To see a calathea and not fall in love with them is very difficult. There are many varieties to choose from and all have special characteristics that make them look as good or better than the last one you saw. This is what happens to the Calathea medallion.
But do you know what this plant looks like? And the care you need? Don’t worry, because then we’ll give you all the necessary information about it.
Contents
How is the Calathea Medallion
The Calathea medallion too it is known as the medallion Calathea roseopicta and, like the others, it is characterized by very large leaves between round and oval. But the most striking of them is not so much the size, but rather the color that you will find.
And it is that in the the undersides of the leaves will be reddish purple or dark red it has nothing to do with the front part of the leaves, dark green in color but with light green and yellow or white patterns on them.
This plant can easily reach 40-60 centimeters, sometimes much more (on the market you can find up to 80 centimeters).
Another name by which they are called “prayer plants”, and receives this particular name due to the movement of the leaves. And it is that, when it is daytime, the leaves are usually extended and open, that is, a little lower than normal. But as day gives way to night, the leaves begin to rise and retract. It is an activity that they carry out above all because they follow the movement of the sun, but it is impressive to see the change they generate in their leaves and how they change places.
He is native to americaspecifically from regions of Peru and Brazil, although there are other calatheas that are not from this location.
Calathea Medallion Care
If you are one of those who have a calatea, you will know that they are a bit particular in terms of care, but if you are able to provide it, you will have no problem seeing how it evolves and grows. But, to achieve this, you have to know the care.
location and temperature
Let’s start with the location of the Calathea Medallion. In general, all calatheas need a place with plenty of light but one that does not give them direct sunlight as this will eventually burn the leaves.
Fits well in both low-light and high-light modelsthat is, you can place it in the shade although the leaves won’t be as pretty.
The difference from place to place is mainly in the color of the leaves. The darker they are, the less light you will need.
In the case of temperature, here you have to be careful. Due to its natural habitat, which is the tropics, they need a temperature between 8 and 30 degrees Celsius. But the normal thing is that from 15 degrees (low) it begins to suffer from the cold (that’s why it’s good to have it inside the house).
Substrate
The earth for the Calathea medallion should be moist as much as possible. But not soaked. Just enough for you to notice it cold. It is therefore necessary to provide a mixture that retains water well but at the same time drains. For example, 50% Universal Earth and 50% Perlite or Perlite and Charcoal.
This way you will ensure that it has a good substrate.
Transplantation
The transplanting of a Calathea medallion usually only takes place when it needs to be repotted, but usually this does not happen up to 2-3 or even 4 years. Everything will depend on the growth you will have.
When changing, in addition to taking into account the substrate, the pot is also important. If you live in a region with a dry climate, a plastic pot is more suitable than an earthenware pot.. The reason for this is that the former will retain moisture much better than the latter.
Terracotta ones are also very useful because they allow soil and roots to transpire while the latter remain moist (terracotta wicks away excess moisture).
The The best time to do this will always be late winter or early spring.when the low temperatures begin to subside.
Watering and humidity
Two of the key factors for a Calathea medallion to live a long time is knowing how much water and when to provide humidity.
All calatheas love water and humidity, more the second than the first. It needs a humid environment and keep it at least 50% humidity.
So for watering, you need to make sure it’s dry first, at least the top layer. This may require you to water once, twice, or three times a week, depending on the weather and temperature.
With regard to humidity, it is important have high humidity to keep it healthy. You can provide it by placing it on a container with pebbles and water or by placing a humidifier next to it to hydrate it. In summer it can be good to spray its leaves, but always from below because if you do it from above you risk losing the leaves (they can rot).
Cut
In fact, the Calathea medallion is not carved, but it is, when a leaf is bad, yellow, wrinkled, etc. have to cut it because this simple gesture will allow the plant to recreate more leaves.
Don’t be afraid if you have to cut it whole. As long as you provide the necessary care, you can have it again in no time.
Plagues and diseases
In fact, the Medallion Calathea, and all Calatheas in general, have a serious watering and humidity problem. If you don’t give them the right one, they’ll let you know early on by the look of their leaves. These may be shriveled and wrinkled or yellow.
Fungus is another problem you are going to face, either due to the use of water or an excess of it.
Multiplication
This is done mainly at the same time as the graft and is done by dividing the plant.
Curiosities
Did you know that Calathea medallion leaves have another use? In the area of Brazil many people use them because they are so big and strong, to wrap food.
Another of the uses they make of it is that of make crafts.
However, the main thing they have is to decorate, since they are very pretty with their marks and many “adopt” them at home.
Did you know the Calathea medallion?