Keeping it green — Liaisons De Fleurs

My absolute favorite way to spruce up any rooms is with plants. General makeover are often costly and time consuming but I found that adding indoor plants really does a lot with very little investment.

I try to look for plants that are a little unique in color and in leaf pattern to keep everything a little more interesting.

One of my absolute favorite is the Calathea Medallion.

They are a little pivcky and dramatic when it comes to their needs but once you get the care of part down, they reward you with gorgepous disk like leaves that are full of finky patters and bright hues.

They are like an explosion of 70’s chilled vibes and their energy is contagious.

LIGHT

Your Calathea Medallion will do best in medium to bright indirect light, but will tolerate lower light situations. Never allow this plant to stand in the direct sunlight—the leaves will get sunburned!

WATER

Water your Calathea when the top 25% of soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

Being a tropical plant, your Calathea prefers a spot with ample humidity.

If leaf edges begin to curl or brown up, mist them with lukewarm water on a regular basis, use a pebble tray, or place a humidifier nearby.

Your bathroom or kitchen are perfect spots for this plant because these areas tend to be more humid.

SOIL

Soil is a critical part of plant health. Like other Calatheas, Calathea Medallion likes to grow in soil that is moist (but not soaking wet) at all times. However, the soil mix should still drain well. I recommend using a soil mix comprised of one part peat-based soil and one part perlite.

TEMPERATURE

Your Calathea Medallion enjoys warmth, preferably between 65-85 degrees, so maintain indoor temperatures above 60 degrees. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

FOOD

For best results, use a general houseplant fertilizer with iron every four weeks during the spring and summer. No fertilizer is necessary for the winter when plant growth naturally slows.

TOXICITY ( Yup this is a big one)

Calatheas are non-poisonous plants and are safe for humans, cats, and dogs.

ADDITIONAL CARE

If you notice a tip or edges of your Calathea Medallion are burned, often with a yellowish hue, it could be due to your tap water. To solve this, use distilled water, rainwater, or allow your tap water to stand overnight before watering so the chlorine and fluoride can evaporate.

Remove any yellow leaves to keep your plant strong and growing. Do not use any shine products on the leaves, instead, clean leaves occasionally with a damp cloth.