Medallion Calathea

Medallion Calathea (Calathea 'Medallion') is the indoor plant to buy when you want pattern rather than plain green. It grows to about 60cm tall and 60cm across, with broad rounded leaves feathered in light and dark green above and a deep burgundy underside that shows as the leaves lift and lower through the day. It is also not toxic to cats or dogs, which narrows the field considerably for a household with pets.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves worth looking at closely. The feathered light and dark banding is painted on rather than variegated, and no two leaves match exactly.
• Purple undersides. The reverse of each leaf is a deep burgundy, which reads whenever light comes from behind or below.
• Pet friendly. It is not toxic to cats or dogs, so it can sit at floor level where other indoor plants cannot.
• It moves. The leaves rise in the evening and lower through the day, so the plant visibly responds to its position.

Where it works best

Indoors, anywhere in the country. Inside, your climate stops mattering, which counts for a plant this frost tender. Bathrooms and kitchens are ideal for the extra humidity.

Pots and containers. A pot 250mm to 300mm wide with drainage holes suits a mature plant. Grouping several raises local humidity and cuts down on crisp leaf edges.

Sheltered balconies and courtyards. Outdoors it is only an option in tropical and subtropical gardens, in full shade and out of wind, which tears the broad leaves.

Growing Medallion Calathea in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light, never direct sun, which bleaches the pattern and scorches the leaf edges. It is frost tender and needs warmth, so treat it as an indoor plant outside the tropics and subtropics, and keep it away from air conditioning vents and heaters.

Soil. A quality indoor potting mix opened up with extra perlite or coco coir. The mix should hold moisture without staying heavy, and the pot must drain freely.

Water and feed. Keep the mix evenly moist, never soggy and never bone dry. Calatheas react badly to the salts and chlorine in tap water, so use rainwater or let tap water stand overnight. Feed at half strength monthly through the warm months only.

Humidity and grooming. Dry indoor air is the usual cause of failure. Sit the pot on a tray of pebbles and water, or group it with other plants. Cut damaged leaves off at the base and wipe the foliage occasionally.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold in multi packs rather than as single plants: 125mm in packs of ten, 200mm in packs of six, and 250mm in packs of three. The 125mm size is young and best potted on within a season. The 200mm and 250mm plants are established and can go straight into a decorative pot with a drainage hole.

Some crisping at the leaf edges after transit is normal and grows out as humidity stabilises. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Give it a week in its new position before adjusting anything. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to keep your indoor plants alive
• Pet friendly plants for the home
• Browse pet friendly indoor plants
• Compare the wider indoor plant range

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

Yes. Calathea is not toxic to cats or dogs, so it is one of the few patterned indoor plants that can sit within reach of a curious pet.

Why are the leaf edges going brown and crisp?

Dry air or tap water, in that order. Raise humidity with a pebble tray or by grouping plants, and switch to rainwater or tap water left to stand overnight.

How much light does it need?

Bright indirect light gives the strongest pattern. It tolerates a dimmer corner at the cost of growth, but direct sun through glass will fade and burn the leaves.