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Calathea Peacock Plant Care Guide:
Tips and Tricks for Healthy Growth

Updated: May 14, 2023

Calathea Peacock plants are a popular choice among houseplant enthusiasts for their beautiful foliage and air-purifying qualities. These tropical plants are native to South America and can be a bit finicky when it comes to care. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your Calathea Peacock plant healthy and thriving.

Light

Calathea Peacock plants prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so it’s best to place them in a spot with filtered sunlight or a few feet away from a window. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, you may notice the leaves drooping or the colors fading.

Watering

Calathea Peacock plants like to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be sure to use room-temperature water and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot.

Humidity

These plants thrive in high humidity environments, so it’s important to keep them moist. You can achieve this by misting the leaves with water every few days or placing a tray of water near the plant. Another option is to use a humidifier in the room where your plant is located.

Temperature

Calathea Peacock plants prefer warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid placing them in drafty areas or near air conditioning units as this can cause stress and damage to the plant.

Soil

These plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil works well for Calathea Peacock plants. It’s also important to choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting in the soil.

Fertilizer

During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed your Calathea Peacock plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions on the label as over-fertilizing can damage the plant.

Propagation

Calathea Peacock plants can be propagated through division. When repotting your plant, gently separate any offshoots from the main plant and repot them in their own container with fresh soil.

Common Problems

  • Yellowing leaves: This can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Check the soil moisture level and adjust accordingly.
  • Brown tips: This can be caused by low humidity levels or too much direct sunlight. Increase humidity or move the plant away from direct sunlight.
  • Drooping leaves: This can be caused by underwatering or too much direct sunlight. Check soil moisture levels and adjust accordingly, or move the plant to a spot with filtered sunlight.

By following these tips and tricks, you can help your Calathea Peacock plant thrive in your home.

FAQ

Q: Why are my Calathea Peacock plant’s leaves turning brown?

A: Brown tips on Calathea Peacock plant leaves can be caused by low humidity levels or too much direct sunlight. Increase humidity by misting the leaves or using a humidifier in the room. If your plant is getting too much direct sunlight, move it further away from the window.

Q: How often should I water my Calathea Peacock plant?

A: These plants like to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Q: Can I propagate my Calathea Peacock plant?

A: Yes, these plants can be propagated through division. When repotting your plant, gently separate any offshoots from the main plant and repot them in their own container with fresh soil.

Q: Why do my Calathea Peacock plant’s leaves droop?

A: Drooping leaves on Calathea Peacock plants can be caused by underwatering or too much direct sunlight. Check soil moisture levels and adjust accordingly, or move the plant to a spot with filtered sunlight.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Calathea Peacock plant?

A: During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed your Calathea Peacock plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions on the label as over-fertilizing can damage the plant.

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