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Plant of the month
Say hello to our plant of the month for October, the gorgeous Calathea Medallion! She’s a real eye-catcher with her big, round leaves painted in deep and light green on top and a stunning purple glow underneath. Like a peacock showing off her feathers, she always knows how to steal the show. What makes her extra magical? By day she spreads her leaves wide open, and when evening falls, she folds them up as if to say goodnight. If you are really quiet, you might even hear the soft rustle of her moving. How cute is that?
Calathea Medallion
The Medallion comes all the way from the rainforests of South America, where she grows in the shade under tall jungle trees. That’s why she feels perfectly at home in those slightly shadier spots indoors, whether it’s your living room, hallway or even your bathroom. Fun fact! The name Calathea comes from the Greek word kalathos, meaning “basket”, a little wink to her strong leaves, which locals once used as natural wrapping material.
Care guide
The Calathea Medallion may have a bit of a diva side, but with the right care she will reward you with her stunning patterned leaves day after day. From watering to light, soil and humidity, here’s everything she needs to feel at home in your jungle.
Watering
Your Calathea Medallion can be a little picky about watering. She likes her soil slightly moist but never swampy. Let the top layer dry out a little before you water again, and she will thank you with happy, shiny leaves! If possible, spoil her with lukewarm rainwater or filtered water, because she is not the biggest fan of hard tap water (those brown leaf edges are her way of complaining). In winter, she slows down and needs a lot less, so give her just a gentle sip now and then. And whatever you do, don’t let her sit with wet feet; no puddles in her pot, please!
Light
This Calathea is happiest in a cosy spot with gentle, indirect light. She doesn’t like strong sunlight on her leaves, as it can fade her beautiful patterns or even give her a little sunburn. A few metres away from an east- or west-facing window is just right, where the light is soft and filtered. That way, her deep green tops and rich purple undersides can really shine.
Tip: She also loves slightly darker corners, so don’t be afraid to let her brighten up a hallway or even your bathroom. She will happily turn any shady nook into her own little jungle corner!
Soil
The Calathea Medallion is at her best when her roots can breathe freely in light, airy soil. She loves a mix that drains well, so a blend of potting soil with some perlite works like a charm. What she really doesn’t like is soil that stays too wet and heavy around her roots. A pot with drainage holes is a must, so any extra water can flow away easily. Give her this comfy setup, and she will thank you with healthy roots and the most gorgeous patterned leaves.
Tip: Add a little coco coir if you want to spoil her even more. It keeps the soil light and airy and gives her roots the perfect boost to grow strong and full of energy!
Temperature & Humidity
This tropical beauty truly thrives in a warm, slightly humid home. Keep her away from radiators and underfloor heating, because dry air makes her unhappy. She loves a boost of extra humidity, and a pebble tray is an easy way to pamper her. Just place her pot on a shallow dish filled with pebbles and water (without letting the roots touch), and she will enjoy her own little jungle bubble. Gently misting the leaves or using a humidifier will also make her glow, and she feels most at ease at temperatures between 18 and 24°C.
Tip: Keep her cosy by steering clear of chilly drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Propagating
The simplest way to grow more Calatheas is by dividing the root ball. Each new plant gets its own set of roots right from the start, making it easy for them to settle in and grow into fresh, leafy companions. Follow these steps and you will have a whole Calathea family in no time!
Step 1
Carefully take your Calathea out of her pot and shake off some of the old soil so you can see the root ball. Take your time; the calmer you are, the less stress for her roots!
Step 2
Look for a section of the plant with its own leaves and a good portion of roots. Gently tease it away from the main plant. If the roots are very tight, you can use a clean, sharp knife, but most of the time, your hands will do just fine.
Step 3
Place each new section into its own pot filled with fresh, airy soil that drains well. Cover the roots and press the soil down lightly so the plant feels secure in her new home.
Step 4
Water your new Calatheas and place them in a cosy spot with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil slightly moist but never soggy, and make sure the air is nice and humid. After a few weeks, you will spot new leaves unfolding, a clear sign that your baby Calatheas are feeling at home and starting to grow!
Tip: Dividing your Calathea while repotting is the perfect moment to grow your jungle family; one plant becomes two (or more) in no time!
Buy Calathea Medallion
Looking for a plant that really stands out? The Calathea Medallion is the one for you! Her big, round leaves are painted in shades of deep and light green with a striking purple underside that instantly catches the eye. She feels right at home in the cosier, slightly shadier corners of your house, whether that’s the living room, hallway or even the bathroom. This month she is shining as our plant of the month, so you can bring her home at an extra special price. A true showpiece for every plant lover who enjoys adding a little extra colour and life to their jungle!
Is the Calathea Medallion air purifying?
Yes, she brings a little extra freshness to the air around you. To really notice the effect, you will need a few more plants, but she still plays her part in making the air feel better.
Is she toxic for pets or children?
No worries here; the Calathea Medallion is completely safe for people, cats and dogs.
Why are the leaf edges turning brown and crispy?
That is usually her way of saying the air is too dry, the water is too hard or there is a draft. A little extra humidity and filtered or rainwater will make her much happier!
How often should I feed her?
From spring to early autumn, you can give her a gentle feed once a month. In winter she prefers to take it easy without fertiliser.
When should I repot my Medallion?
Every year or two is perfect, especially if you see roots growing out of the bottom. Spring is the best time to repot, using a slightly bigger pot with fresh, airy soil.