The Home Growns
14. Calathea Medallion
The Calathea Medallion is like the crown jewel of my plant collection! Those large, round leaves with their stunning medallion-like patterns never fail to catch visitors’ attention. After nurturing several of these beauties over the past four years, I can tell you that while they might look like plant royalty, they’re surprisingly manageable with the right care.
Those Royal Round Leaves
What makes the Medallion truly majestic:
- Large circular leaves with distinctive patterns
- Alternating light and dark green markings
- Deep burgundy purple undersides
- Patterns that look like painted medallions
Fun fact: Each leaf is uniquely patterned, like nature’s own fingerprint system!
Perfect Light and Water Balance
Through plenty of trial and error, I’ve found these ideal conditions:
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy
- Humidity: Thrives in 60% or higher
- Temperature: Best between 65-80°F (18-27°C)
Understanding Growth Patterns
Here’s what to expect from your Medallion:
- Height: Can reach 2-3 feet tall
- Spread: Usually 2 feet wide
- Growth rate: Moderate during growing season
- Leaf size: Large, dinner-plate sized when mature
Essential Maintenance Guide
My proven care routine includes:
- Check soil moisture every 3-4 days
- Rotate plant quarterly for even growth
- Clean leaves monthly with damp cloth
- Monitor humidity levels daily
- Prune old leaves at the base
Pro tip: Those large leaves are dust magnets, so regular cleaning is crucial!
Solving Common Problems
Let me share my biggest Medallion crisis – I once nearly lost one to spider mites. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Yellow leaves: Usually overwatering
- Crispy edges: Low humidity issues
- Fading patterns: Often light-related
- Curling leaves: Temperature stress
- Brown spots: Water quality problems
Expert Growing Tips
Want to master Medallion care? Here’s my secret sauce:
- Use filtered or rainwater only
- Create a stable environment
- Keep away from drafts
- Group with other tropicals
- Monitor leaf movement daily
Special Care Considerations
Some extra tips for success:
- Avoid touching leaves with dry hands
- Support large leaves when cleaning
- Practice consistent watering schedule
- Keep notes on seasonal changes
The game-changer? Understanding that consistency is key with these royal beauties!
Ready to explore one of the most striking variegated Calatheas? Up next, we’ll discover the Calathea Triostar with its stunning pink and cream variegation that looks like a watercolor painting! Click the next button below to learn why this artistic beauty might become the showstopper of your collection, and discover my secrets for maintaining those gorgeous splashes of color!
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