Peacock Plant
Thin, oval leaves painted with a feathered pattern of dark green ovals on pale green, like a peacock's tail, and purple beneath. Smaller and more delicate than most calatheas, and pet-safe.
The peacock plant carries one of the most detailed patterns in the family. Each thin, papery leaf is pale green with a dark green feathered design of ovals and lines running out from the centre, and light passes through it so the pattern shows from behind. The undersides repeat the design in purple.
Those thin leaves are the catch. They lose water fast, so it wants higher humidity than the thicker-leaved calatheas, and it shows dry air within days. Keep it humid and it stays a compact, foot-and-a-half clump of pattern.
Light
Medium, indirect light. A north window or filtered east light. It burns and fades faster than most calatheas in bright light because the leaves are so thin. It tolerates fairly low light well.
Water
Evenly moist, watered when the top inch dries, every four to five days in summer and weekly in winter, with filtered or rain water. The thin leaves wilt quickly when the pot dries out, and brown at the edges from tap water. Drain well; never let it stand in water.
Soil and potting
A moisture-holding, airy mix of coco coir, potting soil and perlite. Drainage essential. Repot every eighteen months in spring and divide if crowded.
Feeding
Quarter-strength balanced feed every four weeks in the growing season. It burns easily.
Propagation
Division in spring, from a healthy clump. Keep divisions warm, humid and shaded until they root in.
In a hot, dry home
Difficult. It needs sixty percent humidity and the thin leaves show dry air within a week. A humidifier running through summer, a plant group, and a spot far from any vent are all required. Filtered water only. If you want the pattern with less effort, the rattlesnake plant is the honest alternative.
Problems and fixes
Brown, crispy edges
Likely cause: Dry air or tap water
Fix: Humidify; use filtered water.
Leaves curling and drooping
Likely cause: Dry soil or dry air
Fix: Water; raise humidity.
Pattern fading
Likely cause: Too much light
Fix: Move it to a north window.
Fine webbing under leaves
Likely cause: Spider mites, which love dry air
Fix: Shower the leaves, raise humidity, treat with insecticidal soap.
Peacock Plant questions
Is the peacock plant pet safe?
Yes. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Why are the leaves see-through?
They are naturally thin. Light passing through shows the pattern, which is part of the appeal and also why it needs humidity.
How big does it get?
About eighteen inches tall and wide. It is one of the smaller calatheas.
