How to care for: Maranta (Prayer plant)

The Maranta belongs to the Marantaceae family, with less than 25 species. The best known species is the Maranta leuconeura (Maranta Lemon Lime) and the Maranta mackoyana. The last mentioned is sometimes called the Calathea mackoyana too. This is where the confusion between Maranta and Calathea begins. However, they're not the same. The Maranta originates from the jungles of Brazil. In nature the plant remains small. Only to 60 centimetres. Although it is not a large indoor plant, you can always recognize it by its striking leaves.

Partial shade

Water once a week

Non-Toxic

Air-purifying

How do you take care of a Maranta?

Location

As Maranta plants originate from under the trees in rainforests, a Maranta doesn't enjoy direct or bright sunlight. They prefer indirect sunlight or even partial shade, as direct sunlight burns and scorches their leaves. Worst of all, direct sun will make the vibrant leaves go dull.

Watering

The Maranta consumes a lot of water. In summer it is best to add small amounts of water twice a week. From autumn to spring once a week is sufficient. It is important that the Maranta has its soil moist. However, make sure you don't overwater the plant, as this can cause the root to rot.

Next to watering it is also important to spray a Maranta with a plant sprayer. They like high humidity. A perfect bathroom plant!

Plant nutrition

The Maranta uses a lot of energy from spring onwards to make new leaves. As a result, the plant needs extra nutrients. You can provide these nutrients by plant nutrition. We recommend giving plant nutrition once every two weeks. From spring until autumn. After autumn and in winter it is better to stop giving extra nutrients. In the autumn, plant nutrition can actually be harmful for the Maranta!

Repotting

We recommend repotting the every 2 years. Repotting gives the plant new nutrients and more room for root growth. The airier soil is also very good for the water flowing through. The best period to repot is spring.

Temperature

The most ideal temperature for a Maranta plant, also known as the Prayer Plant, is between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. It prefers a warm and humid environment. For a Maranta plant it is important to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.

Pruning

Pruning a Maranta is not specifically needed. Occasional pruning can be done to remove yellowed or damaged leaves and promote bushier growth. Trim off any unhealthy leaves at the base of the stem. Always use clean and sharp pruning tools. When your Maranta started flowering, it is also important to remove dead flowers.

If the air is too dry, the Maranta can suffer from spider mites. To prevent spider mites, it is best to use the plant sprayer once a week. Spider mites are an infection of mites on plants. You can recognise the infection by infected leaves and a kind of cobwebs. If you have come across spider mites, it is best to place the plant outside. Wind and moisture from outside will quickly keep the spider mite away.