Medallion Calathea
Calathea veitchiana
Features broad, rounded leaves with distinctive dark and light green feathered patterns on the upper surface and a deep purple-red underside. The foliage exhibits nyctinasty, folding upward at night.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf bleaching.
- Water
- Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. High sensitivity to tap water minerals.
- Growth
- Perennial herbaceous plant with an upright, clumping growth habit, typically reaching a mature height and spread of 1 to 2 feet.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight and maintain consistently moist, well-draining soil. High humidity is essential. Water with filtered or rainwater to avoid leaf tip burn.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf bleaching.
Watering
Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. High sensitivity to tap water minerals.
Soil
Rich, well-draining potting mix with organic matter, peat moss, and perlite, maintaining a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 10 to 12. Grown primarily as a houseplant in cooler regions.
Growth habit
Perennial herbaceous plant with an upright, clumping growth habit, typically reaching a mature height and spread of 1 to 2 feet.
Bloom season
Rarely blooms indoors; produces small white or purple flowers in its native habitat during the warm season.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through root division during repotting in the spring, ensuring each section has healthy roots and shoots.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs when humidity is low. Brown leaf tips often result from dry air, tap water chemicals, or inconsistent watering.
Similar species
Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant), which features translucent, oval leaves with deep green blotches, distinct from the rounded medallion pattern.