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

Goeppertia veitchiana 'Medaillon', commonly still referred to as Calathea 'Medallion', is a striking houseplant that captivates with its ornate, large, round leaves. The upper side of its foliage boasts a beautiful blend of deep green with light green brushstroke-like patterns, while the undersides reveal a rich burgundy tone, adding contrast and elegance. This tropical beauty is perfect for creating a lush, jungle-like atmosphere indoors. Its broad leaves move with the light—folding up at night and opening again in the morning, a phenomenon known as nyctinasty, making it a dynamic addition to your indoor plant collection.
 

Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon': Unique Features and Advantages

Striking Foliage: Bold, medallion-shaped leaves with an intricate mix of greens and a deep purple underside.
Ideal Indoor Size: Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon' grows 60–90 cm tall and wide, making it suitable for homes and offices.
Pet-Friendly Choice: Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.
Air-Purifying Qualities: Helps improve indoor air quality by filtering out toxins.
Moderate Growth Rate: Produces new foliage consistently with proper care.
 

Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon': Natural Habitat and Growth Behavior

Origin: Native to the humid tropical rainforests of Ecuador, where it thrives under the dense jungle canopy in consistently warm temperatures and high humidity.
Climate: In its natural habitat, temperatures range between 20–30°C with high rainfall and humidity levels above 70%.
Growth Habit: Forms a compact, upright, and bushy shape with broad foliage.
Toxicity: Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon' is safe for pets and humans, making it an excellent choice for households with animals.
 

How to Care for Goeppertia veitchiana 'Medaillon'

Placement & Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves and cause fading.
Place Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon' in a humid room or use a humidifier nearby.

Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Water Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon' 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 & Temperature
Prefers humidity levels of 50-70% dry air can cause crispy leaf edges.
Keep temperatures between 18–27°C.
Avoid placing near drafts, radiators, or air conditioners.

Soil & Potting Mix
Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon' requires a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix.
Best soil mix: peat-based potting soil with perlite and orchid bark.
Keep pH around 5.5–6.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting & Pot Choice
Repot Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon' every 2 years or when roots start to outgrow the pot.
Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Slightly larger pots (1-2 cm wider) encourage steady growth.

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

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

Hydroponics & Semi-Hydroponics

Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon' can adapt to semi-hydroponic setups using Leca (lightweight expanded clay aggregate) 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 Problems and How to Solve Them

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

Root Rot
Caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
If root rot is suspected, remove Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon' 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 accordingly.
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 About Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon':
        
This plant exhibits nyctinasty, meaning its leaves move up at night and open in the morning.
        
It was originally classified as Calathea veitchiana but was reclassified under Goeppertia in 2012.

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

Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon': Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Bring Home the Lush Beauty of Goeppertia (Calathea) veitchiana 'Medaillon'
Add this stunning, low-maintenance tropical plant to your indoor collection today. Order Goeppertia veitchiana 'Medaillon' now and enjoy its vibrant, air-purifying foliage in your home!