Peacock Calathea

Light Needs

Bright Indirect Light to Medium Light

Mature Height

1 - 2 Feet

Mature Spread

2 Feet

Feature

Pet Safe

Calatheas are perhaps most well known for their stunning, unique foliage, adding color into a typically all-green plant collection. The Peacock Calathea (Goeppertia makoyana, formerly Calathea makoyana, also called Cathedral Windows) is one such plant. The leaves are wide and slightly rippled, deep forest green in color with sage to lime-green brush strokes, topped with a bright-raspberry center vein that matches the leaf undersides. Like other members of the Marantaceae family, the Peacock Calathea experiences nyctinastic movement, responding to changing light with leaf movement as if it is dancing through the day. Add this stunning Calathea to accent your home's decor or to add a shock of color on its own.

Best Locations For Growing Peacock Calathea

The Peacock Calathea will maintain its color and grow the best in bright, indirect light. Place this pet-safe plant in a bedroom or living room to add color. Bathrooms and kitchens work for Calatheas as well, with their easy access to water and increased humidity, something that Calatheas are notorious for needing. As this plant is non-toxic, it is a great addition to homes with children and pets. 

Peacock Calathea Sunlight Requirements

Place the Peacock Calathea in a north- or east-facing window for continuous bright, indirect light throughout the day. As Calathea leaves are sensitive to direct sunlight, this plant can also do well slightly away from a south- or west-facing window, protected from intense afternoon sun. When placed farther inside a room and in lower light, it may be best to provide the Peacock Calathea with supplemental lighting like a grow light. 

Peacock Calathea Care

Calatheas are notorious for being difficult plants if all their needs are not met. Preferring higher humidity, warm temperatures, and consistently moist soil, it is important to check the soil regularly and look for signs of struggle. Some of these signs include crispy leaf edges and new growth that is withering and drying up. Place the plant on a pebble tray, near a humidifier, or mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity. Calatheas can stay in the same pot for up to two years. When ready for repotting, choose a pot with drainage holes that is 1-2 inches wider in diameter than its current pot. Repot using a rich soil that is well draining. 

Watering Peacock Calathea

The soil of a Peacock Calathea should remain moist but not soggy. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly before watering deeply until water comes out the bottom of the pot. The frequency of watering will vary depending on temperature, light, and humidity, so feel the Peacock Calathea’s soil regularly. In the summer, you may water as much as a few times a week, tapering back in the winter as light becomes less intense and plants slow their growth. It is important to keep Calatheas in well-draining soil and in pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot. 

Feeding Peacock Calathea

Calatheas appreciate regular fertilizing through the spring and summer, when they are growing the most. One to two times a month, add a liquid houseplant fertilizer into your watering routine. Always follow dilution recommendations to avoid burning the plant’s roots and leaves. Cut back on fertilizing in the winter, when houseplants tend to grow much slower.

SKU:

Calathea_Peacock-HP