Medallion Prayer Plant

Maranta leuconeura 'Medallion' prefers evenly moist soil during the growing season. It should be watered every week or so, or whenever the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure to stick your finger into the soil to judge dryness levels, rather than completely relying on watering schedules. During the winter months, let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, to prevent root rot. If you notice yellowing or browning of leaves, your plant is likely overwatered. Droopy leaves or closing of the leaves at night are signs that the plant needs more water.

Maranta leuconeura 'Medallion' prefers bright indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent sun burns or leaf scorch, as the leaves are sensitive to the sun. Without sufficient sunlight the pattern on the foliage will not be as vibrant. The ideal location for this plant is within a few feet of a curtain-covered window so that it receives bright indirect sunlight throughout the day and is protected from direct sunlight.

Maranta leuconeura 'Medallion' prefers an ambient temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C) and will suffer if exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).Avoid placing in spots with drafts, or near devices that produce heat, such as a radiator, heater, etc. In the winter, make sure the temperature in the room does not stay below 50°F for too long.

A high level of humidity is a must for the Medallion Prayer Plant, as it prefers to live in moist, tropical-like conditions. Humidity levels should remain between 60-75%, and appropriate measures should be taken to maintain the level of humidity. Good options are misting the plants regularly, running a humidifier, or pebble trays with water. As with regular watering, take measures to prevent excessive humidity which can lead to fungal and root problems.

Maranta leuconeura 'Medallion' prefers a light, well-draining soil. A simple mixture of equal parts potting soil, compost, and perlite is ideal. For optimum drainage, add some extra perlite or sand into the potting mix. Avoid using potting mixes that are too dense, as this can cause negative growth and lead to root rot. Once the potting mix is settled into the pot, water it until it is damp but not soggy.

This plant does not require a lot of fertilizing, but a liquid houseplant fertilizer should be applied once every couple of months during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing too frequently, as this can lead to salt build up in the soil. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for houseplants, and make sure it is diluted to one-half of the normal strength. Apply the solution to the soil in a circular motion, ensuring that it is distributed evenly.

Maranta leuconeura 'Medallion' may suffer from common houseplant pests such as mealybugs, aphids, scale, and whiteflies. If any of these pests are detected, take measures to eliminate them as quickly as possible. Inspect the plant leaves and stems, and use natural methods such as neem oil or rubbing alcohol. If the pest problem persists, chemical sprays may be necessary to completely rid the plant of these pests. Make sure to follow the instructions of any product used.

Maranta leuconeura 'Medallion' should be repotted every couple of years during the springtime to ensure that nutrients are replenished in the growing media. When repotting, select a pot that is one size larger, as a too-large pot can cause root rot. Also make sure that there is a drainage hole in the base of the pot to ensure that excess water can be released. If you are potting up from a smaller pot, gently tease the rootball apart and use a mix of equal parts soil, compost, and perlite to fill the new pot.

Pruning Maranta leuconeura 'Medallion' is only necessary to maintain an aesthetically pleasing shape. To achieve this, trim off wilted/dead leaves, brown tips, or any other deprived elements. Prune the foliage by cutting the stem with a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears. When taking cuttings, make sure to disinfect the scissors or tools before and after use. If necessary, use rubbing alcohol to sterilize them.

Mulching of the soil in a pot of Maranta leuconeura 'Medallion' is not required to help retain moisture. If you want to add mulch, use an organic material such as peat moss. This will help the soil retain moisture during the dry months, and also help provide nutrients to the roots. A thin layer of bacteria-rich material is recommended for application.

Maranta leuconeura 'Medallion' can be propagated from stem cuttings in the spring or summer months. Start by taking a stem cutting with a few leaves, about 3 inches in length. Make sure to remove any flowers and place the cutting in a jar or glass of water until the roots are a couple of centimeters in length. Then transplant the stem cutting into a pot filled with moist soil. Keep the soil moist and provide plenty of indirect sunlight, and the new cutting should begin to take root in 2-3 weeks.

Maranta leuconeura 'Medallion' usually does not require additional support, as the leaves are not very heavy. If you’re noticing frequent flopping of the leaves, addition of a bamboo stake to the pot may be necessary to help support the stems. An additional bonus of a stake is that it will also help the plant stand upright.

Like many other plants, Maranta leuconeura 'Medallion' experiences a rest period in the cooler months of the year. During the cooler months, decrease both the amount of water and light received by the plant. The goal is to give the plant a break from the constant activity it experiences in the warmer months. To bring it out of its rest period, gradually increase the amount of water and light it is receiving and in no time it will resume its regular growth.

Maranta leuconeura 'Medallion' is not toxic to cats or dogs, and is suitable for households with pets.