Calathea roseopicta 'Medallion' is a striking evergreen prayer plant grown for its broad, oval leaves patterned with feathery rings of cream, pink and silvery green above a rich purple-maroon underside. Each leaf looks like a hand-painted medallion, giving the plant its name.
Like other Calatheas (now classed botanically as Goeppertia), it is a 'prayer plant' whose leaves rise and fold at night and relax by day. It thrives in the warm, humid conditions found across much of India, making it a popular choice for shaded balconies, bright bathrooms and indoor living spaces.
It stays compact, rarely exceeding 50 cm, and is non-toxic, making it a safe, decorative pick for homes with pets and children.
Specifications
| Family |
Marantaceae |
| Native region |
Brazil (tropical South America) |
| Mature height |
40-50 cm |
| Mature spread |
40-50 cm |
| Growth rate |
Moderate |
| Foliage |
Evergreen; large rounded leaves with pink-cream feathered rings on green, purple underside |
| Flower colour |
Insignificant; rarely flowers indoors |
| Flower season |
Rarely flowers as a houseplant |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical; grown indoors across India |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Bright indirect light; protect from direct sun which scorches and fades the leaves. Tolerates medium light. |
| Watering |
Keep soil lightly moist, not soggy. Water when top 2-3 cm feels dry; reduce in winter. Avoid waterlogging. |
| Soil / mix |
Light, airy, well-draining mix rich in organic matter; peat/coco-peat with perlite. Keep pH slightly acidic. |
| Temperature |
Ideal 18-29 C. Avoid below 15 C and cold draughts; protect from harsh summer heat above 32 C. |
| Humidity |
Loves high humidity (60%+). Mist, group plants or use a pebble tray; dry air causes crispy leaf edges. |
| Fertilizer |
Feed monthly with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer during spring-monsoon growth; stop in winter. |
| Pruning |
Minimal; snip off yellowed, browned or damaged leaves at the base to keep the plant tidy. |
| Repotting |
Repot every 1-2 years in spring into a slightly larger pot; refresh the potting mix at the same time. |
| Propagation |
By division of the rootball at repotting; separate clumps with roots and pot up individually. |
| Pests & problems |
Watch for spider mites (in dry air), mealybugs, aphids and fungus gnats; wipe leaves and treat early. |
| Toxicity / safety |
Non-toxic to cats, dogs and humans; safe around pets and children. |
| Difficulty |
Moderate |
Uses
A decorative foliage plant valued for indoor styling and air-freshening greenery.
- Tabletop, shelf and desk accent in living rooms and offices
- Bright bathrooms and kitchens where humidity is naturally higher
- Shaded, sheltered balconies and verandas
- Pet- and child-safe homes thanks to its non-toxic foliage
Growing tips
In Indian conditions, keep 'Medallion' out of direct sun behind a sheer curtain. The monsoon's natural humidity suits it well; during the dry winter and peak summer, raise humidity with a pebble tray or regular misting.
Use filtered, rainwater or RO water if your tap water is hard or heavily chlorinated, as Calatheas are sensitive to salts and fluoride that cause leaf browning. Feed lightly through the spring-to-monsoon growing season and move it away from cold draughts and AC vents in winter.
