Julia Peacock Plant

Julia Peacock Plant (Calathea sanderiana 'Julia') is a rose painted calathea with strongly patterned leaves. Broad, dark green leaves carry a silvery band around the edge, a bright pink central stripe and a deep maroon underside, and the plant grows 50cm to 60cm tall. It is a shade lover for rooms, sheltered patios and frost free tropical gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Painted leaves. A broad silvery band follows the edge of each dark green leaf, with a bright pink stripe down the middle.
• A maroon underside. The back of the leaf is deep maroon, so the colour shows when the leaves lift and move.
• Leaves that move. Mature leaves fold up at night, and new ones unfurl from the centre of the plant, so it changes through the day.
• A good size for a floor pot. At 50cm to 60cm tall it suits a side table, or a pot on the floor beside a sofa.
• Pet friendly. Calatheas are not considered toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Indoors. Place it in a bright room out of direct sun, away from heaters and cold draughts. A saucer of pebbles and water beneath the pot adds a little humidity.

Shaded patios in warm climates. A pot in bright shade makes a rich foliage feature, provided nights stay above 15C.

Tropical accent planting. In a frost free garden, plant 45cm apart in shaded beds as an accent among ferns and other foliage.

Growing Julia Peacock Plant in Australia

Position and climate. A shady spot with indirect sunlight. It needs temperatures over 15C and enjoys humidity, so it lives outdoors in tropical and subtropical gardens and indoors or on a sheltered patio elsewhere.

Soil. It prefers moisture retaining soil or a good quality potting mix. Make sure excess water can drain away.

Water and feed. Water regularly during the first 12 weeks and regularly once established. Mist when the air is dry, and wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to free them of dust. A nitrogen rich slow release fertiliser every three months keeps the foliage vibrant.

Pruning. No pruning is required. Trim off the odd tired or damaged leaf at the base.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Julia Peacock Plant as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, with young leaves, and grows toward its 50cm to 60cm height over a season of warm weather. Keep it warm and sheltered while it settles, and pot it up in a moisture retaining mix soon after it arrives.

Our tube stock is supplied by our grower, so it is not always in stock. If the tube option reads sold out, the grower has none ready, and the notify button on this page sends you an email the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More calatheas
• Indoor plants
• Calathea care guide for Australian homes
• Indoor plant tips for beginners

Common questions

Why do the leaves fold up at night?

That is normal behaviour for a mature plant. The leaves close at night and open again in the morning, which is why calatheas are often called prayer plants.

How do new leaves appear?

They unfurl from a central growing point, so you will see a tight roll emerge and slowly open into a full leaf.

Is it a fussy plant?

It has clear needs: warmth above 15C, humidity, indirect light and regular water. Meet them and it is dependable. Dry air and cold draughts are what cause brown edges.