Dianthus pavonius aka Peacock Eye Pink

Taxonomy

Dianthus pavonius, also known as the peacock-eye pink, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the genus Dianthus in the family Caryophyllaceae. This cushion-forming evergreen perennial has green or slightly greyish leaves and stems that are about 10cm in length. It produces 1-3 flowers, each measuring 2cm wide, with petals ranging from pale to deep pink and a buff-colored reverse. Growing in dense clumps, this hemicryptophyte scapose plant can reach heights of 2-25 centimeters.

Common names

Peacock Eye Pink

How to care for Peacock Eye Pink

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Peacock Eye Pink due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Peacock Eye Pink should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Peacock Eye Pink loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Peacock Eye Pink thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Peacock Eye Pink.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Peacock Eye Pink to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Peacock Eye Pink. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Peacock Eye Pink is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Peacock Eye Pink’s native range is Europe and Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia