Medallion Calathea
Goeppertia roseopicta
The Medallion Calathea has large rounded leaves with intricate feathered patterns of green, cream, and pink over deep purple undersides. A showstopper that demands humidity, clean water, and steady care.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- Keep evenly moist
- Difficulty
- Hard
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Overview
Medallion Calathea, botanically Goeppertia roseopicta (formerly Calathea roseopicta 'Medallion'), is one of the most ornate prayer plants. Its broad, rounded leaves carry a brushstroke-like pattern of light and dark green with a central feathered medallion, often blushed with pink, and rich purple undersides.
Like its Calathea relatives, it raises and lowers its leaves daily and demands high humidity, warmth, and mineral-free water. It is breathtaking but among the fussier houseplants.
How to identify it
Identify the Medallion Calathea by:
- Leaves: large, rounded to oval, with a feathered green-on-green pattern and a pale central medallion, often pink-tinged
- Undersides: deep burgundy-purple
- Movement: leaves fold upward at night, revealing the purple undersides
- Habit: clumping, bushy, around 1-2 feet tall
- New growth: unfurls in a tight tube, often with stronger pink coloration
Care & growing
Light: Bright, indirect light; direct sun bleaches the pattern and burns leaves.
Water: Keep evenly moist, never waterlogged or fully dry. Highly sensitive to chemicals and minerals — use filtered, distilled, or rainwater.
Soil: Light, well-draining, moisture-retentive mix.
Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); avoid cold and drafts.
Humidity: High humidity (60%+) is critical; use a humidifier.
Feeding: Diluted balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Propagation: Divide the clump when repotting.
Habitat & origin
Native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, where it grows on the shaded, humid forest floor beneath the canopy.
It is cultivated worldwide as an indoor plant and thrives in humid, warm conditions such as terrariums, bathrooms, and greenhouse cabinets.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Medallion Calathea getting crispy edges?
Crispy brown edges usually indicate low humidity or sensitivity to tap water. Increase humidity and water with filtered, distilled, or rainwater.
Why are the leaves curling?
Curling leaves often signal underwatering or dry air. Keep the soil evenly moist and raise the humidity around the plant.
What kind of water should I use?
Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater. It is sensitive to fluoride, chlorine, and salts in tap water, which cause leaf damage.
Medallion Calathea guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Medallion Calathea.
