Unfolding Beauty: A Guide to Grow Peacock Plants

Peacock plants (Calathea makoyana) are also known as cathedral windows. They belong to the genus Goeppertia in the Marantaceae family and are native to eastern Brazil’s Espírito Santo state. With time, they naturally spread across South America. Royal Horticultural Society honored these species with its prestigious Garden Merit award.

In fact, peacock plants are tropical rainforest plants, tailored to grow in houses for their beauty. They have different varieties of foliage pattern hues including white, pink, cream, grey, and pink. Often, stems have a reddish-maroon shade and the undersides of the leaves have a dark purple shade.

Peacock plants usually grow in tight groups (clumps). They have beautiful thick, dense foliage. Being rainforest plants, they do well in warm, dark, and humid areas that are not directly exposed to sunlight. Because of these demanding conditions, some newbie gardeners may find it hard to grow them.

Prayer Plants

Mokkie, Peacock plant (Calathea makoyana) 1, CC BY-SA 3.0

Prayer plants, including the peacock plants (Calathea Makoyana), are very popular indoor plants. Native to the South and Central American rain forests, most of these ornamental plants grow low. During day time, their large decorative leaves lay flat. As night approaches these leaves rise and fold like praying hands. They derive their names from these distinguishing characteristics.

Compared to other popular house plants, some folks think these plants are not very attractive to look at. However, many houseowners disagree with those remarks. Opinions differ among people! in any case, most of these pet and kid-safe species require very little maintenance. They thrive well indoors throughout the year, attracting your visitors.

Description of Peacock Plants

Peacock Plants are evergreen perennial plants. They grow about  45 cm (18 in) tall and have round, glossy green leaves. The upper side of the leaves has dark green blotches along the veins. The lower side of the leaves is deep purple, and the leaf shafts are thin.

When new leaves appear, they are rolled up and show their pinkish-red undersides. These plants have a horizontal soil stem called a rhizome, from which they grow and develop roots. They require a minimum of at least 16 °C (61 °F) to thrive. In temperate areas, many gardeners prefer to grow them as house plants.

Propagating Peacock Plants

Before growing a plant, it is important to know that plant patents restrict the legal reproduction of certain cultivars like ‘Color Full Medallion.’ You can go for other common varieties, including Calathea makoyana sold in shops.

You can purchase seedlings through online or offline garden centers. In any case, make sure to check for the signs of pests or diseases. You can also start propagation with healthy specimens, on your own.

If you buy online, make sure to request a heat pack from the seller during the cold winter months. Similarly, if it is hot during summer, you might need a cool pack to ensure safe shipping.

Although there is only one peacock plant known as Calathea makoyana, there are many other calathea species that have similar distinctive leaves and care requirements. Here are some other varieties you might want to include in your plant collection:

1.) Calathea orbifolia: Known for its large, round leaves with silver stripes.

2.) Calathea zebrina (Zebra plant): Features striking zebra-like patterns on its leaves.

3.) Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake plant): Has elongated leaves with wavy edges.

4.) Calathea roseopicta (Medallion plant): Known for its beautiful, patterned foliage resembling a medallion.

5.) Calathea rufibarba (Velvet Calathea): Has soft, velvety leaves.

Keep in mind that some calathea species with rosette-shaped flowers have been reclassified under the Goeppertia genus, so you might find them listed under a different botanical name.

Light

Direct intense sunlight can fade the patterns and colors of exposed gorgeous foliage. Hence, it is best to find a spot with filtered light conditions such as behind a sheer curtain. In simple words, these plants can thrive well in low, medium, or indirect lighting environments. While these plants can thrive in areas with full shade, their growth will be slower compared to when they receive more sunlight.

Soil

Peacock plants grow well in potting mediums that hold moisture but also drain well. For optimal growth, the pH value of the medium should be between 6.1 to 7.8.  You can buy such mediums in shops or produce your own. If you choose to prepare your own DIY potting mixtures, you’ll find a plethora of recipes at your disposal. Here are a couple of them.

Mix equal parts of sand, peat, and perlite. Make sure to add rich organic matter such as humus. This encourages lush, vibrant, and colorful foliage.

Another method is, to mix two parts of potting soil with one part of coco coir or sphagnum moss and one part of perlite. Add some organic matter to this mixture.

In any case, make sure to use good-quality containers with enough drainage holes. The perlite allows excess water to drain away and helps aeration. Other compounds hold enough moisture to nourish the plants. This beneficial mixture, along with organic matter ensures the healthy growth of peacock plants.

Propagating Peacock Plants Through Division

Peacock plants are primarily propagated through the division method. If you have them planted in your gardens priorly, wait until they mature and form large, well-established clumps. Otherwise, you can borrow established clumps from your neighbors.

Soaking clumps before dividing plants is not always needed. But it can certainly help to speed up the germination process. If you decide to soak them, make sure not to leave them in water for longer than a night. Otherwise, the clumps may rot or get infected.

1.) Slide out the root balls from the container and wipe out the soil gently away from the roots.

2.) Use a sterilized, sharp knife to cut the clumps. Make sure each division has at least 3-4 leaves and a good number of roots.

3.) Repot the divisions in separate containers. To minimize the transplant stress, add some soil taken out from the mother plant pot to the potting mixture.

4.) It is important to keep the new plants warm, moist, and humid until they establish themselves. You can also cover them with perforated clear plastic sheets or plastic domes, to combat dry environments.

In about 2-4 weeks, you can expect these plants to establish themselves well.

Propagating Peacock Plants from Seeds

Although seed propagation of peacock plants is possible, it is not a common or highly successful method. Still, you can give it a try. But make sure to purchase good quality seeds from a reputed vendor for the best results.

1.) Fill seed starter mix or high-quality potting soil in small pots or seed trays and moisten it.

2.) Place the seeds on the soil surface and gently press them down under the soil. Then, cover them with just a small layer of soil.  Space them evenly, leaving adequate space for healthy growth.

3.) Use a clear seed-try cover or clear plastic wrap to maintain the required humidity.

4.) Place the arrangement in a spot where the temperature is about 70°F – 85°F. Ensure that your peacock plant receives bright, indirect sunlight.

5.) Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid making it overly soggy

In about 2-4 weeks, the germination process completes. After the emergence of seedlings, expose them gradually to more light. When they develop 2 -3 leaves, transplant them gently to separate containers.

Caring for Peacock Plants

Watering Peacock Plants

Watering is a crucial step in the maintenance of peacock plants. Consider the following important points for optimal growth of your plants:

1.) Overwatering is a common culprit behind various water-related issues, including the dreaded root rot disease. Hence, wait until the upper inch of soil becomes dry before watering it again. On the other hand, underwatering may cause drooping or yellowing of foliage.

To avoid these kinds of scenarios, you can make use of moisture meters to maintain consistency in moisture levels. It is also important to reduce the watering cycles considerably when your plants rest in winter. This helps healthy fostering in plants.

2.) Plant roots, especially when weak, can experience shock when cold water comes in contact with them. Hence, use mild warm, or room-temperature water.

3.) In most areas, tap water contains fluoride that can lead to browning of leaf tips. So, it is best to use rainwater or distilled water for watering these kinds of plants.

Temperature and Humidity

The ideal temperature for these plants to thrive healthy is between 60 – 85°F.  However, exposure to sudden and extreme environmental changes can harm them significantly.

In simpler terms, G. makoyana, a type of plant, likes to be in a place where the temperature stays the same and does not change too much. Therefore, it is best to avoid putting it near doors, windows, or heating vents where there might be cold or hot air drafts.

Low humidity levels can cause curling or browning of leaves. Hence, maintain a high level of humidity, about 50 – 60% in the surroundings, by misting periodically. You can also purchase humidifiers for this purpose. 

Alternatively, you can place a tray with pebbles under the plant pot. This allows any extra water to drain and stay right under the pot, adding humidity without making the plant sit in standing water.

On the other hand, these plants are sensitive to cold. If the temperature drops below 55°F, they can get hurt. And if it gets freezing, they might not survive. So, during winter, make sure to keep them safe, maintaining optimal temperature.

If you are growing them in shady outdoors, make sure to bring them in during winters before the temperature drops below 60 °F. Check for pests, diseases, etc., and cut out the dead matter before bringing them in.

If you’re unsure about the humidity level in your indoor space, consider using a hygrometer or humidity gauge to measure it. These devices provide precise readings and can guide you in making any necessary adjustments.

Going Beyond the Basic Care

Fertilizing

Most Prayer plants including cathedral windows prefer natural, gentle fertilizing procedures. Almost all tropical houseplant fertilizers suit this need.  You can also purchase or make your own worm compost tea for fertilizing.

Foliar spray application containing iron and nitrogen, in addition, can help increase the depth of colors in new plants.

During spring to fall, these plants profusely produce foliage. Scheduling fertilizer application every two weeks encourages production in this growing season. On the other hand, these plants tend to rest in winter. Hence fertilizing is not needed as no active growth takes place.

Pruning

Peacock plants grow slowly. So, there is no need to prune them. However, there can be some instances where you can opt for pruning them.

Some people like to keep their house plants compact. Pruning helps them to achieve this goal instantly.

When the leaves turn brown due to aging or humidity, you can prune them off. You should also cut off dead leaves and stems as they appear. In any case, use sterilized equipment for this purpose. It is best to schedule your pruning activity in late fall and winter.

Potting and Repotting Peacock Plants

As the peacock plants grow, their clumps tend to spread. Therefore, you may need to repot them every 2 – 3 years. It is time to repot if your plants show symptoms like roots spreading out from the pot’s drainage holes or drying out more often between watering schedules.

It is best to repot during spring, as plants start new growth. If you want to use the same pot, divide the clumps. If you do not want to divide, repot your plants in larger containers with good drainage facilities.

Pests and Diseases Related to Peacock Plants

Peacock plants (Calathea) are resilient when it comes to pests and diseases. This nature is one of the key reasons why they are considered low-maintenance plants! However, environmental changes may induce some infections in them as briefed below.

Pests

Mealybugs

Apart from sucking nutrients off, these pests leave honeydew trials that help the fungus to gather and thrive. To avoid infection spreading, isolate the infected plant from other healthy plants. Then, spray the infected portions generously with neem oil solutions and keep the plant away from direct hot sunlight. You may also have to repeat the application several times to neutralize the infection.

Scale Insects

Scale insects attach themselves to stems or leaves and appear as raised discolored bumps. Due to their appearance and tiny size, it is hard to identify them at first sight.

Like mealybugs, scale insects feed on peacock plants and leave honeydew trials that encourage fungal infections. Infected plants may wither and die.

There are different types of scale insects infecting and thriving on hosts. Neem oil treatment can eradicate many species of these insects.

Spider Mites

Spider mite infection is common in garden plants and house plants. The risk of these infections arises particularly when plants are exposed to direct sunlight. Infected leaves have a stippled appearance. Severely infected leaves may also have webbing on them.

Diseases

Cucumber Mosaic Virus

Cucumber mosaic virus creates mosaic-like strange yellow patterns on the foliage.  Infection symptoms can also include stunted growth, yellowing veins, deformed leaves, and yellow spots on infected portions.

In most cases, this infection only causes cosmetic changes. Pests like aphids spread this infection to other plants. As there is no appropriate cure for this disease, it is best to prevent it proactively. Despite all precautions, if your plants get infected, the most prudent course of action is to dispose them of.

Helminthosporium Leaf Spot

Mokkie, Peacock plant (Calathea makoyana), CC BY-SA 3.0

Helminthosporium leaf spot poses a common challenge for calathea growers. Initially, the lesions manifest as small, water-soaked regions that subsequently become chlorotic. As the condition progresses, the lesions enlarge, reaching up to 1/2 inch in width.

In severe instances, these lesions merge, creating irregularly shaped areas that exhibit a tan color surrounded by a chlorotic halo. You can treat this infection effectively with non-toxic neem oil.

As a preventive measure, lightly mist your calathea’s leaves only on sunny days, and do so only in the morning. This allows ample time for the foliage to dry before night descends and temperatures begin to cool.

Root Rot

Overwatering or insufficient drainage causes waterlogging. This condition leads to root rot disease. The rotten roots lose their functioning ability, thereby depriving plants of water. In addition, these soggy conditions encourage pathogenic organisms like water molds and fungi to proliferate.

Infected plants show symptoms like wilting and yellowing of foliage. It is difficult to cure root rot. However, you can prune the infected portions of the root and aerate the soil to maximum levels to tackle this infection. You can also prevent root rot by tailored watering and ensuring good drainage facilities.

Quick Reference Guide

Curious Contemplations
Powdery Mildew
Aphids