Peacock Calathea

 Calathéa makoyana, also known as cathedral windows or the Peacock plant.  Calathea symbolize new beginnings, making a wonderful gift for someone starting a new job, moving into a new home, or making any of life’s many fresh starts.  

When the topsoil starts to resemble a desert, it’s time to give your peacock plant a good drink! These beauties crave moist soil, so regular watering is key. Just remember, too much of a good thing can lead to root rot—yikes! Make sure your soil is well-drained and water whenever the top layer feels parched. Keep an eye out for that sweet tap water to flow out the pot holes! For extra TLC, rainwater or distilled water is the way to go—no one wants brown spots stealing the show!

Now, let’s talk humidity! Peacock plants are tropical divas that thrive in warm, humid environments. If the air gets too dry, you’ll see those leaves turning brown and curling up in despair. Boost that humidity with a humidifier, cozy up your plant in the bathroom, or set it on a pebble tray with a splash of water. A little misting action will do wonders too!

Feeding time! During the growing season (spring to fall), give your peacock plant a diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks—because who doesn’t love a little snack while growing up?

Lastly, keep your eyes peeled for pests. A healthy peacock plant is like Fort Knox against bugs! But if the air gets too dry, watch out for those sneaky red spider mites. Keep the humidity levels just right, and you’ll keep those pesky critters at bay!

Plant Care Tips:

 Watering:

Peacock plants like medium moisture but not standing in water or soggy soil. Water with rainwater, filtered or bottled water at room temperature when they are partially dry (They don't like hard water). Check all the way around the plant for moisture levels using a moisture meter. 

 Lighting:

These  guys are tropical in nature but they are not fans of intense, direct sunlight.  You will see their colors start to fade and even the patterns on the leaves become distorted.  Filtereed sunlight is best here but they also have a reputation for handing dark spaces.  Although they may survive in a low light situation it is not ideal as they likely will not grow any, just subsist. 

 Temperature:

 Soil Medium:

, is a evergreen perennial.  They are also part of a group called "prayer plants" because they will roll up ther leave