Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon' - Detailed Care and Growing Guide


Goeppertia veitchiana 'Medaillon', commonly referred to as Calathea 'Medallion', is a striking houseplant known for its large, round leaves adorned with intricate green patterns. The deep green upper side features light green brushstroke-like markings, while the undersides display a rich burgundy tone, adding contrast and elegance. This tropical beauty thrives in warm, humid environments and moves with the light—folding up at night and opening in the morning, a phenomenon known as nyctinasty. Its bold appearance and dynamic nature make it a standout addition to any indoor plant collection.


Key Features and Benefits of Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon'

 
Striking Foliage: Medallion-shaped leaves with an intricate mix of greens and a deep purple underside.
 
Ideal Indoor Size: Grows 60-90 cm tall and wide, making it suitable for homes and offices.
 
Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.
 
Moderate Growth Rate: Produces new foliage consistently with proper care.


Natural Habitat and Growth Behavior of Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 

 
Origin: Native to the humid tropical rainforests of Ecuador.
 
Climate: Prefers temperatures between 20-30°C with humidity above 70%.
 
Growth Habit: Forms a compact, upright, and bushy shape with broad foliage.
 
Toxicity: Safe for pets and humans, making it an excellent choice for households with animals.


How to Care for Goeppertia veitchiana 'Medaillon'
 → Placement and Light

 
Thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions.
 
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves and cause fading.
 
Ideal placement: A humid room or near a humidifier.


 → Watering

 
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
 
Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil dries out.
 
Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup that can cause leaf browning.


 → Humidity and Temperature

 
Prefers humidity levels of 50-70% - dry air can cause crispy leaf edges.
 
Optimal temperature range: 18-27°C.
 
Avoid placing near drafts, radiators, or air conditioners.


 → Soil and Potting Mix

 
Requires a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix.
 
Best mix: peat-free potting soil with perlite and orchid bark.
 
Maintain a soil pH of 5.5-6.5 for optimal growth.


 → Repotting and Pot Choice

 
Repot every 2 years or when roots start to outgrow the pot.
 
Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
 
Choose a pot 1-2 cm wider to encourage steady growth.


 → Fertilization

 
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
 
Reduce fertilization in winter as growth slows.


 → Propagation

 
Best propagated through division during repotting.
 
Separate healthy sections with roots attached and plant them in fresh soil.


 → Hydroponics and Semi-Hydroponics

 
Can adapt to semi-hydroponic setups using LECA or other inert substrates.
 
Ensure roots have access to oxygen and are not fully submerged.


 → Pruning

 
Trim yellow or damaged leaves at the base to encourage fresh growth.


Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon' - Common Issues and Solutions
 → Pests

 
Spider mites: Look for fine webbing on leaves. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or microfiber dusting gloves for plants and increase humidity.
 
Fungus gnats: Let the top layer of soil dry out and use yellow sticky traps.
 
Mealybugs and thrips: Inspect leaf undersides and treat with neem oil, or use beneficial insects or insecticidal soap.


 → Root Rot

 
Caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
 
If suspected, remove the plant from its pot, trim affected roots, and repot in fresh soil.


 → Leaf Problems

 
Curling leaves: Sign of underwatering or low humidity. Increase watering and humidity.
 
Brown leaf edges: Likely due to low humidity or fluoride in tap water.
 
Yellowing leaves: Often due to overwatering—adjust watering schedule.
 
Drooping leaves: Could indicate temperature stress, dry soil, or overwatering.


 → Fungal Issues

 
Leaf spot diseases appear as brown patches with yellow halos.
 
Prevent by avoiding overhead watering and ensuring good air circulation.


Interesting Facts

 
Its leaves move up at night and open in the morning due to nyctinasty.
 
Originally classified as Calathea veitchiana, it was reclassified under Goeppertia in 2012.


Etymology

 
Genus: Named after Heinrich Göppert, a 19th-century German botanist.
 
Species: Named after the Veitch family, influential horticulturists.
 
First Described By: Veitch ex Hook.f. and reclassified by Borchs. and S. Suárez in 2012.


Frequently Asked Questions about Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon'
 → 1. Why are the leaves of my Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon' curling?

 
Likely due to low humidity or underwatering. Increase watering frequency and mist surroundings (but not directly on leaves).


 → 2. Is Calathea Medallion safe for pets?

 
Yes, it is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.


 → 3. How often should I repot Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon'?

 
Repot every 2 years or when it outgrows its pot.


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