Maranta - environment, care works, propagation

Maranta (Maranta spp.) is part of the genus Maranta, which includes approximately 30-40 species of plants, native to the tropical forests of Brazil. Maranta is used as an ornamental indoor plant, being appreciated for its decorative leaves. It is a rhizomatous, perennial, slow-growing plant that can reach a height of up to 30 cm.

The leaves are large, elliptical, velvety, predominantly green, with spots and ribs of different colors on the topside, depending on the species. The flowers are small, white, clustered in spikes, without ornamental value. In apartments it blooms extremely rarely.

Maranta – Species and varieties

Maranta leuconeura: it is the most common species, standing out by the pattern and color of the leaves. The following varieties can be found within this species:

M. leuconeura erythrophylla: with green, velvety leaves, on which yellow spots along the midrib and red arched ribs that extend to the edge of the leaf can be seen. The lower part of the leaf is purple;
M. leuconeura kerchoveana: the leaves are green, on which brown spots can be seen, arranged on either side of the midrib;
M. leuconeura massangeana: it has dark green leaves, with gray spots along the midrib, from which white ribs originate.

Maranta cristata: the leaves are green, and along the rib it has a light green tint. The underside of the leaf has a purple hue.
Maranta depressa: dark green or brown spots can be found on the leaves, on either side of the midrib.

Environmental conditions

Light. It can be placed near the window, but away from direct sunlight. Intense light can cause the discoloration of the leaves and can lead to the occurrence of sunburn.

Temperature. It prefers an average temperature of 18-23 °C. Temperatures that are too low can lead to the damage and fall of the leaves.

Humidity. Maranta needs a high atmospheric humidity, of at least 60%. Humidity can be kept high by regular spraying the plant with water at room temperature or by placing the pot on a tray with wet gravel.

Substrate. It is not picky in terms of substrate, but it is important that it ensures a good water drainage. You can use a regular substrate for houseplants.

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Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Maranta – Care

Watering. During the growing season, it needs regular watering (the substrate is not allowed to dry completely before watering again), using water at room temperature or slightly warm. The lack of water or an excessive humidity cause the yellowing and falling of the leaves.

During the cold season, the plant is watered less often.

Fertilizing. In order to preserve their decorative qualities, it is recommended to fertilize the plants regularly, during the growing season (from spring to autumn), with special fertilizers for decorative plants.