Description
Calathea veitchiana) is a species of flowering plant in the Marantaceae family. It is endemic to Ecuador. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
The plant was discovered near Cuenca by the Victorian plant collector Richard Pearce in 1862, and named in honour of his employers, James Veitch & Sons
How to grow Calathea veitchiana
Growing calatheas from seed is more challenging than through root division. Start growing calatheas in the spring using a seed-starting tray filled with potting mix. Make sure the tray provides plenty of drainages. Water the soil before planting the seeds by lightly pressing them into the mixture. Wait until for water to drain before adding the seeds. Use a plastic bag to cover the tray and encourage humidity. Place the tray in a warm location with bright, indirect sunlight near a window or using a garden lamp. Continue caring for seeds for two to four weeks by maintaining moist, well-draining soil until germination. After roots establish, transplant new growth into larger containers.
How to care for Calathea veitchiana
Size & Growth
Medallion prayer plants usually grow to about 2’ feet tall, although they’re known to reach 3’ feet in the right conditions.
Instead, this slow grower will take on a bushy appearance over time, with plenty of the large, round leaves that give the plant its nickname.
These leaves have a bright green pattern on top and a deep burgundy underside.
While the main species doesn’t fold its leaves as with true prayer plants, some cultivars have this ability.
Flowering and Fragrance
It’s almost impossible to get this plant to bloom, sadly.
Growing outdoors has a higher chance of success, but it’s almost unheard of for one to produce flowers indoors.
Light & Temperature
As with most large-leaf plants, your medallion is adapted for life on the forest floor, shaded by a canopy of trees and larger plants.
As a result, the leaves can easily scorch when left exposed to direct sunlight.
Instead, aim for bright indirect light or dappled sun.
Another aspect of this plant’s native habitat is that it’s used to high humidity.
While it can handle moderate humidity, it should never be exposed to levels below 50% percent.
Kitchens and bathrooms tend to be the most humid rooms in the house and are well-suited for this plant.
However, you can also choose to use a pebble tray or humidifier to ensure the plant is getting enough moisture.
While medallion calatheas can grow outside in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 12 ( and parts of zone 8), it’s far more common to see them growing indoors.
Thankfully, average household temperatures are perfect for this plant, which has a comfort range of 65 to 85° degrees Fahrenheit.
Sudden temperature changes and cold drafts can wreak havoc with your medallion. Be sure to keep it away from vents, air conditioners, or any other source of drafts.
This includes heaters, as the dry heat emanating from them can damage your plant.
Watering and Feeding
Medallion calathea is intolerant of soggy or overly dry soil, so the soak-and-dry method of watering is essential.
Test the soil with your finger and give the plant a thorough watering once it’s dry 1” inch down.
Never use tap water, as the plant is highly sensitive to chemicals, especially chlorine and fluoride.
The water should also be at room temperature to avoid shocking your plant.
While this species may be watered from below, you should occasionally water from above to help flush out any toxin buildup.
Just make sure you don’t get the leaves wet when watering from above.
Use a balanced 15-15-15 liquid houseplant fertilizer that’s fortified with iron.
It’s often best to dilute the fertilizer by at least half to reduce the risk of chemical burns and use it half as often as the packaging recommends if it suggests frequent applications.
The plant will need to be fed monthly during the spring and summer but should not be fed the rest of the year.
Soil & Transplanting
Just about any good-quality, well-draining tropical potting soil will work for your calathea medallion. Watch out for fungus gnats in any soil with wood products.
Alternatively, you may wish to amend a standard potting mix with peat moss and perlite.
Medallion prayer plants only need repotting once every two years or so in the spring.
Graduate to one pot size larger as needed and replace the soil.
You may need to repot a little sooner if you see signs that the plant is root-bound (such as roots sneaking out of the drainage holes), although this will be rare if you’re dividing the plant when repotting.