Rose-Painted Calathea
Round, glossy leaves in dark green, silver, pink and near-black depending on the cultivar, always purple beneath. The most-bred calathea, sold under a dozen names like Medallion, Dottie and Rosy, all with the same care.
Rose-painted calathea is the species behind most of the named calatheas in the shops. Medallion, Dottie, Rosy, Silvia, Princess Dalya and the rest are all cultivars of Goeppertia roseopicta, which is why they share the same rounded, glossy leaf and the same purple underside. The colours run from silver through pink to a near-black that reads as very dark green.
Care is identical across the group. It sits mid-range for calathea difficulty: it wants humidity and soft water, but the leaves are thicker than makoyana's and it copes with a living room better than orbifolia does.
Light
Medium, indirect light. A north or east window, or a few feet from a west one. The pink forms hold their colour best in medium light; too dim and they green over, too bright and they bleach. Direct sun scorches all of them.
Water
Evenly moist. Water when the top inch is dry, every five days in summer and every eight or so in winter, with filtered or rain water. Drain and never leave it in a wet saucer. Tap water browns the edges.
Soil and potting
An airy, moisture-holding mix of coco coir, potting soil and perlite in a pot with drainage. Repot every eighteen months in spring, one size up, dividing if crowded.
Feeding
Quarter-strength balanced feed every four weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation
Division in spring. Cultivar colours come true from division; seed does not exist for these.
In a hot, dry home
Manageable with a humidifier or a pebble tray and a plant group, and filtered water. Keep it well away from the AC vent. Green Goddess is the toughest of the group in a dry house; Rosy and Silver Plate, with less chlorophyll, are the most sensitive. Check the soil every couple of days in July and August.
Rose-Painted Calathea varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Medallion
Dark green leaves with a feathered silver centre and a pink flush when young. The classic form.
- Dottie
Near-black leaves with a thin pink outline and a pink stripe down the middle.
- Rosy
Pink and cream leaves edged in dark green. The brightest form; needs medium light to hold the pink.
- Silvia
Silver-green leaves with a dark green margin and pink midrib.
- Princess Dalya
Silver leaves with a dark feathered edge and pink veins.
- Purple Rose
Dark green leaves with a purple-pink centre.
- Northern Lights
Silver-green leaves with dark green feathering and a pale midrib.
- Silver Plate
Almost entirely silver leaves with a thin green edge.
- Green Goddess
Plain green with a lighter feathered centre. Tougher than the coloured forms.
Problems and fixes
Brown crispy edges
Likely cause: Dry air or hard water
Fix: Humidify and use filtered water.
Pink turning green
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Move it to medium light; new leaves will show the colour.
Leaves curling
Likely cause: Thirsty, hot or drafty
Fix: Water and move away from vents.
Yellow leaves
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let the top inch dry between waterings.
Rose-Painted Calathea questions
Are Medallion and Dottie the same plant?
Same species, different cultivars. All the named rose-painted calatheas share identical care.
Is rose-painted calathea pet safe?
Yes. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Which is the easiest?
Green Goddess, then Medallion. The pinker and more silver the leaf, the fussier it is about light and humidity.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Calathea White Fusion
- Light
- Low to medium
- Water
- Every few days
- Pets
- Safe
