Description
- Common names:
- Medallion Calathea, Rose Painted Calathea, Peacock Plant, Zebra Plant, Calatea Medallón, Planta Pavo Real
- Botanical name:
- Calathea roseopicta 'Medallion', Goeppertia roseopicta 'Medallion'
- Description:
- A tropical stunner with large, round leaves featuring intricate rose and green medallion patterns on top and deep purple undersides. This prayer plant folds its leaves upward at night.
Features
- Rarity:
- Common Household Favorite
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Non-Toxic & Pet-Friendly
- Air Purifier:
- Moderate Air Purifier (6/10)
- Form factor:
- Upright Bush, Variegated Leaves, Architectural, Rosette
- Origin:
- South and Central America
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Living Room centerpiece, Bedroom accent, Bathroom (high humidity), Office desk statement, Modern design, Bohemian style, Scandinavian minimalist spaces, Low shelves, Group with other Calatheas
Care Guide
Care level:
Intermediate+
Calathea 'Medallion' requires consistent care with attention to humidity, water quality, and light levels. It's less forgiving of neglect than beginner plants but rewarding for attentive plant parents who can maintain its tropical conditions.
Light:
Medium / Indirect Light+
Thrives in medium to bright indirect light, such as near an east or north-facing window with filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight which will scorch and fade the beautiful leaf patterns, causing brown crispy edges.
Water:
Keep Soil Moist+
Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Use filtered or distilled water as Calatheas are sensitive to tap water chemicals, which cause brown leaf tips.
Humidity:
Requires Misting+
Requires high humidity levels of 60-80% to thrive and prevent crispy leaf edges. Achieve this by placing on a pebble tray, using a humidifier, grouping with other plants, or placing in a naturally humid bathroom.
Temperature:
Prefers Warmth+
Thrives in warm temperatures of 18-27°C / 65-80°F and dislikes cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations. Keep away from air conditioning vents, heating sources, and cold windows to prevent leaf curling and damage.
Hardiness zones:
Indoor Only+
This tropical plant is suitable for Indoor Only cultivation in most climates and cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 15°C / 60°F. It may be placed outdoors in shaded areas during warm summer months in zones 10-12, but is primarily a houseplant.
Fertilizing:
Feed Monthly+
Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through summer) with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Reduce feeding to every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Repotting:
Repot Every 2-3 Years+
Repot every 2-3 years or when roots begin growing through drainage holes and the plant becomes pot-bound. Use a well-draining peat-based potting mix and choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger to prevent overwatering issues.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Wipe leaves regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and allow the plant to photosynthesize efficiently and showcase its stunning patterns. Use room-temperature filtered water and support the leaf from underneath while gently cleaning.
Propagation:
Division+
Best propagated by division during repotting in spring by carefully separating the rhizomes into sections with at least 2-3 leaves each. Plant divisions in moist potting mix and maintain high humidity while new roots establish over 4-6 weeks.