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Calathea

Calathea

Peacock plant

DifficultyModerate
SeasonYear-round
FoliageA perennial

Meaning

A good mood, harmony

Leaf patterns like peacock feathers. At night they fold up.

Safe for cats and dogs. Any plant can still upset a pet’s stomach if they eat a lot, so keep it out of reach.

Light

Bright, indirect light. No direct sun.

Water

Keep it slightly moist

Temperature

18-28°C, not below 15°C

Feed

Once a month in spring and summer, with a weak fertilizer

Do this when you get home

  1. Put it somewhere bright, out of the sun. Direct sun scorches the leaves.
  2. Keep the soil just slightly moist

Day to day

  • It really likes humid air. Mist every day. In a northern winter, a humidifier is best.
  • Best with tap water that's sat out a day. Chlorine yellows the tips.
  • At night the leaves stand up and fold. By day they open. That's a normal "sleep movement."

Common questions

The leaf edges are brown and curling?

Dry air is the main reason. Mist more, add humidity, and keep it away from the air conditioner and the heater.

Plant doctor

More foliage

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PetalPal

Reminders and a care diary live in the app

Get a nudge when it’s time to water or change the vase water, and keep a diary for each plant, in the PetalPal app. Search “PetalPal” on the App Store or Google Play.