Calathea Medallion vs Calathea Orbifolia
Both are rated hard with identical needs. Orbifolia's big silver-striped leaves are fussier about water quality; medallion recovers from a dry spell better.
Calathea Medallion originates in Brazil; Calathea Orbifolia in Bolivia. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
What they share: both are pet-safe, both are rated hard, both want medium indirect light, both take high watering, both are happy in the same humidity and both stay medium.
Choose
Calathea Medallion if…
- ✓the look is what you are after: Stunning patterned leaves that fold up at night. Beautiful but demanding.
Choose
Calathea Orbifolia if…
- ✓the look is what you are after: Large round leaves with silver-green stripes. Stunning but demanding.
Calathea Medallion vs Calathea Orbifolia: side by side
| Attribute |
Calathea Medallion
|
Calathea Orbifolia
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Foliage | Foliage |
| Difficulty | hard | hard |
| Light | ●●●○○ 3/5 Medium indirect light |
●●●○○ 3/5 Medium indirect light |
| Water | ●●●●○ 4/5 High |
●●●●○ 4/5 High |
| Humidity | ●●●●● 5/5 High |
●●●●● 5/5 High |
| Pet safe | Safe | Safe |
| Mature size | Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
| Growth rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Air purifying | No | No |
| Native to | Brazil | Bolivia |
Key differences between Calathea Medallion and Calathea Orbifolia
They come from different habitats
Calathea Medallion originates in Brazil; Calathea Orbifolia in Bolivia. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
How to tell Calathea Medallion and Calathea Orbifolia apart
Orbifolia has large, round, silver-striped leaves and is the fussier of the two about water quality and humidity. Medallion's leaves are oval with purple undersides and it recovers from a dry spell a little more willingly. Both need filtered or rested water.
Care at a glance
Calathea Medallion
Prayer Plant
Stunning patterned leaves that fold up at night. Beautiful but demanding.
Care in one line: Indirect light, consistent moisture, high humidity, filtered water.
Full Calathea Medallion care guide →
Calathea Orbifolia
Round-Leaf Calathea
Large round leaves with silver-green stripes. Stunning but demanding.
Care in one line: Filtered light, consistent moisture, very high humidity, distilled water.
Full Calathea Orbifolia care guide →Calathea Medallion vs Calathea Orbifolia: common questions
What is the difference between Calathea Medallion and Calathea Orbifolia? +
Orbifolia has large, round, silver-striped leaves and is the fussier of the two about water quality and humidity. Medallion's leaves are oval with purple undersides and it recovers from a dry spell a little more willingly. Both need filtered or rested water. On care, calathea Medallion originates in Brazil; Calathea Orbifolia in Bolivia. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
Which is easier to care for, Calathea Medallion or Calathea Orbifolia? +
Neither - both are rated hard. The practical difference is they come from different habitats.
Is Calathea Medallion or Calathea Orbifolia safe for cats and dogs? +
Both are safe. Calathea Medallion and Calathea Orbifolia are each non-toxic to cats and dogs, so either works in a home with animals.
Which needs less light, Calathea Medallion or Calathea Orbifolia? +
They are the same. Both score 3/5 for light, meaning near a bright window, out of direct sun.
Which needs more water, Calathea Medallion or Calathea Orbifolia? +
Neither - both score 4/5. For each one, keep the soil evenly moist, never fully dry.
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