Calathea Medallion

Bright-Patterned Leaves Add Vibrancy to any Home

The Calathea Medallion is a popular non-toxic houseplant that thrives indoors with minimal care. The colorful foliage of the Medallion plant can help to brighten up any room, living space, or indoor location.

One of the most striking features of the Calathea Medallion is its large emerald leaves, with contrasting white and light green stripes in a symmetrical halo-like pattern.

Often called a Prayer Plant, this Calathea variety moves its leaves in accordance with the circadian rhythm of day to night. Throughout the day, the leaves follow the light, and at nighttime, the Calathea Medallion’s leaves subtly fold up, revealing a gorgeous burgundy, purple underside.

Your Calathea Medallion will grow best in indirect sunlight, in a pot that has well-draining, organic soil. Between the months of March through October, you’ll be able to enjoy new growth, which typically occurs from the middle of the plant.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Calatheas do well with indirect bright light. Place your plant in front of a bright window but be sure to keep it away from drafty areas. When you’re repotting or planting your plant, select a container that’s twice the width of the shipped container and one that has proper drainage. Use a well-draining container potting mix then place your plant and water to settle the roots. If your potting mix needs more drainage we recommend mixing in perlite to help.

2. Watering: Calatheas can be quite finicky when it comes to watering, so try to be consistent and only water when around 75% of the soil is dry. You can test this by putting your finger in the soil to check its level of moisture. Too little or too much water will result in brown and yellowing leaves.

In addition to watering, keep the environment humid (over 40% is ideal) by using a cool misting humidifier or by misting the plant a couple times a week.

FGT Tip: If your leaves are still yellowing and browning and you have ruled out too little or too much water, try using filtered water next time you water your plants.

3. Fertilizing: The main growing season of the Calathea plant is during March-October. You will want to fertilize during these months with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Follow product instructions for more specifics.

4. Pruning: Little pruning is needed but occasionally you will need to prune any dead or damaged leaves off. Simply trim the leaf at the base with a sharp pair of pruners.