Calathea Medallion

Calathea Medallion

    Commonly Known As:
  • Calathea veitchiana,
  • Calathea roseopicta Medallion,
  • Prayer Plant

Shiny, elongated leaves showcasing its green and burgundy hues, this gorgeous houseplant has become very popular for its striking patterns.

Native to the rainforests of Brazil, the Calathea Medallion, is one of the Prayer Plant Calatheas. As part of the prayer plant family, Calathea unfurl their leaves in the morning to catch the sun’s rays and withdraws them at night to rest and recharge for the next day; these circadian rhythms are similar to other prayer plant’s leaves rise and then fall.

  • light

    Calathea Medallion prefers partial shade with moderate to bright indirect sunlight. While your plant can tolerate low lighting, it does not handle direct sunlight well. Too much direct sunlight, especially the intense afternoon sun, can lead to crispy brown or burnt leaves.

  • water

    We suggest watering once a week, but keep in mind that depending on where you live and how much sunlight your plant is getting, you may need to increase or decrease watering. Always check the top 1-2 inches of your Calathea’s soil. As a tropical plant, Calathea Medallion prefers consistently moist, but not overly saturated soil. Check soil moisture regularly and adjust watering schedule as needed to prevent root rot.

  • temperature

    Temperatures of 65°-85° are ideal for your Calathea. Avoid placing your plant in spots under air vents or near heaters, as your plant is very sensitive to extreme drops or increases in temperature. Keeping your plant for a prolonged period of time at temperatures below 60° are not ideal and may result in leaf loss or other negative side effects. Move your Calathea Medallion indoors or to a warmer spot if you live in an area where temperatures drop and frost is imminent, as Calathea Medallion is not a winter hardy plant, and will not survive freezing. As a tropical variety, your plant prefers high, consistent levels of humidity. You can maintain high levels of humidity by using a pebble tray under your plant, placing a humidifier near your plant, or frequently misting your Calathea, although misting alone will not provide the levels of humidity necessary to keep your Calathea from developing dry leaf tips or spots.

  • fertilizer

    Fertilize once a month during the spring and summer with a weak, nitrogen-rich fertilizer diluted to half strength or give ¼ of the suggested dose of a liquid houseplant fertilizer at the beginning of spring and again mid-summer. Avoid the fertilizer coming in direct contact with the Calathea’s leaves as fertilizer can cause burns on your Calathea’s foliage. Your plant doesn’t require a lot of feedings; yellowing leaves can be an indicator that you’ve overfed your Calathea. Don’t fertilize during the fall and winter months, as this is generally time for your Calathea to rest and recharge before the next growing season.

    Plant Facts
  • When the environment meets their requirements, Calathea Medallion isn’t a challenging plant to parent, but because it’s needs are so particular compared to other varieties of tropical foliage, it isn’t suggested for beginning plant parents.

  • Pet-friendly, non-toxic to pets or humans

  • Mist your Calathea Medallion to keep it happy and healthy

  • Origin: Brazil

  • Difficulty: Moderate. Your plant requires a bit more attention and specific conditions to thrive. Regular monitoring of water, light, and humidity levels is necessary. Suitable for those with some plant care experience.

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