Exotic Peacock Plant

Exotic Peacock Plants have a higher than normal water requirement and should therefore be watered regularly to ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy. Try to water the plant when the top inch of soil appears dry. If an excess of water accumulates it should be drained off immediately to prevent root rot. Allow the water to drain away freely, and do not allow any water to sit in the plant's saucer.

Calathea makoyana prefers bright indirect sunlight. It can tolerate more light than other Calatheas, but will not take direct sunlight which will scorch its leaves. Direct sunlight should be avoided, and instead diffuse sunlight should be provided to the plant. Plants grown in too low light levels may not thrive so make sure the plant is well lit to bring out its best colors and features.

The Exotic Peacock Plant prefers a temperature of between 65-75 °F (18-23 °C). It can tolerate lower temperatures in short periods of time, but for prolonged spells should not be allowed to go below 55°F (12.7°C). It can also tolerate higher temperatures, but not for long periods. The plant is not frost hardy.

Calathea makoyana needs a high level of humidity to remain healthy. When grown indoors, misting the leaves regularly with room-temperature water will help to create a high humidity level, or a cool dry humidifier could be used. Note that the misting process should be avoided if the leaves of the plant become excessively wet as this can lead to fungal leaf spots developing on the foliage.

This plant prefers a soil that is moist but well-draining and loamy. It is important to make sure the soil doesn't stay soggy for long periods and therefore a potting mix with something like sand or perlite added to provide a good drainage system is necessary. Good drainage is very important to keeping the roots from rotting.

As with most houseplants, fertilization is beneficial to maintain healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer should be used with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, diluted to half-strength and applied every 4-6 weeks during the plant's growing season from spring to autumn. A balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied to the soil every 3-4 weeks, but take care not to over-fertilize the plant as this can be damaging.

Calathea makoyana is susceptible to a numerous pests including aphids, mealybugs, snails, slugs, scale insects, and spider mites. A regular inspection of the plant should be carried out and any pests spotted should be removed manually. Regularly cleansing with a soft cloth will help to remove any pests or their eggs from the plant, as well as wiping down the stem and leaves with water. Make sure to wear gardening gloves when cleaning your plant to protect your skin from any irritation. In severe cases, chemical sprays can be used such as horticultural oil, insecticidal soaps, and neem oil; however, make sure to check the label for instructions before use.

The Exotic Peacock Plant should be repotted every 1-2 years as larger pots may be necessary to accommodate the large foliage. An outdoor potting mix with added perlite should be used for repotting. Do not repot too frequently as doing so can lead to severe root damage and can inhibit blooming. The best time to repot is in the early spring before the new growth starts to emerge.

The Exotic Peacock Plant does not require much pruning or trimming; however pruning may be necessary to keep the plant in a compact, balanced shape. If the plant has long and sprawling stems, it can be trimmed back to the correct size without damaging the overall shape of the plant. Always use a sharp pair of scissors or gardening shears to prune the plant. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your skin from any irritation or allergies.

Mulching can be beneficial for the Exotic Peacock Plant. Applying mulch to the top of the potting soil will help to retain the moisture of the soil and also protect the roots from extreme temperatures. Peat moss or compost can be used as mulching material.

Calathea makoyana can be propagated by division or through stem cuttings. To propagate by division, select a healthy plant with plenty of root growth and carefully cut it into two or more sections using a sharp knife or shears. Replant each section in its own pot and keep the soil moist until new growth begins to appear. To propagate by stem cuttings, take 3-4 inch cuttings from a healthy plant and make sure to remove any of the lower leaves. Place cuttings into a potting mix and keep the soil moist. Cuttings should develop roots in 4-6 weeks.

The Exotic Peacock Plant benefits from support to keep it upright if its stems are too large and sprawling. A stake or moss pole placed in the pot and tied to the stems will help to keep them upright in the desired position.

The Exotic Peacock Plant does not need a significant rest period but may enter a semi-dormant state under conditions of low light and cool temperatures. If the plant is dormancy, there is no need to worry as it will usually recover when placed in the appropriate environmental conditions.

The Exotic Peacock Plant is not toxic to pets.