It doesn’t always have to be flowers that steal the show! This week we’re calling all pattern lovers to introduce you to the Calathea Makoyana. A houseplant that’s often referred to as the Cathedral Windows or Peacock plant due to it’s intricately decorated foliage.
Native to Brazil, it’s pale green leaves are patterned with thin green lines and large ovals of dark green, bold markings, similar to that of a feather! The leaves undersides boast a dark purplish-pink and new growth shows up in a sweet little roll. Growing to around 2′ tall, they occasionally show some tiny white flowers.
Peacock Plant Care & Maintenance:
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Water when the top 1″ of soil feels dry. Ensure pot allows for proper drainage. The foliage of the Calathea peacock plant can be damaged by fluoride in water; use collected rainwater, bottled or distilled water without fluoride to avoid this.
- Temperature & Humidity: Temperatures should ideally be between 60ºF – 75ºF (15.5-24ºC). Happiest in a humid environment (bathroom/kitchen)- increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray of pebble, misting the plant, or keeping near your humidifier/diffuser. Brown leaf tips means low humidity.
- Fertilizer: Water-soluble 20-20-20 monthly, in the Spring and Summer (April – October).
- Maintenance: Repot once every two years during the Spring, using a soil that holds moisture and drains well (perlite mix).
