Maranta plants are beautiful additions to any green space and their majesty movement makes them a household favorite. Known for their striped foliage and nocturnal movement of leaves which mimics “prayer” hands hence the name, Maranta plants can be a little difficult to understand at first. Once you understand their origins, needs, and characteristics, they can easily become your favorite plant to care for.
The maranta leuconeura species are native to American tropics and are low growing in nature. They earned their name as the “prayer” plant from their leaves laying low during the day and raising like prayer hands during the night. They thrive in areas that mimics their natural environment- humid and moist. During growing season, they produce small purple-ish flowers.
Because these type of plants naturally resides on the ground, they are use to filtered light. The equivalent is indirect bright light although they can exist in low light as well. The best location is a few feet away from a sunny window filtered by blinds or a sheer. It is not recommended to set this plant in direct light because it will burn and develop brown spots easily. When the growing season is over, place your plant in bright light so it’s color will remain vibrant.
Daily misting adds the necessary humidity for a maranta plant to thrive. Ideally, you would want to water weekly to prevent your plant from drying out. Avoid wetting the foliage to avoid fungal disease. Watering schedule is dependent on your plant’s placement so be mindful to check for overwatering or underwatering. Plants expose to more light would need to be watered more often than a plant sitting in shade. As well as, plants potted in terra cotta/clay planters will need more water than plants in ceramic or plastic planters.
Maranta plants thrive in soil that is 1 part peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part potting soil. Honestly, a well draining (moisture control) potting soil does the job as well.
This plant does well with fertilizing once a month in a water soluble mixture. During the winter months, you can cut back to every 60 days. Over fertilizing is characterized with rooting roots and brown leaves.
Maranta plants are super easy to propagate as they are some prolific growers. Prune right below a node and place in water until roots develop. Also, if you prefer a bushier plant vs. long, prune ABOVE a leaf node as this will encourage new growth.
A prayer plant comes a beautiful variety of decorative foliage.
Prayer plants are susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Getting rid of these pest takes consistent application of alcohol (or soapy water) under infected leaves for about 7-10 days. Always prune seriously infested leaves and treat other leaves vigorously. Quarantine until you are sure your plant is back healthy. Gnat could become an issue because of the moist soil- Here is an article to help you with that.
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I too am a black girl that loves to grow both inside and out! I am so happy to have stumbled upon this blog/site. Look forward to getting great tips.
Hey girl, hey! I'm glad you found us! lets get our garden on!