Peacock Plant Plant Care

Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana) belongs to the Marantaceae family within the Calathea genus. Peacock Plant is native to Espírito Santo state of eastern Brazil. Peacock Plant is also known as Cathedral Windows.

Peacock Plant displays a clumping, upright growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Peacock Plant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Peacock Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Peacock Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Calathea makoyana tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Peacock Plant prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Requires a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter.. Good drainage is essential for Peacock Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Peacock Plant every 7 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and requires a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Peacock Plant is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Peacock Plant can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Peacock Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Peacock Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Peacock Plant can be propagated through division of the plant or stem cuttings.. Similar propagation techniques also apply to round-leaf calathea plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Peacock Plant is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Peacock Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Peacock Plant is native to Espírito Santo state of eastern Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Peacock Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.