How to Care for a Calathea Medallion

Origin

The Calathea Medallion (Goeppertia veitchiana) is a beautifully colored and patterned tropical plant that is sure to catch the eye of any visitors to your home. They're native to Brazil, where they live in dense rainforests - the canopies of taller trees help protect them from harsh, direct sunlight, which can burn their leaves. As such, they're known as a low light plant.

They're part of the Prayer Plant (Marantaceae) family, which includes many plants with 'dancing leaves'. That is to say, their leaves move around in response to light changes, and will close / open up when they are exposed to sunlight.

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Care

Calatheas are known to be quite tricky to care for - they can be fussy and don't handle neglect or incorrect care very well. However, Calathea Medallions are actually some of the easiest to grow (at least compared to other Calatheas), so can be a good introductory plant to get you used to their care needs.

Place it in a warm and humid environment; a warm and steamy bathroom is perfect for it as long as it gets enough light.

They like indirect light, as they can be sensitive to developing burn marks if they get too much sunlight. If you start to notice brown leaf tips and scorch marks on the leaves, try moving your Calathea Medallion to a darker spot in your home.

Although these plants like moisture and humidity, no houseplant wants to be overwatered. Make sure it's never left sitting in water, but at the same time try to ensure that the soil doesn't ever entirely dry out, as this can quickly be detrimental to your Calathea's health.

Other

There are many different kinds of Calatheas which show a range of different colors and patterns. Calathea Medallions can be identified by the pinkish-white 'painted' marks on their leaves, as well as the rich, dark purple-red underside.

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Where do Calathea Medallions come from?

The Calathea Medallion (Goeppertia veitchiana) is native to Brazil, where it grows in dense rainforests. Its natural habitat, protected by tree canopies, shields it from harsh, direct sunlight.

Why do Calathea Medallion leaves move?

As part of the Prayer Plant family, Calathea Medallion leaves respond to changes in light. They will close or open up when exposed to sunlight, a phenomenon often described as having 'dancing leaves'.

Is a Calathea Medallion easy to care for?

Compared to other Calatheas, the Medallion variety is considered one of the easier types to grow. However, Calatheas in general can be particular and do not handle neglect or incorrect care well.

What kind of light does a Calathea Medallion need?

Calathea Medallions thrive in indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause their leaves to burn and develop brown tips or scorch marks.

How should I water my Calathea Medallion?

Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but never allow the plant to sit in standing water. It is crucial to prevent the soil from drying out entirely, as this can be detrimental to your Calathea's health.

How can I identify a Calathea Medallion?

You can identify a Calathea Medallion by the distinct pinkish-white 'painted' marks on its leaves. It also features a rich, dark purple-red color on the underside of its foliage.