Calathea Medallion 6”

Calathea Medallion is a beautiful, tropical plant known for its stunning, round, patterned leaves that have a silvery-green center with dark green borders. Like most Calatheas, it’s a relatively high-maintenance plant but with the right care, it can thrive and make a lovely addition to your indoor space.

Light

Ideal Light: Calathea Medallion thrives in bright, indirect light. It does well in areas with filtered sunlight, such as near an east- or west-facing window.
Avoid: Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing unsightly brown spots or fading of the vibrant patterns.
Low Light Tolerance: While Calathea Medallion can tolerate lower light conditions, the plant’s growth will slow down, and the color of its leaves may become less vibrant. The plant may also grow more leggy in low light.

Watering

Frequency: Calathea Medallion prefers to have its soil kept consistently moist, but not soggy. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry, typically every 5-7 days, depending on the humidity and temperature in your home.
Watering Tips:
- Use room temperature water and make sure the water is free of chlorine and fluoride, as these can damage the leaves.
- Avoid overwatering, as Calatheas are susceptible to root rot. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage to allow excess water to escape.
- Signs of Overwatering: Yellowing leaves and mushy stems can indicate overwatering. If you notice these signs, reduce watering and check the drainage of the pot.
- Signs of Underwatering: If the leaves start to curl or feel dry and crispy, the plant may need more water.

Temperature

Ideal Temperature: Calathea Medallion prefers warm temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C). It’s a tropical plant, so it enjoys warmth and moisture.
Night Temperature: At night, it can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Avoid: Keep your Calathea away from cold drafts, air conditioners, or heating vents, as sudden temperature changes can cause stress.

Humidity

Ideal Humidity: Calathea Medallion thrives in high humidity. It prefers humidity levels between 50% and 60% but will do even better in 70% or higher.
Increase Humidity:
- Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air.
- Place the plant on a humidity tray (a shallow dish with pebbles and water).
- Group it with other plants to increase the local humidity.
- Light misting can help, but avoid spraying the leaves directly, as excess moisture can promote fungal issues.
Signs of Low Humidity: Dry or brown edges on the leaves are usually a sign that the air is too dry. Increase humidity levels if you notice this.

Soil

Best Soil: Calathea Medallion prefers a well-draining, moisture-retentive soil mix. A mix formulated for tropical plants or a standard houseplant mix amended with perlite and peat moss works well.
Repotting: Repot your Calathea Medallion every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its pot. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Fertilization

Frequency: Fertilize your Calathea Medallion during the growing season (spring and summer) every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid overfeeding.
Winter Care: In the fall and winter, when the plant’s growth slows down, reduce or stop fertilizing altogether.
Fertilizer Tips: Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup in the soil, causing brown tips and leaf burn. Always err on the side of under-fertilizing.

Pruning & Maintenance

Pruning: Prune away any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking fresh. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove damaged leaves at the base.
Cleaning: Dust the leaves regularly with a soft, damp cloth to prevent dust buildup and ensure the plant can photosynthesize properly. Calathea leaves can accumulate dust due to their large size, which can hinder growth if not cleaned.
Leaf Movement: Calatheas are known for their “prayer plant” behavior, where their leaves move at night or in low light. At night, the leaves fold up as if in prayer and open again in the morning. This is completely normal and part of the plant’s natural rhythm.

Pests & Problems

Common Pests: Calathea Medallion can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. These pests can damage the leaves and spread to other plants.
Treatment: Treat infestations with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. Be sure to inspect the undersides of the leaves where pests tend to hide.
Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing leaves can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. Check the moisture level of the soil and adjust watering as needed. If you suspect a nutrient deficiency, consider feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
Brown Leaf Tips: Brown tips are often caused by low humidity, over-fertilizing, or inconsistent watering. Make sure the humidity is high enough, and reduce fertilizer usage if necessary.

Toxicity

Note: Calathea Medallion is non-toxic to pets (cats and dogs) and humans. It’s safe to have around children and animals, making it a great choice for pet-friendly households.

Additional Tips

Growth Habit: Calathea Medallion has a compact, bushy growth habit, typically reaching a height of 1-2 feet. Its striking patterned leaves make it an eye-catching addition to any room.
Propagation: The best way to propagate Calathea Medallion is by division. When repotting, gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with its own root system, and replant them in separate pots.
Air Purification: Like many houseplants, Calathea Medallion can help purify the air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, making it an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality.

Displaying Your Calathea Medallion

Calathea Medallion’s attractive foliage makes it a striking addition to your indoor garden. It does well in bright, shaded corners, bathrooms, or living rooms with ample humidity.
Its bushy growth habit makes it ideal for placement on tables, shelves, or as a floor plant in rooms where you can maintain the humidity and light levels it needs.