'Medallion' calathea guide
Goeppertia roseopicta 'Medallion', also called Calathea 'Medallion', Calathea veitchiana 'Medallion'
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Medium
- Water
- When the top 2 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Never let it dry out.
- Humidity
- High. Dry winter air crisps the leaf edges.
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 15°C (60°F).
- Soil
- Light, airy houseplant mix that holds some moisture
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Fussy
- Mature size
- 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Divide the clump when you repot
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Medallion' calathea different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the calathea care guide.
What it is
‘Medallion’ is a calathea with round, dark green leaves painted in a feathered pattern of silver and pale green. The undersides are deep purple. It is one of the most common calatheas in stores. Like all calatheas, its leaves rise and fold up at night.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Medallion’ | Round, feathered silver and pale green | Feather pattern from the midrib out |
| ‘Dottie’ calathea | Round, near-black with pink edges | Hot pink outline, black center |
| Calathea orbifolia | Huge, round, even silver stripes | Bigger leaves, plain green undersides |
Care differences
Care is the same as any calathea. The pattern fades in low light and scorches in direct sun. Medium light keeps it crisp.
Grow it by division
Divide the clump in spring. Each piece needs several leaves and roots. Keep it humid while it settles.
Buying it
‘Medallion’ is common at garden centers and big box stores. Look for clean leaves with no brown edges and no webbing underneath.