Calathea (Peacock's Tail)
Calathea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Marantaceae. They are commonly known as calatheas or prayer plants. About 200 species formerly classified in the genus Calathea are now in the genus Goeppertia. Calathea currently has about 60 species.
Calathea is a plant that is no longer strange to everyone, because it has beautiful colors and diverse species. They are also used to landscape decoration so many.
However, taking care of peacock tails is not easy, so what are the things to pay attention to?
Light
Peacocks are not light lovers, all peacocks like light around 30%, high light will burn their leaves and not grow. If your plant does not get enough light, the leaves may start to lose color.
See also: Ánh sáng cho cây trong nhà: phân loại, hướng dẫn chi tiết
Humidity
Peacock plants are extremely fond of humidity, but it is the humidity of the air where you place the plant, not the humidity in the pot, which is also why peacock plants like to grow under trees or under other pots.
Dehydration
You do not need to water the peacock too much, when the growing medium in the pot is still moist, watering too much will cause excess water leading to root damage and can kill the plant. Instead of having to water the plant continuously or wondering how many times a day, how often to water, you should mist when the growing medium in the pot is still moist and water when the growing medium is just dry.
The magical peacock leaves
It can be said that this is the part that determines whether the peacock plant is beautiful or not, peacock leaves are extremely sensitive to the environment, they will fold or wither quickly when lacking water from the environment even though the pot you check is still moist, the leaves will burn after being exposed to high light. Therefore, to keep the leaves beautiful, you need to avoid exposing the leaves to high light, you should spray mist to create humidity to ensure moisture on the leaves.
Growing medium
Like other plants, the following factors must be ensured: good moisture retention, good drainage, ventilation for root growth, and a certain amount of nutrients in the soil.
Nutrition
Through growing medium? or through leaves?: Both are needed but you should provide more nutrients through growing medium, the nutrients can be organic fertilizer or chemical fertilizer (for this fertilizer, you must pay attention to the dosage and provide it in the form of spreading, not near the base of the tree), the roots will absorb nutrients and nourish the leaves to grow.
Providing nutrients through foliar spraying will help leaves grow faster and become more glossy, but you must pay attention to the spraying time and dosage to avoid damaging the leaves.
Breeding Peacocks
Peacock plants can be propagated by division or cuttings.
Some popular Calathea plants
Calathea Orbifolia: This plant has large, round leaves with prominent dark green veins.
Calathea Lancifolia: This plant has long, narrow leaves with green, blue-green and cream stripes.
Calathea Makoyana: This plant has large, oval leaves with dark green color patterned with pink and cream.
Calathea Roseopicta: This plant has green leaves with prominent pink spots.
Calathea Rufibarba: This plant has green leaves with purple undersides.
Calathea Freddie has large oval leaves that are dark green with prominent pink veins. The underside of the leaves is purplish red. This plant is a great choice for low light areas.
Calathea Vittata has long, narrow leaves with green, blue-green, and white stripes. This plant is relatively easy to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
See more Calathea Plant Library
Pests and diseases
Peacock plants are generally pest-free. However, they can be attacked by aphids and spider mites. If you see any signs of pests, treat them immediately with an organic pesticide.
Common Problems
- Brown leaves: Brown leaves can be caused by over or under watering, too much light or low humidity.
- Withered leaves: Wilting leaves can be caused by under watering or low humidity.
- Fallen leaves: Leaf drop can be caused by too much or too little watering, too much light, or sudden changes in temperature.
Calathea Growing Tips
- To keep the leaf colors at their brightest, place your plant in bright, indirect light.
- Water plants with distilled water or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup.
- Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust.
- Fertilize plants monthly throughout the growing season.
- Trim off any dead or damaged leaves.
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