Calathea Medallion is a flowering plant that blooms small, delicate flowers. The flowers have little to no fragrance. While the plant is in bloom, it will need extra humidity and water. After the plant has finished blooming, cut back on watering to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. [1]
Light and Temperature
The Calathea Medallion is a beautiful and unique plant that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s easy to see why – this plant is stunning, and it’s also relatively easy to care for. In this article, we will answer some common questions about the Calathea Medallion, including how to propagate it and what kind of environment it prefers. We’ll also provide some tips on how to keep your Calathea Medallion looking its best!
Size and Growth
The Calathea Medallion is a fairly large plant, growing up to three feet tall and four feet wide. It has large, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green on top and light green on the bottom. The leaves are also covered in a network of thin, yellowish lines – this is what gives the Calathea Medallion its distinctive ‘medallion’ appearance. The plant also produces small white flowers on long stems; however, these are not particularly showy or fragrant.
Calathea Medallion plants are not typically available for purchase in stores; however, they can be ordered online from a variety of retailers.
This plant is native to South America, specifically Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. It grows best in humid environments with temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in an area with a colder climate, you can grow the Calathea Medallion as a houseplant. Just make sure to provide it with plenty of bright, indirect light – otherwise, its leaves will begin to fade. [1]
Flowering and Fragrance
Calathea Medallion prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. If you notice the leaves start to pale or fade in color, that’s a sign your plant isn’t getting enough light.
Avoid putting your Calathea Medallion in direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
Calathea Medallion is happy at average household temperatures of 65-80°F (18-27°C). Again, avoid any sudden temperature changes or drafts as this can cause brown leaf tips. [1]
Watering and Feeding
Calathea Medallion does best with evenly moist soil, however, make sure to never let the plant sit in water. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out before watering again. You can use a moisture meter to check the level of moisture in your plant’s pot.
Fertilize your Calathea Medallion every one to two weeks during spring and summer, using a half-strength balanced fertilizer. During fall and winter months, cut back on fertilizing to once a month. Too much fertilizer can lead to leaf burn.
Pruning is also important for keeping your Calathea Medallion healthy and looking its best. Cut off any brown or yellow leaves as they occur and trim back any leggy growth. Deadheading is not necessary. [1]
Soil and Transplanting
The Medallion prefers rich, loose, and moist soil with good drainage. If you want to add some organic matter to your soil, compost is always a good option. When it comes to transplanting, the best time to do so is in the spring.
Be sure to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the one your plant is currently in. You don’t want the roots of your plant to be too cramped. Water well after transplanting and keep an eye on your plant for the next few weeks. It’s not uncommon for plants to go into shock after being transplanted and may lose some leaves as a result. [1]
Grooming and Maintenance
Although it’s not a fast-growing plant, your Calathea Medallion will need periodic grooming to look its best. Trim off any brown or yellow leaves as they occur. You can also remove any leaf that becomes too long or leggy by cutting it back to the soil with sharp scissors.
To keep your plant looking full and bushy, you may need to do some light pruning from time to time. Simply cut back any stray stems that are growing outside of the plant’s overall shape.
As with all houseplants, it’s important to dust the leaves of your Calathea Medallion on a regular basis. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down each leaf, being careful not to damage the delicate foliage. [1]
How much light does a calathea medallion need?
Just like all other calatheas, the medallion variety does best in bright, indirect light. If you can’t provide enough natural light, supplement with a grow light. These plants don’t like direct sun, as it will scorch their leaves.
When it comes to water,calathea medallions are pretty typical houseplants. They like to be kept moist but not soggy. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between watering. If your plant is getting too much or too little water, you’ll see it reflected in the leaves. Overwatering will cause them to yellow and drop off, while underwatering will make them brown and crispy.
How to propagate a Calathea Medallion through the division method
Remove your Calathea Medallion from its pot
This will give you a better view of the root ball and make it easier to work with. Gently loosen the roots with your fingers before carefully removing the plant from its pot. [2]
Remove the soil from the root system
Remove the soil from the root system and propagate in moistened sphagnum peat moss.
I like to use a sterile pair of scissors when removing the soil from the root system to avoid any contamination. After you have removed the soil, you can gently rinse the roots with water to remove any remaining debris. Once the roots are clean, you can begin propagating your Calathea Medallion. [2]
Separate your Calathea Medallion into sections
You’ll want to use a sharp knife or garden shears to divide your Calathea Medallion into sections. Each section should have at least two leaves and a portion of the stem. [2]
Place your new plant in a pot into fresh soil.
When it comes to potting your new plant, you have a few options. You can use fresh potting mix, or you can reuse the potting mix from your old plant. If you choose to reuse the potting mix, make sure to refresh it first by mixing in some fresh potting mix and organic matter. This will help ensure that your new plant gets off to a good start. [2]
Once you’ve chosen your potting mix, it’s time to plant your new Calathea Medallion.
Continue normal Calathea Medallion care
Fertilize bi-weekly with a half-strength solution of balanced fertilizer during the growing season and monthly during the winter. Keep the soil moist but never soggy, as this will lead to root rot. If you notice your plant’s leaves drooping, this is an indication that it needs more water. Be sure to provide adequate humidity for your Calathea Medallion by grouping it with other plants or using a pebble tray or humidifier. Lastly, don’t forget to dust the leaves regularly to keep them looking their best! [2]
Other ways to propagate Calathea medallion
Other ways to propagate Calathea medallion include stem cuttings and division. Stem cuttings can be taken from new growth and rooted in moist soil. To divide, carefully dig up the plant and separate out sections of rhizome with at least one leaf. Replant in well-draining potting mix and water regularly until established. [3]
Is it possible to propagate a Calathea Medallion from a single leaf cutting?
Yes! It’s actually pretty easy to propagate a Calathea Medallion from a single leaf cutting. All you need is a sharp knife or pair of scissors, and some potting mix.
Next, insert the leaf sections into some moistened potting mix. You can either put them directly into pots, or start them off in seed trays or another container first.
Make sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy, and provide plenty of indirect light. In a few weeks time, you should see new roots. [2]
What time of year is best for Calathea Medallion propagation?
Calathea Medallion propagation is best done in the spring or summer. This is because the plant is actively growing during these times and will have an easier time developing roots. If you live in a climate with warm winters, you can propagate your Calathea Medallion year-round. Just keep in mind that the plant may go into dormancy during cooler months, so it may not be as successful in developing roots during this time. [2]
Calathea Medallion Pests or Diseases
Crispy brown leaf edges
One of the most common problems with Calathea is crispy brown leaf edges. This is usually caused by the plant being too dry. The best way to solve this problem is to increase the humidity around the plant. You can do this by misting the leaves regularly or placing the pot on a pebble tray. [3]
If you think your plant is experiencing any pests or diseases, it’s always best to seek professional help from your local nursery or gardening center.
Crispy leaf edges with drooping leaves and stems
Crispy leaf edges with drooping leaves and stems are common problems when it comes to Calathea. If you’re having these issues, check your watering schedule first. Overwatering is the most common reason for these problems. Be sure to allow the soil to dry out completely in between waterings. Another problem that can cause similar symptoms is too much direct sunlight. These plants do best in bright, indirect light. If your plant is getting too much sun, you’ll notice the leaves start to turn yellow and brown. [3]
Faded or scorched foliage.
If your Calathea Medallion’s leaves are looking a little worse for wear, it might be due to too much sun. Move your plant to a shadier spot and see if that does the trick. If not, check the soil moisture – if it’s too dry, give it a good drink and see if that helps. [3]
If you think your plant is suffering from too much or too little water, take a look at our post on watering indoor plants for more tips.
Foliage fading to a yellowish color and going limp.
This is usually a sign of too much direct sunlight. Move your plant to a spot with indirect light and new growth should appear within a few weeks. If your plant is getting enough water, you may also see yellowing leaves due to nutrient deficiencies. Use a balanced fertilizer every other week or so to give your plant the nutrients it needs.
Leaves that are brown and crispy are usually a sign of overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again and be sure to empty any drainage dish beneath the pot. You may also see curling leaves, which can be caused by either too much or too little water. Check the moisture level of the soil and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. [3]
Spotted leaves with webbing around the edges.
The Calathea Medallion is a beautiful plant that is sometimes called the “Zebra Plant” because of its unique leaves. The leaves are oval-shaped and have green and white stripes running along them. The webbing around the edges of the leaves is what gives this plant its scientific name, Calathea zebrina.
This plant is native to Brazil and likes to grow in humid environments. If you live in a dry climate, you can create a more humid environment for your Medallion by placing it on a pebble tray or by using a humidifier. [3]
FAQ
Is Calathea Medallion Toxic?
The Calathea Medallion is not toxic to humans or animals. However, it is important to keep the plant away from pets as the leaves can cause irritation if ingested.
Why Are Calathea Medallion Leaves Yellow?
Calathea Medallions are prone to a few different types of leaf discoloration. One common reason is too much direct sunlight. While Calathea Medallion enjoy bright, indirect light, too much sun will cause their leaves to develop yellow patches. If you think this might be the case, try moving your plant to a spot that gets less sun throughout the day.
Another possible reason for yellowing leaves is lack of humidity. These tropical plants love humid conditions and will suffer if the air around them is too dry. Try misting your plant regularly or setting it on a pebble tray filled with water to help increase the humidity around it.
Why Are Medallion Leaves Turning Brown?
One of the most common problems when it comes to caring for a Calathea Medallion is brown leaves. There are a few reasons why this may happen:
- Overwatering: If you think you may be overwatering your plant, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. You can also check the roots to see if they’re waterlogged – if they are, it’s time to let them dry out.
- Underwatering: On the other hand, if your plant isn’t getting enough water, its leaves will start to turn brown and crispy. Make sure you’re giving your Medallion enough water – once every week or so should do the trick.
- Fertilizer: Too much or too little fertilizer can also cause brown leaves. If you think this may be the problem, adjust your fertilizing schedule accordingly.
- Pests: Finally, pests like spider mites and mealybugs can also cause brown leaves. These pests suck the sap out of the plant, causing the leaves to turn brown and eventually die. If you think pests may be the problem, check your plant carefully for signs of them and treat them accordingly.
Why Do My Medallion Leaves Have Brown Edges?
One of the most common problems with Calathea Medallion is browning or crisp leaves. There are a few reasons this could be happening:
- too much direct sunlight
- not enough humidity in the air
- not enough moisture in the soil
- calathea medallion is a tropical plant, so it needs warm temperatures to thrive – if it’s too cold, the leaves will brown
Why Do Calathea Medallion Leaves Curl Up?
One common reason your Calathea Medallion’s leaves may be curling is because the plant is not getting enough humidity. While many houseplants originate from tropical climates and prefer high humidity, the Calathea Medallion (also known as GoeppertiaMedallion) is native to Brazil and requires moderate to high humidity levels to thrive. If the air in your home is too dry, you may notice that the leaves of your Medallion begin to curl up at the edges.
My Calathea Leaves Are Dying, What Should I Do?
If the leaves of your Calathea Medallion are dying, it is likely due to one of the following reasons:
- You are not providing enough humidity. Calatheas need high humidity to thrive. Try using a humidifier or placing your plant on a pebble tray.
- The light conditions are too low. Your plant needs bright, indirect sunlight to prosper. Move it to a brighter spot in your home.
- You are overwatering your plant. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
Useful Video: Calathea Medallion: Addy’s Tips for Beginners
Conclusion
Calathea Medallion is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that is perfect for beginner gardeners. With proper care, it will thrive and bring life to any space. Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful.
Do you have any questions or tips about Calathea Medallion? Let us know in the comments below!
References:
- https://plantcaretoday.com/calathea-medallion.html
- https://fiddleandthorn.com/how-to-propagate-a-calathea-medallion/
- https://www.bybrittanygoldwyn.com/calathea-medallion-care/