Peacock Plant is also known as Peacock Flower. It is a tropical plant generally considered invasive. You can find them in South America, Central America, and Africa. It’s also a popular houseplant because it’s easy to grow and maintain. It’s often referred to as “the easiest plant in the world” because its requirements are so simple!
Today, we’ll help demystify this wonderful species if you are unsure how to care for one. We’ll cover everything from temperature requirements to re-potting tips. That way, you can enjoy your new plant for years to come!
Growing Instructions
Light
The amount of sunlight your plants receive will affect their growth and health. Most houseplants generally need indirect to dappled sunlight in a north-facing window. Some of your windows nearby can also allow light to filter through for your plants.
For most plants, they need about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily; for others, it means full sun (6+ hours) every day. If you aren’t sure how much light your plant needs or where to put it, ask your local gardening expert.
Warmth
The peacock plant is quite hardy, adapting well to most climates. It can stand low temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this plant prefers a tropical climate with an average temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep the moist soil if you want to grow this plant indoors. Then, place it in an area where air circulation is good.
Humidity
Humidity is a key factor in successfully growing Peacock plants. The recommended humidity range for these plants is between 50-80%. Increase the plant’s humidity level by misting it daily with water or placing the plant in a humid room. Decreasing the available moisture will also lower the humidity levels in your home.
Watering
To water your peacock plant, start by watering it every other day. If the soil is drying out, water thoroughly, but do not let it sit in water for too long. The plant’s soil should be a little moist and not soggy. If the plant starts to droop, then you are overwatering it.
The plant’s water level will also vary based on your home’s temperature and humidity. Peacock plants grow best in nutrient-rich soil and contain small amounts of peat moss.
Re-potting
When to re-pot:
- Repot your peacock plant every spring. The best time of the year to do this is early in the season when new growth is emerging, and the soil has warmed up. Your plant should be at least three years old before it needs re-potting for the first time. If you feel like it is getting rootbound or struggling, you can report it at any time. In general, you should re-pot peacock plants every one or two years. But if they are in large pots already (around 8-inch square pots) you will likely only need to re-pot every 2-3 years.
How to repot:
- Gently separate your plant from its pot by sliding a small spade under its roots. Then, lift it upwards without disturbing them. Try not to damage any roots that have grown into knots!
- Take cuttings from healthy leaves and pot them up separately. These will make good replacement plants when yours die! Try transplanting some of these into larger pots if there’s room available. Make sure they have enough space, so their roots aren’t constricted.
Fertilizer And Soil
It’s crucial to nourish your plant in the right conditions to keep your peacock plant healthy. Here are a few tips:
- The soil where you grow your peacock plant should contain plenty of organic matter. It also needs to be well-draining because this plant doesn’t like wet roots. Get a potting mix with drainage and an acidity level between 5 and 7. Avoid acidic soils, as these plants can cause root rot if they become too acidic over time.
- Use fertilizer every couple of weeks during the spring and summer. The indoor plants need less frequent applications than outdoor ones. You can do them once a month. Whatever choice you make will depend on how much time you have available for caretaking tasks such as watering each day or week! Liquid or dry fertilizers are both great options.
Propagation
The Peacock plant is easy to propagate, so you can grow many plants from one plant. In spring or summer, take 4-inch stem cuttings and leave them in a glass of water for 24 hours. Plant them into the potting soil and keep them moist until they root. They should be ready to transplant into a larger pot or garden bed in about six weeks.
The best transplanting time is in spring or fall when the weather is mild. The Peacock plant does not thrive in hot summer temperatures. It will be more likely to die if you try to move it during this time.
Common Problems and Solutions for Peacock Plant Care
Peacock plant care is simple and easy, but there are some things you can do to ensure that your plant is thriving.
If your plant’s leaves are curling with yellowish leaves, it may be because the soil is too dry. The pea-shaped flowers grow on long stems that need plenty of moisture to flourish.
To solve this problem, water until the soil feels moist, then allow it to drain before watering again. It would be best if you watered whenever the top inch of the soil felt dry or the pot felt light. Pea plants will wilt at night if they have not been watered. Never let them sit in water as this will cause root rot and kill them! If they are meant for indoor use, they need high humidity. So misting once per week will help maintain healthy growth!
Conclusion
Growing peacock plants is a great way to add color to your home. If you want something similar with less care, try looking into succulents or cacti! The plant itself may not be easy to come by, but plenty of other options will give you the same effect.
