Peacock Plant

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Origin

The Peacock Plant, Goeppertia makoyana, is a popular tropical plant that is well-known for its vibrantly patterned and colored foliage. Another fun common name for this plant, also inspired by its eye-catching appearance, is 'Cathedral Windows'.

Like other Calatheas, the Peacock Plant is native to Brazil, where it thrives in a hot, humid rainforest environment.

They can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall, and each individual leaf is strikingly large too. In order to maintain an attractive bush-like shape, you may need to rotate your Peacock Plant every now and then in order to ensure even growth all-round. They're part of the Prayer Plant (Maranta) family, which includes many plants with 'dancing leaves'. That is to say, their leaves move around in response to light changes, and will close / open up when they are exposed to sunlight.

Care

Too much humidity indoors? No, don't think that's possible for this one! Bring it on!

Calatheas have a bit of a reputation for being tricky to care for, and the Peacock Plant can certainly be a bit picky at times. However, it's all about finding the right balance - once you perfect and maintain their ideal growing conditions, they'll surely thrive in your home.

They don't like too much sunlight - in their natural environment, they grow in the shade of taller trees, meaning that the light that reaches them is filtered. Exposure to prolonged periods of harsh, direct sunlight can lead to the plant's beautiful leaves becoming burnt. If you start to notice dry-looking brown marks / edges on your Peacock Plant, try moving it to a less sunny spot in your home or increasing the distance from the window. You can alternatively add some sort of barrier to help diffuse some of the light, such as a sheer curtain.

These plants love moisture, both in the soil and in the air around them. Most homes have dry air, so it's important to boost the humidity around your Peacock Plant. You can do this by regularly misting and / or using a pebble tray. If you want to keep it extra happy, you may even want to invest in a humidifier. Keeping it in your bathroom is also a good alternative, as it will enjoy the steam from your shower.

Try to keep the soil moist at all times, although not overly wet - no plant likes to be drowning in water! Check the soil in between waterings and never let it dry out completely.

Other

This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs, so is a good choice for pet-friendly homes.