Peacock Plant

Botanical Name: Calathea makoyana

Peacock Plant is a member of the Marantaceae family of prayer plants.

Tall, slender stems hold up the oval leaves that can grow to 12 in (30 cm) long. The bold, decorative markings of its thin, delicate leaves resemble a peacock's tail. New leaves are rolled up when they emerge and are pinkish-red on the undersides.

Shun the sun. Keep this showy plant out of direct sun to avoid dulling the colors of the leaves.

Raise the humidity. Calatheas are fussy about humidity and love to be misted. If the leaves turn yellow or brown, it is likely because the air is too dry. Use every practical way to keep the humidity above 60 percent, especially in winter.

Repot in spring. Move up to a pot 1 size larger when the plant outgrows its pot. This is a good time to divide large, crowded plants. Use a container with drainage holes to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.

Origin: Brazil

Height: Up to 2 ft (60 cm)

Light: Low to moderate light. Keep out of direct sun.

Water: Keep mix evenly moist at all times. Use distilled water because calathea is sensitive to fluoride and other chemicals in many public water supplies.

Humidity: Requires moist air. Set pot on a tray of wet pebbles and mist leaves daily with room- temperature water.

Temperature: Average to warm room temperatures 70-85°F, 21-29°C

Soil: Peat moss based potting mix

Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a balanced house plant fertilizer diluted by half spring through fall. Do not feed in winter.

Propagation: Division