Peacock Plant Care Guide: How to Grow a Peacock Plant

Peacock plants (Calathea Makoyana)—also known by the common name cathedral windows—are evergreen herbaceous perennials in the Marantaceae family. Their large leaves have stunning green, cream, and pinkish-purple patterns that resemble a peacock's tail feather, with deep maroon undersides of the leaves. The plant blooms small, non-ornamental white flowers.

These non-toxic, high-humidity specimens make popular houseplants because they are pet-friendly.

Calathea plants are native to Brazil and thrive in the warm temperatures seen in USDA Hardiness Zones 10–11.

Fully mature peacock plants can grow up to four feet tall. They grow in a clumping habit, spreading widely rather than vertically. Healthy plants will require repotting if you want them to grow to full size. You can control the size of your peacock plants by keeping them in small pots.

The best time to plant or repot peacock plants is in early spring to make the most of the heat and humidity of the summer growing season. Keep them in a place with indirect sunlight because they do not tolerate full sun.

If you live in a climate that has cold winters, grow your Calathea peacocks as indoor plants because they will not survive the frost. Peacock plants are warm-weather evergreen perennials that need humid conditions to thrive.

Peacock plants require specific growing conditions and can be challenging to care for. Transplanting is the best way to grow new peacock plants, and you can find established plants for sale at your local garden center or nursery. Follow this simple tutorial for growing peacock plants in indoor containers.

• Choose a location for the plant. Choose a place for your plant with bright indirect light—for example, near a window. Avoid staging your plant near direct sun because it can damage the green leaves. Peacock plants can also survive in low light conditions, as long as you regulate the room temperature and humidity. Sudden changes in temperature or cold drafts can damage your plants and prevent new growth.
• Choose a container. Choose a container with drainage holes to ensure your soil will drain well. A terra-cotta pot with drainage holes is suitable.
• Prepare the soil. Peacock plants need well-draining soil that retains moisture, and most potting mixes are acceptable for the task. Mix in a little perlite or coarse sand to improve your soil’s drainage. Fill your container one-third full with soil.
• Plant the root ball. Gently remove the plant's root ball from the growing container and shake off any excess dirt. Place the root ball in the pot and fill around the roots with the potting mix. Gently pat the soil down to secure the roots without compacting the soil.
• Water immediately. Water your peacock plant immediately after planting, and continue to water it once a week.

Follow this care guide for Calatheas to keep these tropical plants thriving.

• Water when the topsoil is dry. A peacock plant needs moist soil, which means they require regular watering. Keep in mind that overwatering can lead to root rot and compromise your plant’s health, so make sure the soil is draining well. Water your plant whenever the top layer of soil becomes dry, and watch to ensure the tap water drains through the pot's holes. Try to use rainwater or distilled water on these plants because the fluoride in the water may lead to brown spots on their leaves.
• Maintain a humid environment. Peacock plants need consistently high temperatures and humidity levels to thrive. Low humidity will lead to brown leaf color and curling leaf tips. To maintain proper humidity, use a humidifier, keep the plant in the bathroom, or place your container on top of a pebble tray with a small amount of water in it. Misting your plant’s leaves with water will also help.
• Fertilize during the growing season. Feed your peacock plant a diluted liquid fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season, from early spring to fall.
• Monitor for pests. Healthy peacock plants aren’t vulnerable to pests. However, if indoor conditions become too dry, your plant may become susceptible to red spider mites. Maintain the appropriate humidity levels to prevent infestation.

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