Introduction
Calathea medallion is a lovely houseplant. Its big peacock pattern leaves can add a lot of beauty to your house. In a decent climate, its leaves can grow up to 2 feet and cover a lot of the area of your house. It may look easy but Calathea medallion care and propagation require a legitimate system and understanding of plant needs.
It is normal for any of us to stress over how to deal with Calathea medallion when you are not in the tropics or native area. It needs good care and proper humidity, constant moisture in the soil, filtered sunlight, fertilizers, and water for good growth and development.
Calathea Medallion also known as Calathea Veitchiana in scientific naming or binomial nomenclature is one of the largest plants in Calathea group. They are very much famous for their foliage to plant enthusiasts for their large peacock leaves pattern and purple underside. No doubt anyone likes to have them in their house!
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Calathea medallion care and propagation is easy when you are living in a tropical climate with ideal conditions. However, on the off chance that the climate is not optimal, it can pose problems for you. It is normal for any of us to have queries like how to take care of Calathea medallion? Or how to propagate Calathea medallion? Or how do you care for a Calathea medallion? So, we have put a beginner guide with detailed information here to help all plant lovers, so, they can take good care of their plants.
Calathea Medallion Care & Propagation Video
Calathea Medallion Temperature Requirement
All plants show good growth at some temperature known as optimum temperature, and it is the same for Calathea medallion. It shows appropriate development in temperature between 65°F to 85F°. It is one variable over which you have no control until your plant is inside the house. When your plant is inside the house you can adjust the temperature with air conditioners and other equipment.
It is better if you place your Calathea near a closed window where light is falling indirectly because you have adjusted the temperature inside the house and also got the right sunlight for the growth of your plant. Calathea medallion can grow well in warm temperature environments but can also tolerate a little cold environment.
In any case, in tropical areas temperature change is major from one country to another. That is the reason it is hard for any of us to satisfy the optimal conditions of the plant. You should know about appropriate data on temperature change along the day and season. It is important if you want to take good care of Calathea medallion.
Recommended Products & Methods To Maintain Temperature
- HVAC System: HVAC is the abbreviation of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. if you have multiple plants at home you can utilize this system for temperature optimization. Just make sure all plants with the same environmental needs as the Calathea medallion are there then the HVAC system is a good option. It will control the humidity and airflow system according to your recommendation. It is only suggested for people who have a lot of plants inside the house.
- Air Conditioners: In case you are a native of tropical or equatorial areas with high temperatures regions then an air conditioner is a good choice to maintain the house temperature for your Calathea medallion.
Calathea Medallion Care & Propagation In United States
Assuming you are residing in the US, temperature differs from one location to another. For the Calathea medallion in Los Angeles, May to October temperature lies in an optimal environmental need. Whereas in other months just take your plant inside the house.
Generally speaking among all climate conditions around the world temperature varies the most. To take good care of Calathea medallion, it is better to assume you know your region’s temperature variation period.
Calathea Medallion Care & Propagation In Australia
Calathea medallion in Australia is easy to take care of in terms of temperature. In case you are in Sydney, from October to April all months are great as far as temperature is a point of discussion. Since the temperature changes from 65°F to 85ºF which is in the optimal development requirements. Winter last in Australia from June to August. In these months put your plant at a nearby window for good light while maintaining the needed temperature.
Calathea Medallion Care & Propagation In New Zealand
Where assuming you are in New Zealand temperature fluctuates in an unexpected way. That is the reason dealing with your Calathea medallion can be a troublesome task. Since just the northern part lies in the subtropical district satisfying local temperature requirements. In that area just for 90 days January, February, and March the mean temperature is 68°F or 20°C which is between optimal requirements. In other months proper care and checking are required in order to take good care of the Calathea medallion.
Calathea Medallion Care & Propagation In United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, just June and July show optimal temperature conditions when the temperature is around 65°F. If you have a Calathea medallion in your house in the UK. Then keep it indoors at the gallery with a shut window. Because maintaining the temperature between optimal requirements is simple inside the house.
Calathea medallion temperature requirement is a significant component as far as proper development is a worry. On the off chance that your current area temperature is excessively hot, Calathea medallion leaves will begin losing water. It is the main reason that their leaves begin pointing down and start getting dry, it may result in droopy leaves. Where in a cold climate, leaves of the Calathea medallion will curl upward from the edges to keep up with their temperature. These changes in leaves will tell you what type of action you have to take in order to take better care of your plant.
Calathea Medallion Care Infographic
Calathea Medallion Light Requirement
Calathea medallion show good growth when light is falling indirectly on them through some medium. In tropical regions, they generally develop where light going through trees falls on them. In a similar way, they require indirect or filtered sunlight to show good growth and propagation.
It shows a better degree of growth in shadowy or shady sunlight regions than in the low light region. In this way, it is better that you place your Calathea medallion at the closed glass window in the daytime when light is proper for its growth. You can likewise place it on the balcony ensuring that light doesn’t fall directly on it. Since direct sunlight can harm its growth and propagation.
Whereas far-optimized light criteria are a concern, you are now aware that Calathea Medallion can show good enough growth even in poor light conditions. But if you place them directly under the sunlight, then it can cause lasting damage to your leaves and ruin their beauty. You should avoid putting your Calathea medallion outside in direct sunlight because its leaves are vulnerable and can get burned in direct sunlight. A sheer curtain or window can be used to protect your Calathea plant from direct sunlight.
Direct sunlight can burn your Calathea medallion beautiful peacock pattern leaves. It can also result in the yellowing of plant leaves or damaged leaves.
Product And Recommendations For Light Maintenance
• Green House: If you are a plant lover with a large collection of plants with the same requirements as Calathea medallion, Calathea ornata, and other related species, then It is recommended you use a greenhouse with a good temperature maintenance system. It will take care of the light needs of plants in the required range.
• Window: You can also put your plant near a permanently closed window with no other light source nearby. Sunlight will maintain the diurnal cycle of the plant and the window will filter the light for the plant. Other light sources can disturb the diurnal cycle of the plant.
Calathea Medallion Soil Requirement
Calathea medallion shows good growth when it is planted in soil that is best able to retain moisture content. This plant is not tolerant to dry environments. Different combinations of organic materials are used for soil to propagate and grow Calathea medallion. Peat, perlite, coco coir, and pumice all are used as far right soil combination is a concern.
The main requirements for optimum soil medium are mentioned below:
- The soil must retain moisture.
- Soil should allow oxygen flow for roots and plant growth.
- No waterlogging should happen.
- Proper drainage system for extra water.
- Maintenance of soil pH around 6.5 for optimum growth.
As far as soil organic material is related peat is used for the organic layer of soil surface that is made of partially decomposed organic matter mainly consisting of plants. Coco coir is mainly sourced from fibrous husks of coconuts. Perlite is created from volcanic glass where the raw composition consists of water, trapped by the rapid cooling of lava. Different combinations and mixtures of these are used as soil mediums for Calathea medallion growth and propagation. Mostly a good mixture containing 2/3 parts of peat or coco coir and 1/3 part of perlite is considered the optimal mixture as soil medium. This mixture makes an oxygenated combination of soil that can retain moisture.
Where using organic and natural material as soil medium allows Calathea medallion to absorb nutrients in a better manner and show better growth. Because this plant shows better adaptation to natural soil instead of an artificial one.
List of materials for pot soil Mixture
If you are in need of an optimum mixture that can take care of your plant growth, then here is the list of materials you can utilize to create an ideal pot soil mixture for your Calathea medallion:
- Compost Organic Matter: Use the natural organic matter for your plant with the required nutrients.
- Pumice: It doesn’t act as a nutrient but the structure of soil by loosening the heavy soil. It also makes sure that aeration in plant soil is proper preventing root rot and other root problems.
- Pebbles, Gravel, Rocks, and Sand: Make sure you use the right size of pebbles and rocks because larger pieces of gravel can compact the soil instead of loosening it resulting in messed-up aeration and root problems.
- Soil Activators: There are a lot of custom-made products and vitamin solutions knowns as soil activators which increase the aeration and water-holding properties of the soil and plants.
- Peat Moss: Use the sphagnum peat moss for your plant because it is soft, mixable, lightweight, and also has the ability to retain moisture.
- Pine Bark Fines: It is a cost-effective material as compared to peat moss products. It has the ability to mitigate soil-borne diseases and also maintain the require acidic pH for Calathea medallion.
- Coco Coir: It is made from the fibrous material present on the coconut shells, it helps Calathea medallion to grow sturdy roots.
- Perlite or Vermiculite: It has excellent water retention and drainage properties, mostly used for plants that require more water. It is important for the healthy growth of roots.
Calathea Medallion Water Requirement
Calathea medallion is a tropical region plant that needs a good amount of water and moisture for optimum growth. To take good care you need to be aware of Calathea medallion watering needs
Calathea medallion needs high-moisture soil for good growth and propagation, but do not confuse it with wet soil and start overwatering your plant.
You need to make sure that you use pure water or filtered water for this purpose because impure or hard water can disturb the nutrient and chemical makeup of the soil. Rainwater and distilled water are recommended for this purpose. In most scenarios, distilled water is used for the Calathea medallion. Because impure water can disturb the chemical balance and can cause leaf problems.
How to Water Calathea Medallion?
For the watering Calathea medallion you need to first check the upper 2 inches of soil; if it felt dry, then your plant needs water otherwise it is good. Just make sure you use pure water and the soil is damp all the time in the optimum range for the growth and propagation of the Calathea medallion.
How often to water Calathea Medallion?
There is no fixed answer to this question. It varies with conditions and environment. Follow the checking method and whenever you feel the soil is try just water your plant.
You can also water the plant until liquid flows through the drainage hole from the bottom of the plant pot. Afterward, when the water starts seeping through the holes in the dish you can discard the water that has accumulated in the saucer. It is recommended for new owners to use terracotta pots with holes and pebble dishes at the bottom with Calathea medallion.
Calathea Medallion Fertilizer Requirement
Calathea medallion requires a balanced amount of NPK (Nitrogen/Phosphorous/Potassium) fertilizers with iron content for proper propagation and growth. Proper check on the moisture content in the pot so the plant can utilize the nutrient in the most optimum manner. Because the water in the soil before applying fertilizer can save the Calathea medallion from leaves scorching.
It is recommended that you can have a monthly schedule for summer and winter for fertilizer usage.
Different kinds of fertilizers are used for the Calathea medallion. Some are recommended to be used on monthly basis and where others are utilized on different timely bases.
You can use different types of fertilizers, like liquid fertilizer, seasol fish emulsion, or compost like worm castings.
You can also use pre-made fertilizers like Jacks Classic 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer for your plant. This all-purpose fertilizer got micronutrient composition and water solubility which is highly suitable for moisture-loving plants.
Calathea Medallion Humidity Requirement
Maintaining the Calathea medallion humidity level can be a quite difficult task. Some growth factors are easy to manage, like temperature, water, and fertilizer needs but the case with humidity is delicate.
Calathea medallion is not tolerant of low humidity environments, in case you are unable to maintain the humidity there are chances you will experience the crispy yellow leaves around the corners of your plant. So, make sure that the environment humidity content is higher than 60%.
Best Ways To Maintain Humidity For Calathea Medallion
Here are a few recommended ways that you can utilize to maintain the plant humidity required level:
- Showering or misting: You can use pure water or filtered water to spray on your leaves of Calathea medallion, this process is also knowns as misting. You can use it as a morning practice depending upon plant condition and area.
- Use wet cloth: You can use a wet or damp cloth and apply it to your plant every weekend, depending upon your region’s humidity and temperature.
- Pebble tray: In this method, you fill a tray with water and pebble with a Calathea medallion pot placed on it. Water evaporation from the tray will take care of the humidity.
- Room humidifier: It is though a little expensive. But it is the finest way to maintain humidity for your plant. All things are controlled automatically. It is a worry-free approach.
- Group plants together in one place: If you are buying a Calathea medallion, most probably you are a gardener, or it is your hobby. Then you can place all your plant in one place. It will create a closed system where plants will maintain their humidity on their own. But make sure you place your Calathea medallion with the same set of plants that thrive in the same environment.
Guide For Calathea Medallion Pruning
It is relatively easy to manage the Calathea medallion as far as pruning is concerned. Because leaves are the only part that needs to be pruned timely.
In most cases with newbies, Calathea medallion leaves are ruined due to negligence and they have to prune the damaged leaves.
Calathea medallion care is easy where leave pruning is concerned. But when you are pruning roots it can be a difficult task. Because overgrown roots can affect nutrient absorption which can affect plant optimum growth. So, just make sure you do not overdo it, prune your plant leaves and roots carefully.
How To Prune The Calathea Medallion Leaves?
- First, carefully remove the root section from the soil.
- Then use a clean sterile brush to remove the extra dirt from the soil.
- Next, get a sterile blade and cut the extra-grown regions.
- Then repot it in a new pot or the same pot in an optimum environment.
Calathea Medallion Repotting
It is normal to change the plant pot every once in a while. Calathea medallion repotting is mostly done after every two years, but the time can vary depending on the growth conditions. This process is quite different from the pruning of leaves. In pruning, we utilize the same pot but in repotting, we change the pot for the plant.
Repotting is performed to provide more space, new soil, and a place to grow more. In case all things are optimum and your Calathea medallion is still not showing optimum growth, then it can be the issue of soil or pot. You need to change the soil or repot it. Just be careful with the roots and also try to perform it in the spring season when it is growing.
How To Repot Calathea Medallion?
- First, select a pot that is 2 inches larger than the current pot.
- Next, use a sterile blade and brush to clean the roots and cut extra areas of the roots.
- Fill the pot with the optimized mixture of required soil.
- Lastly, place it in a new pot and water the plant to the appropriate extent.
When To Repot Calathea Medallion?
If you observe a little slowness in your Calathea medallion dance movements and growth rate then it is time to repot your plant. Normally repotting is done after 2 years of initial propagation. Just make sure in repotting you use a pot that is at least 2 inches larger than the one currently in use, and make sure it has a good drainage system.
Does Calathea Medallion Flower Bloom?
Calathea medallion flower bloom is not a frequent event. This plant is mostly kept because of its beautiful large leaves’ foliage. On some rare events, it blossoms with small flowers, It doesn’t happen every day, and it requires a lot of care and an optimum environment.
Calathea medallion flower mostly blooms at the end of the stem below the leaves edges. Its flowers are white in color with a light green shade and are star-shaped. They can grow anywhere but they mostly bloom inside the house where conditions are in the optimum growth range.
How To Propagate Calathea Medallion?
Calathea medallion propagation is a difficult task for newbies. Because when you are propagating your plant, there are chances that you may damage your plant. If you are going to perform it then try to do it in the spring season in ideal growing conditions. Then propagate it and place the new plant in the same size pot, so it can grow well.
- For propagation of Calathea Medallion first, remove the Calathea medallion plant from its pot.
- In the second step remove all remaining soil from its roots with a sterile brush, so the roots don’t get damaged and get contaminated.
- In the third step take a sterile knife, and cut off a small size piece of the mother plant (main plant) with at least one leaf and connected roots section. Make sure you do it in a careful manner.
- If your Calathea medallion has damaged roots, cut them off because this plant cannot repair its damaged roots. It will create more space for the propagation of new roots.
- Now you have your daughter plant, place it in its own new pot with well-drained, low-nutrient compost soil.
- For soil, you can create a mixture of seasol fish emulsion, liquid fertilizer, or compost-like worm castings for fertilized soil as recommended above.
- Make sure the soil is moist.
- Now place your Calathea medallion plant near a closed window at a temperature between 65°F to 85F°.
- For humidity requirements, cover your plant with a sterile transparent plastic bag and make sure you dry air out daily.
- When the new leaves start to grow on your Calathea Medallion, then you can remove the plastic bag and start the misting procedure daily or you can also use a plant humidifier.
- After this, you proceed with the normal Calathea medallion care routine.
Saving your Plant from Pests and Diseases
Calathea medallion is frequently attacked by pests and diseases, especially in an environment where pests are in excess. The moist environment can lead to fungal attacks, Powdery mildew, and leaves damage. These conditions can also lead to root rot. But you can keep your plant safe by keeping the top level of soil dry before watering or changing the upper 2 inches of soil from time to time.
Calathea medallion large leaves are attractive not only to humans but also to insects. Aphids and whiteflies also feel attracted to this plant. So, make sure you keep an eye out for these insects.
Thrips are also a threat to your Calathea medallion leaves from the underside. In most cases, people take notice of it when it is too late. So, make sure you check from time to time under the leaves surface. In some cases, these insects lay eggs on the upper surface of your pot soil. You can tackle this issue by replacing the upper 5 cm of soil from time to time, in case you are in pest infested region.
Pest Control For Calathea Medallion
As far as Thrips are concerned you can get rid of them. You just need to follow these steps:
- First create a mixture solution of water, neem oil, and insecticide soap.
- Secondly pour all solutions into a spray bottle, and make sure that the bottle is not dirty.
- Spray the solution on the affected plant leaves on the top and underside leaves, just follow the misting method.
- If there are damaged leaves prune the damaged area of the leaves.
Just follow the same method for Spider mites and Whitefly. Where Aphids use a mixture of water and alcohol, rub this mixture on leaves, and prune the damaged area of leaves.
Is Calathea Medallion Toxic To Cats and Dogs (Pets)?
Pet owners are always concerned about the safety of their pets. In the case of the Calathea medallion there is no threat to your cat or dog. This plant is a pet-friendly plant, and cats especially like to play with its leaves.
Common Problems And Questions People Face With Calathea Medallion
Why Does My Calathea Medallion Have Brown Edges On The Leaves?
Calathea medallion leaves start turning brown when the pests have infested your plant or the conditions are not good for growth and propagation. Just make sure that temperature, water, humidity, fertilizers all things usage, and parameters are in the required range, and your plant will be fine.
How Big Can Calathea Medallion Grow?
Calathea medallion plant can grow up to a height of 2 meters and with 0.3m (1 foot) wide peacock leaves foliage. Its width varies with the coverage area of leaves.
Why Is My Calathea Medallion Drooping?
In case you are experiencing Calathea medallion drooping stem or leaves then overwatering, excessive heat, and low humidity can be the leading causes. Just mist some water and place your plant in a high-humidity area rest will take care of itself.
Why Are My Calathea Medallion Leaves Curling?
Calathea medallion leaves curling happens when humidity is not in the optimum range in the environment. In low humidity environments so plants stop the transpiration of water evaporation by curling leaves.
How Fast Does Calathea Medallion Grow?
The Calathea medallion plant grows at a moderately fast growth rate. It can grow up to a size of 2-meter in height and with 0.3m (1 foot) wide peacock leaves foliage. Its width mostly depends on the coverage area of leaves.
Why Is My Calathea Medallion Drooping After Repotting?
Calathea medallion leaves start drooping when you are continuously shifting it from one place to another or repot it, it happens because of transplant shock. Make soil, pot, and environmental needs proper, and place your plant in one place and you won’t face the Calathea medallion drooping problem.
How to Prevent Yellowing Leaves On Calathea Medallion?
Calathea medallion large peacock pattern leaves are a get sight to the eyes. Calathea medallion yellow leaves are among the most common issues people face due to their negligence and carelessness.
Just look for bugs around your plant, water it on time, make sure that the soil is not too wet, and maintain the humidity and temperature level. Mostly bugs, overwatering, and compact soil results in yellow leaves of Calathea medallion.
How to Get Rid Of Calathea Medallion Root Rot?
Root rot is necrosis of root tissues which results in damaging the stem and other parts. Calathea medallion root rot mostly happened due to the clogging of roots due to excess water. All plants which require a high level of moisture and water for growth are more likely to get root rot. Calathea medallion is also one of those plants.
First, you need to take your plant out of the pot and remove all soil gently. Then you need to prune the damaged root with sterilized equipment. After this use a new pot and soil mixture for your plant making sure that aeration and everything are good for its growth and propagation. For further information, you can follow Calathea medallion root rot causes and solutions blog.
Conclusion
It is true that Calathea medallion is a beautiful plant. But if you are not careful then it can pose a lot of problems for you. That’s why it is necessary that you are aware of its needs and requirements. Its care and propagation are easy when you know what it needs and when it needs. Following the recommended guide and expert opinion can save you time, money, and effort as far as this plant is concerned.