peacock plant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, Horticultural
Quick answer
What does “peacock plant” mean?
A tropical houseplant (Calathea makoyana) with decorative oval leaves marked with dark green and pale green patterns resembling peacock feathers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tropical houseplant (Calathea makoyana) with decorative oval leaves marked with dark green and pale green patterns resembling peacock feathers.
A term for the specific species Calathea makoyana, also known as the cathedral windows plant, prized for its ornamental foliage that opens and closes with the light.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. The compound name is used identically.
Connotations
Conveys exoticism, decorative beauty, and domestic horticulture in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both, limited to plant-care and home & garden contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “peacock plant” in a Sentence
The peacock plant [needs/requires/likes] [high humidity/indirect light].I [watered/repotted/moved] my peacock plant.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the retail sector for plant sales (e.g., 'Our peacock plants are a popular line.').
Academic
Used in botanical texts or horticulture papers referring to the species Calathea makoyana.
Everyday
Used when discussing houseplants, home decor, or gardening tips (e.g., 'My peacock plant is thriving in the bathroom.').
Technical
Used in precise horticultural guidance regarding light, humidity, and soil requirements for Calathea species.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peacock plant”
- Confusing it with other Calathea or Maranta (prayer plant) species.
- Using 'peacock' as an adjective before other, unrelated plants.
- Misspelling as 'peacook plant'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a finicky, high-maintenance plant that requires high humidity, consistent watering with filtered water, and indirect light.
They are closely related (both in the Marantaceae family) and share similar care needs and leaf-movement habits, but 'peacock plant' specifically refers to Calathea makoyana, while 'prayer plant' usually refers to Maranta or other Calathea species.
This is typically a sign of low humidity, underwatering, or a reaction to chemicals (like fluoride) in tap water.
Yes, primarily by division during repotting. Stem cuttings are not an effective method for this plant.
A tropical houseplant (Calathea makoyana) with decorative oval leaves marked with dark green and pale green patterns resembling peacock feathers.
Peacock plant is usually informal, horticultural in register.
Peacock plant: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiːkɒk plɑːnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpiːkɑːk plænt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the plant's leaf patterns looking like the 'eyes' on a peacock's magnificent tail feathers.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT IS A BIRD / ORNAMENTATION IS A FEATHER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason for the name 'peacock plant'?