. Mix in perlite or vermiculite to enhance drainage.

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Use distilled, rainwater, or filtered tap water to avoid leaf browning from fluoride and other chemicals in tap water.

Temperature and Humidity: Thrives in temperatures between 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (24°C). Avoid sudden temperature drops and cold drafts. Requires high humidity levels, ideally above 60%. Low humidity can lead to brown leaf tips and edges. Use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or group it with other plants to increase surrounding humidity.

Fertilization: Feed with a diluted, balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize in winter.

Pruning: Trim away yellow or brown leaves at the base to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage new growth.

Cleaning: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and help the plant breathe.

Repotting: Every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a slightly larger pot and fresh potting mix to encourage growth.

How to Propagate the Peacock Plant – A Step-By-Step Guide

Propagating a Calathea plant, like many other members of the Calathea genus, is best done through division. This method ensures the new plants have a good start with established roots and foliage.

Choose the Right Time: The best time for propagation is in late spring when the plant is in its active growth phase.

Prepare Your Tools and Workspace: Ensure you have clean, sharp scissors or a knife, pots for the new plants, and appropriate potting mix (peat-based or similar to what the parent plant is in). Sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution to prevent the spread of disease.

Remove the Plant from Its Pot: Carefully take your Calathea plant out of its pot. You may need to tap the pot’s sides or gently pull the plant by the base to ease it out.

Inspect and Separate the Rhizomes: Look for natural divisions in the root ball where the plant has formed distinct clumps or sections. These are your propagation points. Gently tease the roots apart with your fingers or cut through them with your clean, sharp tool if necessary. Ensure each division has a good amount of roots and at least one or two shoots (leaves).

Pot Up the Divisions: Fill your new pots with a suitable potting mix, making a hole in the center for the division. Place each division in its pot, ensuring it sits at the same depth as in the original pot. Fill around the roots with more potting mix, gently firming to support the plant.

Water and Care for Your New Plants: Water each new Calathea plant thoroughly after potting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the new plants in a warm, humid spot with indirect light, similar to the parent plant’s preferred conditions.

Monitor and Maintain Humidity: To ensure high humidity, you can cover the pots with plastic bags to create a greenhouse effect. Ensure to open the bag daily for fresh air and check the soil moisture.

Be Patient: Growth may be slow initially as your Calathea plant adjusts and develops new roots and foliage. It can take several weeks to see significant growth.

Peacock Plant: Pests, Diseases, Common Problems

The Peacock Plant is relatively resistant to major problems, but like all indoor plants, it can encounter some pests, diseases, and common issues.

Pests

Spider Mites: These tiny pests can be identified by the fine webs they weave on the plant. They cause yellowing or speckled leaves. Increase humidity around the plant and wash it with a strong stream of water. For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Mealybugs: These white, cottony pests tend to cluster in leaf axils and under leaves, sucking sap and weakening the plant. Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs or apply neem oil.

Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that can be green, black, brown, or pink, aphids typically feed in groups on the undersides of leaves. Combat them with a gentle spray of water, neem oil, or insecticidal soap to protect the plant’s health and appearance.

Scale insects: Hard or soft-bodied insects that attach themselves to the stems or leaves, causing yellowing and growth stunting. Scrape off with a fingernail or use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be used.

Diseases

Root rot: Often a result of overwatering, leading to brown, mushy roots and wilted leaves. Prevent by ensuring good drainage and letting the soil partially dry between waterings. Affected plants may need repotting with fresh soil after cutting away any rotten roots.

Leaf spot: Fungal or bacterial infections causing spots on leaves. Avoid wetting foliage when watering and improve air circulation. Remove affected leaves and treat with fungicides if necessary.

Common Problems

Brown Leaf Edges/Tips: Often a result of low humidity or fluoride in tap water. Use distilled water or rainwater and increase humidity around the plant.

Curling Leaves: Can indicate under-watering or too low humidity. Ensure consistent soil moisture and raise humidity levels.

Fading Leaf Color: Insufficient light can cause the vibrant patterns of your Calathea to fade. Provide bright, indirect light, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to put a peacock plant?

The best place for a Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana) is in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure to prevent leaf burn. High humidity areas like well-lit bathrooms or kitchens are ideal. The plant should be kept away from drafts and heating or cooling vents to maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels.

Is a peacock plant the same as a prayer plant?

While both the Peacock Plant and Prayer Plants (Maranta leuconeura) belong to the same family, Marantaceae, they are different species. Both are known for their decorative leaves and the unique movements they exhibit in response to the light cycle, but they differ in leaf patterns and plant structure. The term “Prayer Plant” typically refers specifically to Maranta leuconeura, known for its habit of folding leaves at night.

Is peacock Calathea safe for pets?

Peacock Calathea is safe for pets. It is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a worry-free choice for pet owners who want to add greenery to their homes without risking their pets’ health.

Is calathea peacock easy to care for?

Calathea peacock is considered to have moderate care requirements. While not the most challenging houseplant to maintain, it does require specific conditions to thrive