Calathea Medallion
Also known as: Prayer Plant
Light
Medium (Indirect)
Water
Frequent
Humidity
Very High
Size
Medium
30-90 cm (1-3 ft)
✓ Pet Safe
Calathea Medallion is non-toxic and safe for homes with cats and dogs.
Care Requirements
About the Calathea Medallion
Calathea medallion (Goeppertia veitchiana) originates from the tropical rainforests of Ecuador and Colombia, where it grows on the damp forest floor in filtered light. Its large, rounded leaves display an intricate medallion pattern of dark and light green on top with deep burgundy-purple undersides. Like other Calathea species, it exhibits nyctinasty -- the leaves fold upward in the evening as if in prayer and open again at dawn, driven by changes in turgor pressure. This dramatic daily movement and stunning foliage pattern make it a living work of art for humid indoor environments.
Origin: Brazil
Care Tips
Provide medium indirect light -- direct sun fades the leaf patterns and can cause scorching, while too little light dulls the markings. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, using room-temperature filtered or distilled water, as this species is sensitive to fluoride and chlorine. High humidity (above 60%) is critical; dry air causes brown, crispy leaf edges. Place on a pebble tray, group with other plants, or use a humidifier. Feed monthly with a diluted balanced fertilizer in spring and summer. Propagate by division during spring repotting.
Is This Plant Right for You?
Best For
- Living rooms with indirect light
- Homes with cats and dogs
- Bathrooms or rooms with humidifiers
Not Ideal For
- Beginners or those with limited time
- Frequent travelers
- Very dry climates without humidity control
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