Is the peacock plant toxic? Read this and you will understand
Many friends like to grow the peacock plant indoors, since it can help purify the air. So, is the peacock plant toxic? Some friends may not know much about this, so let us take a look together.
What is the peacock plant
The peacock plant (Calathea makoyana) is a perennial herb that can reach 60 cm in height, with rhizomes. Its long, narrow, spear-shaped leaves grow directly from the roots, and the plant forms clumps; the leaves have markings in different shades of green, and the undersides are mostly brownish red. The leaves of this species are silvery green, with dark green spots radiating from the midrib, and the underside has brownish red markings of the same shape. The formaldehyde-removal effectiveness of the peacock plant is half that of spider plant, but it is still much higher than that of ordinary plants. In addition, it is also highly effective at removing ammonia pollution from the air.
Growth habits of the peacock plant
The peacock plant prefers partial shade, cannot tolerate direct sunlight, and adapts to growing in a warm, humid environment. When cultivating it, a certain degree of shade should be provided, and the temperature should be kept at around 12-29°C. In winter, the temperature should preferably be maintained at 16-18°C. It grows vigorously in spring and summer and needs relatively high air humidity, so misting can be done; it is not very demanding about soil, but the soil should be kept moderately moist. During the growing season, fertilize about once every 2 weeks, while in winter the soil can be slightly drier and cooler, and the frequency of fertilization should be reduced.
Is the peacock plant toxic
The peacock plant is non-toxic and beautiful in form, and is a variety that many people like among decorative household flowers. Its formaldehyde-removal effectiveness is half that of spider plant, but it is still much higher than that of ordinary plants. In addition, it is also highly effective at removing ammonia pollution from the air. This plant is highly ornamental and can also purify the air.
How to grow the peacock plant
For potted peacock plants, it is best to use loose, fertile, well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acidic loam. Generally, it can be mixed from 3 parts leaf mold, 1 part peat or sawdust, and 1 part sand, with a small amount of soybean cake added as a base fertilizer. Avoid using heavy clay garden soil. When potting, first place a 3 cm thick layer of coarse sand at the bottom of the pot as a drainage layer to facilitate drainage.
During the growing period, give sufficient water. Especially in summer and autumn, in addition to keeping the potting soil moist at all times, you must also frequently spray water on the leaf surface to lower the temperature and maintain humidity; it requires relatively high air humidity, preferably reaching 70% to 80%. Avoid dry air and dry potting soil, but do not let water accumulate. After late autumn, water should be controlled to help it resist cold and survive the winter. In winter, keep the environment dry; if it is too wet, the basal leaves will turn yellow and scorched, affecting its ornamental value.
Precautions for growing the peacock plant
The peacock plant likes high temperatures and humid air, and grows fastest above 20°C. In the low-temperature season from October each year to April of the following year, it should be moved into a greenhouse in the north to overwinter. The overwintering temperature in winter should not be lower than 15°C, otherwise the leaf color will darken, the leaves will curl, and the leaf tips will turn yellow. If the cold damage is slight, promptly changing the environmental conditions will still allow new leaves to emerge the following spring. If the cold damage is severe, the leaves will die one after another, and even the whole plant may die.
When growing the peacock plant, if the temperature difference between day and night indoors is large, you can cover the pot with plastic film or use a glass box to keep it warm and humid, and also wash the leaf surface with warm water once a month to maintain the leaf color. Every spring, after the temperature steadily rises to 20°C, it can be repotted once. When repotting, add new culture soil and cut off residual roots and dead leaves, then replant to promote growth.
That is all for the introduction to the peacock plant. I believe that after reading this, everyone has gained some understanding of the peacock plant. If any friends want to grow the peacock plant indoors, you can refer to the relevant points I have introduced for you.