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Meet the gorgeous Peacock Plant - a popular Calathea variety with unique foliage. Watermelon colors of dark red on the bottom and variegated green and yellow on the top make its leaves stand out. Officially called Calathea Medallion Roseopicta, these Brazilian beauties have earned the nickname 'prayer plants'. This is because they raise and lower their leaves throughout the day as if in prayer. The Peacock plant is relatively easy to care for, thriving in humid environments.
Calathea Peacock Plant Care & Buying Guide
Medium to bright indirect light. Never direct sunlight.
Enjoys being on the moist, but not soggy side.
Enjoys high humidity. Spritz occasionally.
Avoid any sudden temperature changes. Keep humidity high in warmer temperatures.
Outside: Grow in morning light, partial shade (4-6 hours) where nights are above 45°F.
Indoors: This plant prefers bright, indirect light for at least six hours in a southern, eastern and western windows.
Trim off any dead or damaged stems to keep energy moving to the healthy leaves. Shower the leaves using a watering can with filtered or rainwater to remove dust. Remove any debris on the soil and replenish soil if needed.
When receiving the plant, do not repot immediately but wait at least 6-12 months. Repot in the spring, using a 2" wider pot. (Too large of a pot could cause the soil to dry slower, which is not helpful.) Use a well-draining indoor potting mix with perlite to help with drainage or an african violet potting mix.
Water your plant in the old pot and let sit an hour before transferring. Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to secure the soil and allow to drain. Add soil to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen. Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant is rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling.
Ensure the plant is sitting about 1" below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over. Water thoroughly, leaving the soil damp but not soggy. If settling occurs, add more soil. Enclose the new plantings in plastic bags, mist and keep them in medium light. Remove the plastic bag when the roots are established. You may observe some leaf changes as they acclimates to their new environment. They may suffer some transplant shock depending on how tight the roots were intertwined together. Trim off any declining leaves as they regains their energy and gets rooted into the soil over time.
Trim off any dead or damaged stems to keep energy moving to the healthy leaves. Shower the leaves using a watering can with filtered or rainwater to remove dust. Remove any debris on the soil and replenish soil if needed.
Indoors: Propagate and divide Peacock plants in the early spring when emerging from dormancy. Pull from the container and brush or wash away the soil carefully. Carefully divide and repot in a rich, indoor potting soil mix or African violet mix. Use a container that has drainage and is deep enough for the roots to grow. Set them in medium to bright, indirect sunlight while they are rooting. Check the moisture and humidity each day and add misting to keep the soil moist while the roots establish. After 6-8 weeks, roots will begin to establish. You can tug onto the stem to ensure the roots are anchoring well. Outdoors: Carefully loosen the soil and dig the roots up and separate the plant in new locations in your garden. Add rich, damp, and loamy soil in a part-shade morning sun location. Water with filtered or rain water at soil level.
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Peacock Plant: Overview
The Peacock Plant, scientifically known as Calathea roseopicta, is a stunning tropical plant cherished for its vibrant and intricately patterned leaves. Belonging to the Marantaceae family, this plant hails from the rainforests of South America, particularly in Brazil and Colombia. Its distinctive foliage features green, purple, and pink hues, with intricate patterns that resemble the feathers of a peacock, hence its common name.
Calathea roseopicta is primarily cultivated as a houseplant due to its preference for indirect light and consistently moist soil. While it thrives in humid conditions, it can adapt well to typical indoor environments with proper care. This plant is not sun-loving and is best suited for locations with low to moderate light levels. In addition, the Peacock plant requires attention to watering and humidity levels, making it moderately easy to care for.
It’s essential to note that while the Peacock plant enhances indoor aesthetics, it is also a great plant choice for patios and balconies in warmer regions. Calathea plants are pet-safe and suitable for households with furry companions.
Another popular Peacock plant variety within the Calathea genus is the Calathea Cathedral Windows (Calathea makoyana), which shares similar care requirements and features striking leaf patterns reminiscent of stained glass windows.
Peacock Plant: Benefits
- Strong air-purifying properties, enhancing indoor air quality
- Acts as a natural humidifier, increasing moisture levels in the surrounding environment
- Symbolizes new beginnings and growth, making it a perfect addition to spaces where positive energy is desired
- Adds aesthetic value with its vibrant and intricately patterned leaves, creating a visually pleasing atmosphere
- It helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation, making it suitable for bedrooms and office spaces
Calathea Roseopicta: Alternative Names
- Rose-Painted Calathea
- Rose-Painted Prayer Plant
- Malathea Medallion
- Peacock Plant
- Prayer Plant
Peacock Plant: Care Guide
The Peacock Plant is moderately easy to care for, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.
Watering and Light
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Place your Calathea plant in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Protect the plant from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. Peacock plants thrive in high humidity. Mist the leaves regularly or use a humidifier to maintain humidity levels above 50%.
Soil, Repotting, and Feeding
Plant in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Repot annually in spring if the plant has outgrown its current pot. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Propagation, Pruning, and Cleaning
Propagate your Peacock Prayer plant through division during repotting or by taking stem cuttings. Ensure each division or cutting has several leaves and healthy roots. Remove yellowing or damaged leaves regularly to maintain plant health and appearance. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and dust-free.
Common Issues
Watch out for leaf curling, browning edges, or drooping leaves, which can indicate underwatering, overwatering, or low humidity. Pests, such as spider mites and aphids, may occasionally infest the plant and require treatment with insecticidal soap.
Peacock Plant: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants
When considering the placement of your Calathea Peacock plant, consider its preferences for indirect sunlight and high humidity. Additionally, pairing it with suitable companion plants can enhance its aesthetic appeal and create a harmonious indoor environment.
Best Locations & Uses
- Ideal for bedrooms due to its air-purifying properties and calming presence
- It makes a thoughtful gift symbolizing new beginnings and fresh starts
- Perfect for plant lovers with pets, as it's non-toxic and safe around animals
- Thrives in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens
- Suitable for warmer climates when grown as a porch or patio plant, adding a touch of tropical elegance
Companion Plants
Enhance the beauty of your Peacock Calathea with these complementary companions.
- Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides): Known for its round, coin-shaped leaves, the Chinese Money Plant complements the peacock plant's vibrant foliage, adding a touch of greenery to your space.
- Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): With its lush, wavy fronds, the Bird's Nest Fern creates a harmonious contrast to the peacock plant's patterned leaves, while thriving in similar light conditions.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): The arching foliage of the Spider Plant complements the peacock plant's upright growth, creating an appealing visual balance in your indoor garden.
Alternative Plants
Explore these alternative plants that offer similar beauty and care requirements to Peacock Plants.
- Maranta Leuconeura (Maranta leuconeura ‘Maranta Green’): Known for its striking foliage patterns, the Maranta Leuconeura shares the peacock plant's preference for indirect light and regular watering, making it a perfect choice for pet-friendly households.
- Rattlesnake Plant (Goeppertia lancifolia): With its unique leaf markings resembling a rattlesnake's skin, the Calathea Rattlesnake requires similar care to the peacock plant and adds a touch of tropical elegance to any space.
- Black Raven ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Black Raven’): Renowned for its resilience, air-purifying properties, and easy-care needs, the Black Raven ZZ plant is one of the most sought-after varieties thanks to its striking blackish-purple leaves.
Get a Stunning Peacock Plant for Your Indoor Garden
Elevate your indoor jungle with the vibrant allure of a Peacock Plant. Dive into a world of lush foliage and captivating beauty, and let its mesmerizing charm flourish in your space!