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Friday, February 14, 2025

Maranta leuconeura Care Information – HOUSE PLANT HOUSE


Maranta leuconeura is a type of houseplants that I’ve had for longer than I can really bear in mind! Which, in fact is an effective signal that it’s a plant that has longevity. These crops are straightforward going, sluggish rising houseplants — an amazing alternative for smaller areas. I significantly love the attention-grabbing foliage and approach that the plant strikes its leaves all through the day.

As we speak’s put up is all about how I look after my Maranta leuconeura and I shall be overlaying the matters of:

  • mild + positioning
  • watering
  • humidity + leaf care
  • fertilising
  • flowering
  • pests + therapy
  • repotting
  • potting combine (+ pots)
  • + propagation

INTRODUCING PRAYER PLANTS…

As a short introduction, Maranta is certainly a prayer plant. Prayer crops are a gaggle of crops which are often known as Marantaceae, Maranta being one of many crops in that group. I simply needed to make clear that as it may be just a little complicated in case you are simply getting used to botanical nomenclature! So inside this Marantaceae, or Prayer Plant household, different relations you may need heard of in embody Calathea, Stromanthe and Ctenanthe. Most of those are identified for his or her patterned, vibrant foliage. The leaves fold and lift up at evening, as if in prayer, which makes for an attention-grabbing present!

Of this plant gang, I at present personal two Stromanthe crops which I propagated by division and one Maranta. I’ve had just a few Calathea over time however they aren’t identified for his or her longevity, which is extra my desire today. I had a Calathea Orbifolia which did (surprisingly) effectively for just a few years nevertheless it hated being moved final 12 months and by no means fairly recovered.

The factor in regards to the extra tough crops from this group is that they’ll are likely to put you off when you have a difficult expertise with them. Personally, I might advocate a Maranta or a Stromanthe over a Ctenanthe or Calathea any day of the week. They’re only a bit simpler going. Approach higher as an introduction to rising prayer crops I feel!

MARANTA LEUCONEURA VARIETIES

The plant you’ll see all through the put up is my very own. I’ll be calling it Maranta leuconeura all through, however for readability, it’s ‘full’ title is definitely a little bit of a mouthful! It’s a Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoveana. Also called ‘rabbit tracks’ Maranta. It’s has blue-green foliage with darkish brown splotches. The opposite fashionable sort of Maranta leuconeura is the red-backed herringbone Maranta. That is Maranta leuconeura erythroneura. The care necessities are the identical for each crops.

I’ll pop a photograph under for comparability:

LIGHT

Top-of-the-line issues about Maranta leuconeura is simply how adaptable they’re when it comes to their lighting wants. They aren’t fussy. I’ve really grown mine in a wide range of circumstances in my final three properties. The primary consideration although is that they actually choose a place out of direct mild, which tends to swimsuit a typical dwelling setting effectively. That interprets as pretty vivid, oblique mild and I’m within the northern hemisphere for reference. The leaves are paper-like to the contact which signifies their sensitivity to very vivid mild. This may possible lead to scorching — thicker foliage is far more strong and resilient to robust mild.

Maranta can do effectively for a few years in a shaded place, whereas among the different prayer crops are a bit extra demanding or tend to lose their variegation in darkish rooms, like a Stromanthe triostar. That is maybe why you generally see the herringbone Maranta (with the crimson undersides) in libraries, malls and lobby planting shows. These environments are largely lit by synthetic mild too. My rabbit tracks maranta you see right here within the put up is maybe much less frequent. However I’m drawn to blue-toned inexperienced foliage… So this one is my most popular alternative if I needed to choose!

POSITIONING

To begin with, my plant was in a South-West going through room round 3 metres from a window, with the sunshine filtered by a web. This actually helped to forestall the foliage from wanting washed out or crispy because of a lightweight that was too intense. That was in my previous house in Wales. Subsequent, my Maranta leuconeura moved to North Yorkshire with me and sat on prime of my fridge within the cottage I used to be in for 18 months. This was a North-West going through area which had some bushes outdoors which actually had an impression on softening the sunshine. Right here within the Chapel it’s just a few metres away from my east window which is softer and will get the solar within the morning. It’s been having fun with this for the couple of months I’ve been right here.

In case your plant is positioned towards a wall with mild coming from one route, it will likely be useful to rotate your plant each few weeks to make sure that all of the plant is getting good mild publicity. Components of the pot which are shrouded by the opposite foliage because the Maranta matures can die again in the event that they don’t obtain sufficient mild.

Keep in mind that these are the circumstances which are private to my present setting and are used as a information so that you can examine with your personal dwelling. It’s necessary to additionally do not forget that home windows will be fairly completely different in dimension and in the event you stay in a constructed up space, with different buildings shut by, or if there are obstacles like bushes outdoors as I point out above, this all has an impression on the depth of sunshine.

WATERING

Of all of the prayer crops, I’ve discovered my Maranta leuconeura to be probably the most forgiving if I neglect to water it every so often. Typically although, consistency can actually assist to maintain these crops rising effectively. Prayer crops choose to have their potting combine at a constant moisture however that doesn’t imply an excessive amount of water on a regular basis. A Maranta hates to dry out utterly. The leaves would possibly develop markings on them and curl inwards, plus the guidelines of the foliage may also crisp in protest too.

A hygrometer is a helpful little bit of equipment I wouldn’t be with out and one I might advocate in the event you battle to get houseplant watering proper. I additionally like to make use of a watering spike with my prayer crops to assist bridge the hole between waterings. Right here are some clear ones or there’s a vibrant choice right here.

Do not forget that tepid (room temperature) water is all the time finest in your houseplants – something too chilly can shock them. Maranta are fairly delicate to faucet water too. In case you stay in an space with laborious water like me, you would possibly discover some marks on the leaves (these will be wiped away with a tender material). If potential, utilizing rain water or filtered water can assist to forestall some brown crisping on the leaf edges too. When the skin area is levelled right here on the renovation, I’m going to be putting in a water butt ASAP! I feel my houseplants are going to get pleasure from that…

HUMIDITY

In comparison with different prayer crops, the Maranta leuconeura grows very effectively in typical family humidities. That is what makes it such a forgiving houseplant I feel. As a lot as growing humidities with humidifiers and so on. can actually assist your crops to thrive, it doesn’t swimsuit all environments. In case you do develop tropical crops although, greater humidities can actually ramp up development and leaf dimension. My dwelling circumstances are actually completely different in comparison with what I’ve been used to during the last 8 years so my crops and I are at present adapting!

One factor to notice right here although, attempt to withstand putting a Maranta near heaters, draughts or air con models as a result of these crops actually dislike temperature fluctuations. You’ll possible additionally get crisping on the foliage in these areas the place the air is notoriously dry.

One other technique to create beneficial circumstances round your plant is to prime your pot with Sphagnum moss. This can assist preserve moisture ranges which might cut back watering frequency. It will probably additionally create a very slight enhance in localised humidity. On the backside of my pot (beneath my drip tray), I’ve an inch or two of pebbles that lifts the pot and tray up within the planter. When it’s actually heat, I’ll often add some water to this, which lets the moisture evaporate across the foliage. However that is extra a sensible styling factor than an efficient technique to elevate humidity, because the outcomes are solely negligible and momentary. Understanding the relation between watering stability and potting combine is the easiest way to maintain your Maranta joyful.

LEAF CARE

To maintain your crops wanting their finest, conserving foliage free from mud is an intrinsic a part of houseplant care. I can safely say I’ve by no means struggled with this as a lot as proper now — renovation mud is the bane of my life! My Maranta leuconeura doesn’t get fairly as dusty compared to a few of my larger-leaved houseplants like my Monstera and Ficus household. However nonetheless. The mud will get all over the place!

As you possibly can see within the pictures on this put up, Maranta leaves are pretty and tender and have an attention-grabbing texture. They remind me of a barely much less velvety model of Calathea warscewiczii foliage in a approach. Attributable to this texture, the water beads up on the leaves after they get moist. When issues are wanting just a little lacklustre and I discover a veil of mud starting to decide on the leaves, I’ll give my plant a clear within the bathe. When cleansing, don’t neglect in regards to the undersides of the leaves. That is additionally a very good time to verify for pests. I’ve obtained a extra complete put up on my leaf cleansing approach which I’ll hyperlink to right here if you wish to see extra ideas.

FERTILISING

My Maranta leuconeura could be very laid again in relation to requiring common fertilising. I usually feed my plant round a couple of times a month when the plant is actively rising. I take advantage of a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser at half the really useful dilution fee. Earlier than feeding, verify to make sure the potting combine isn’t excessively dry — this may stop fertiliser burn. Because it’s not good to let your Maranta dry out between waterings although, it’s hardly ever an issue. Nevertheless it’s one thing to concentrate on if the climate has been scorching.

By way of when to feed, the best technique to choose is that if your plant is exhibiting indicators of development. It’s very chilly the place I stay throughout Winter and with the tough lower in temperatures, I’ve been getting used to my houseplants stopping rising altogether. Throughout their relaxation interval, I cease feeding till I discover indicators of lively development resuming. In case your local weather is sort of completely different to mine and you discover your crops develop year-round, then extra common fertilising is totally positive.

FLOWERING

My Maranta flowers round every year because it’s matured a bit. The flowers are small and white and really fairly! Sometimes, I can’t discover a picture as I’m penning this put up, but when I do I’ll insert one later. These crops are primarily grown for his or her foliage and never their flowers although.

PESTS

Prayer crops generally have a little bit of a foul repute for pests. It’s because the extra tough crops like Calathea will be inclined to issues like Spider mites, mealy bugs and so on. By comparability, I discover Maranta to be extra strong in resisting pest pressures. This in fact is immediately associated to establishing a excellent care routine, and understanding the wants of the plant(s) in query.

Take into consideration the factors now we have thought of to date on this care information as a begin. Guarantee your Maranta is getting appropriate mild, preserve a consistency along with your watering routine and clear the foliage to forestall mud construct up. Common cleansing is an effective pest deterrent, significantly in excessive site visitors areas the place mud can construct up extra rapidly.

Above and under: Maranta foliage is way simpler to maintain clear than a Stromanthe (under) because the mid-rib of the leaves are a lot much less pronounced on a Maranta. That is the place mud or pests can congregate, and I discover I’ve to be far more vigilant with my Stromathe than with my Maranta leuconeura.

As a Maranta prefers a softer, oblique mild, it’s much less prone to be affected by the tough environmental circumstances that may exacerbate any lurking pest issues. While Maranta cope effectively in typical family humidities, be conscious if your property could be very dry as this might be problematic in the long run. Pest pressures are sometimes compounded by low humidities and dry, vivid circumstances. This will may cause an assault of crimson spider mite, thrips or mealy bugs. Mealy bugs are likely to congregate round the place the a number of stems type into clumps at soil stage.

TREATMENT

There are a selection of the way to cope with pests however the final time I had a slight downside with my Stromanthe I gave it a castille resolution spray and tub — roots and all — earlier than showering down. It’s messy nevertheless it did the job! See picture under. I’ve not completed this with my Maranta, however you’ll need to be extra mild because the leaves are that rather more delicate. I might say a therapy spray can be my first port of name with this one.

After any therapy, I like to make use of SB plant invigorator both as a prepared to make use of spray, or you may as well get a concentrated bottle to dilute right into a spray bottle your self. Once more, you’ll need to check part of the plant first. I spray the back and front of the foliage as some additional post-treatment care, however watch out to maintain out of direct mild because the leaves shall be extra delicate after any pest therapy.

I’ve additionally used a neem oil resolution which can be very efficient for one thing extra widespread, or if it’s one thing very minor, a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol works too. After I’ve had a pest difficulty with my plant, I all the time isolate it for quite a few weeks earlier than reintroducing close to my different crops. In case you uncover a pest difficulty, it’s all the time finest to hold out a radical verify of any crops that have been positioned close by, or any crops which are usually extra delicate to an assault.

MARANTA LEUCONEURA REPOTTING

As a slower rising houseplant, Maranta leuconeura doesn’t require frequent repotting. A brand new planter one dimension greater than the earlier one each 12-24 months is often completely positive. If you find yourself planning to re-pot, it’s good apply to water your plant just a few days prematurely of the duty. It’s because manipulating a really dry plant can typically trigger transplant shock. Take away the plant from the pot and be mild with the roots as you loosen them along with your arms, shaking off any previous potting combine. Regardless of not needing repotting usually, these crops will actually profit from new potting combine when they’re repotted. 

I are likely to do my repotting in batches so will make up a container of potting combine that fits the crops in query. Keep in mind to verify whether or not or not your compost has any sluggish launch fertiliser in it, so that you just aren’t double feeding. As I mentioned above, Maranta actually dislike this!

POTTING MIX

By way of potting combine, I take advantage of my customary combine I prefer to make up of houseplant compost, orchid bark, horticultural grit and a few perlite as the bottom. However on this occasion, I’ll add in some additional houseplant compost to permit the potting combine to carry onto moisture for longer. As well as, I’ll add in some sphagnum moss if I’ve it. I additionally like to make use of it as a pot topper for some additional moisture retention and to maintain the soil temperature up too. That is additionally a very good tip in case you are susceptible to under-watering!  In case you are utilizing this substrate please be sure to purchase your Sphagnum from a good supply.

A NOTE ON POTS: 

The kind of pot you select to make use of can be intrinsically related to your combine and watering necessities. For me, I choose to make use of nursery pots with my prayer crops. As with different humidity loving houseplants, I discover they dry out far too rapidly in terracotta. Terracotta is far more porous and can wick the moisture away from the plant. If you wish to use terracotta for show or plant styling causes, you possibly can all the time use the terracotta as a canopy (cache) pot.

PROPAGATION

One motive you would possibly end up contemplating propagating your Maranta leuconeura is that the expansion has develop into very dense. I prefer to prune my plant to assist preserve this space much less compact and to permit air circulation across the base.

When propagating by division, it helps to decide on part of the plant that’s wholesome and that additionally has some roots. This makes the transition smoother and fewer tense in your plant because it adapts to its new dwelling/pot. I’ve obtained a bit in regards to the propagation by division course of within the put up linked right here.

CONCLUSION

I hope you loved studying a bit extra about Maranta leuconeura on this care information.

To refer again to it, you will discover it below my ‘Plant Care Guides’ tab on my homepage. I’ll hyperlink just a few associated posts right here you would possibly get pleasure from:

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*Affiliate hyperlinks are used within the put up which implies I can obtain a (very) small quantity of fee in the event you make a purchase order — thanks for supporting my weblog. I usually get requested the place I get particular gadgets from so have linked these right here. I’ve purchased all these merchandise with my very own cash.

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