Problems

Calathea Medallion Problems: Causes & Quick Fixes

Quick answer

Calathea Medallion is prone to 16 common issues - each link below is a plant-specific fix guide.

Calathea Medallion houseplant

Calathea Medallion problems

Use the guides below to diagnose and fix common issues on Calathea Medallion. Each problem page explains why it happens on this species and what to do first.

Or use our problem diagnosis tool to narrow down symptoms.

Common problems on Calathea Medallion

Likely cause: Tap water fluoride/chlorine or low humidity below 50%.

Quick fix: Filtered or rainwater. Humidifier 60–80% RH.

Full fix guide →

Root Rot

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Mealybugs

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Aphids

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Wilting

Medium

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Likely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.

Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.

Full fix guide →

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Calathea Medallion?

Every 5–7 days growing season (top 2 cm beginning to dry). 7–10 days winter. Filtered water or rainwater only.

What light does Calathea Medallion need?

Calathea Medallion grows best in medium indirect light, low indirect light.

Is Calathea Medallion safe for cats and dogs?

Calathea Medallion is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Always monitor pets around new plants and contact your vet if unusual symptoms appear.

How do I propagate Calathea Medallion?

Propagate Calathea Medallion from healthy stem or root divisions during active growth.

What soil is best for Calathea Medallion?

Use moisture-retentive but well-draining potting mix. pH 6.0–7.5.

What humidity does Calathea Medallion need?

Calathea Medallion prefers high humidity (60%+). Normal household humidity is usually fine.

When should I repot Calathea Medallion?

Repot Calathea Medallion when roots circle the pot or growth slows despite good care.

How this Calathea Medallion problems guide is reviewed?

Editorial policyReview board

Written by · Reviewed by LeafyPixels Review Board · Updated June 29, 2026

This Calathea Medallion problems problem guide was researched and written by . Problems symptoms on Calathea Medallion, lookalike causes, and step-by-step fixes are cross-checked against extension pest, disease, and care references before publication.

We prioritize sources that hold up under scrutiny:

  • University cooperative extension bulletins and fact sheets (Penn State, Clemson, UMD, NC State, and similar programs)
  • Botanical garden and horticultural society publications
  • Peer-reviewed plant science and veterinary toxicology references where pet safety matters (including ASPCA Animal Poison Control)
  • Established reference works on indoor plant culture

The LeafyPixels editorial team then reviews the draft for clarity, step-by-step usefulness, and fit with real apartment and home conditions-not ideal greenhouse setups. When guidance changes materially, we update the page and note the revision date.


Sources used

  1. Bottom-soak (n.d.) African Violets. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/african-violets (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  2. central heating can hold relative humidity (n.d.) Winter Houseplant Tips. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/news/winter-houseplant-tips (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  3. Clemson HGIC (n.d.) Common Houseplant Insects. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/common-houseplant-insects-related-pests/ (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  4. Clemson HGIC (n.d.) Insecticidal Soaps. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/insecticidal-soaps-for-garden-pest-control/ (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  5. Colorado State Extension (n.d.) Spider Mites. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/spider-mites/ (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  6. constantly damp surface soil (n.d.) How Treat Pesky Fungus Gnats Houseplants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/how-treat-pesky-fungus-gnats-houseplants (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  7. Eggs and newly hatched crawlers escape single treatments (n.d.) Mealybugs. [Online]. Available at: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/mealybugs (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  8. etiolation (n.d.) 5059e. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/5059e/ (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  9. fungus gnat adults lay eggs in moist growing media rich in decaying organic matter (n.d.) Fungus Gnats As Houseplant And Indoor Pests. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/fungus-gnats-as-houseplant-and-indoor-pests/ (Accessed: 29 June 2026).
  10. Fungus gnats breed in moist soil rich in decaying organic matter (n.d.) Houseplant Pests. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/news/houseplant-pests (Accessed: 29 June 2026).