Calathea ‘Medallion’

Peacock Plant, Zebra Plant, Rattlesnake Plant

(1 customer review)

Admired by many for their unique, intricately patterned and colourful foliage, Calatheas make for stunning statement plants to add a tropical flair to your home.

Calathea ‘Medallion’ is a Prayer Plant with large oval green leaves and contrasting purple undersides. The tops of the leave have a mixture of shades of pale green and sometime pink markings which resemble a feather, lending it the common name Peacock Plant.

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Origin: Brazil
Genus: Calathea
Species / Cultivar: 'Medallion'
Common Name: Peacock Plant, Zebra Plant, Rattlesnake Plant

Plant Biography

The genus Calathea consists of more than 300 species which usually live in the relatively lowlight and humid conditions of the understories of tropical forests. Whilst many plants in this environment, such as climbers, have evolved to get closer to the light above, Calatheas have adapted to the conditions provided by the forest floor.

In their natural habitat, many Calatheas produce beautiful and boldly coloured flowers, but its their striking foliage which has led them to become a popular houseplant. So much so, that there are now countless cultivars each with their own unique foliage, ensuring that there’s a Calathea for everybody, and every home.

Calathea ‘Medallion’
Light: Medium
This plant likes a spot further away from bright windows, but still lit by natural light.
Soil: Indoor Potting Mix
Enjoys moist well drained soil with composted organics and some drainage material.
Temperature: 15-25°C
Temperature range at which this plant is healthiest and grows best.
Growth Rate: Medium
Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.
Final Size: Medium
Final size will be suitable for a table, plant stand, or large strong shelf.
Water Requirement: Regular Watering
Water when soil surface is dry to the touch. Water must draining easily away.
Humidity: High
Provide moist air via daily misting or trays of wet grit. Keep away from drafts and heaters.
Maintenance: Moderate
This plant has specific requirements. Incorrect care can quickly lead to signs of distress.

Expert Tip

Wiping the leaves regularly helps to prevent a build up of dust and can help your Calathea thrive.
'Medallion'

'Medallion'

Calathea ‘Medallion’ is native to Brazil, where it lives on the rainforest floor. The foliage of the ‘Medallion’ cultivar is painted along the veins and midriff with cream and sometimes pink stripes. The height and upright growth of this plant makes it perfect as a sizeable statement Calathea.

Plants in its native rainforest floor environment often evolve purple undersides to the leaves. After the light passes through the green tops of the leaves, purple coloured undersides reflect the useful parts of the light spectrum back through the leaf, allowing the plant to effectively consume twice as much light, and enabling it to survive in such dimly lit conditions.

Calathea ‘Medallion’ looks similar in appearance to Calathea makoyana.

Why Prayer Plants 'Pray'

Why Prayer Plants 'Pray'

As a member of the Prayer Plant family, the leaves of this Calathea will characteristically ‘pray’, folding up at night before re-opening again as the morning sun rises.

At the base of each leaf is a joint-like thickening called the pulvinus, which swells and shrinks in response to pressure developed in the leaves. This is what enables the ‘praying’ to take place.

This movement of the leaves is a process known as nyctinasty, which serves a number of purposes. It allows the plant to absorb as much light as possible in its low light rainforest environment, helps to absorb and retain water, and reduces the risk of fungi and bacteria forming on their leaves.

Care Tips

Care Tips

Calatheas can be fussy when placed in the wrong location, so choosing a good spot is essential.

A place with bright but indirect light is ideal. Avoid south facing spots with too much intense direct sunlight, unless you diffuse the light with a sheer curtain.

Like other Calatheas this plant enjoys high humidity, but overly wet soil can quickly lead to root rot.

Wipe the leaves regularly to prevent a build up of dust.

1 customer review for Calathea ‘Medallion’

The Calathea I received is not quiet as lush as I was anticipating. Blame lockdown and the cold weather. The 4 leaves on the plant after a clean tell me the plant has a good chance of revival. They all have dry brown areas and the base of the plant shows 6 leaf stems which have been cut off a few months back I’d guess. this plant is not good value for money. I bought it on a whim but if I’d shopped locally could of got a larger specimen for the same money. Still it’s difficult times so I can’t judge the palm centre on this single purchase and I wish them well going forward. The plant was well wrapped and delivered in time.

Annie T.