Maranta leuconeura is an indoor plant that adds beauty and freshness to your living room or bedroom. Since it requires minimal care so often used for the decoration purpose.
WHAT IS MARANTA LEUCONEURA
Maranta leuconeura is also called the Prayer plant and Praying hands. Maranta leuconeura belongs to the Marantaceae family of plants. Maranta leuconeura is mostly found in moist and tropical environments.
APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS
Maranta leuconeura has flowers that give a beautiful look to the plant. Maranta leuconeura has oval-shaped leaves which are dark green in color. Leaves have markings of light green and white color. On the lower side of the leaves, there are vein-like structures exhibiting many shades of red that add more attraction and beauty to the appearance of the plant. Maranta leuconeura are six to twelve inches tall and six to twelve inches wide. It is typically an indoor plant.
QUICK SUMMARY
Botanical Plant name: Maranta leuconeura.
Native to: South America.
Care: Minimal care.
Size: 6-12 inches tall, 6-12 inches wide.
Common problems: Root rot, brown blotches on leaves.
Toxicity: Considered non-toxic to both humans and pets.
HOW TO CARE FOR PRAYER PLANT
SUNLIGHT
The prayer plant should be placed in an area or near a window where it can receive indirect sunlight. Avoid placing the plant in an area where it receives direct sunlight because this can burn the leaves of the plant, and the color of the leaves will fade and develop blotches. During the time of winter when the plant is in a state of dormancy, it is ideal to provide the plant with bright light to maintain growth.
Another plant which requires low sunlight is Little trees. Make sure you check it out Little trees!
WATERING
Maranta leuconeura plants should be watered frequently during the growing season. The soil of this plant should not be allowed to dry out completely. When the first one or two inches of the soil has dried, it is time for the plant to be watered again. The plant will not survive long if it is not watered frequently because it is sensitive to drought. It is important to avoid both overwatering and underwatering as it causes the leaves to turn yellow and drop from the plant.
Similar to the water requirements for Calathea rufibarba, Maranta leuconeura should not be over watered.
HUMIDITY & TEMPERATURE
The Prayer plant grows well in an area with very high humidity levels. Placing a small humidifier can help in making the environment more humid. Also, misting the leaves can provide the plant with the best humid conditions. Normal household temperatures of about 60-80°F is ideal for the plant. However, when kept in lower temperatures for too long can damage the plant.
CLEANING
To clean the dust that is collected on the leaves of the plant, a damp cloth should be used to wipe the leaves gently to avoid any damage to the leaves.
FERTILIZING & SOIL
A water-soluble fertilizer that is diluted to half the strength should be used to fertilize the plant every two weeks from early spring through fall. Using fertilizer a lot can burn the roots of the plant and cause the leaves to turn brown. While too little fertilizer will cause the plant to grow very slowly.
The Prayer plant prefers soil that is acidic and has a pH of 5.5 to 6.0. The soil should be able to retain moisture and drain well.
REPOTTING
The Prayer plant does not require repotting very often. However, it will grow slower when it becomes root-bound. While repotting, ensure that the new pot is at least 2 inches bigger than the previous pot.
HOW AND WHEN TO PRUNE
Maranta leuconeura should only be pruned when you see too many dry and dull leaves on the plant. Maranta leuconeura can be easily pruned by using gardening scissors, knives, or secateurs. Trim off or pick the yellow and brown leaves to give a healthy appearance to the plant. Prune Maranta leuconeura in the season of fall.
PROBLEMS WITH MARANTA LEUCONEURA
Some of the major problems with Maranta leuconeura are as follows:
- Low humidity and under hydration lead to chronic problems for Maranta leuconeura.
- Pests and mites are threats to the Maranta leuconeura.
- Rotting of roots occurs due to the overhydration and the introduction of the pathogens.
- Bright light can burn the leaves.
- High amounts of phosphate or fluoride in fertilizers result in burnt margins and tips of the leaves.
HOW TO PROPAGATE MARANTA LEUCONEURA
Here is the procedure for propagating Maranta leuconeura:
1- Take a pot filled with moist soil or water.
2- Then take a cutting of a plant from below nodes which must be healthy and free from pathogens. Remove the excess soil from the roots of the matured plant.
3- Separate the segments of the roots.
4- Plant these into the pot.
5- Make sure to use clean scissors or a knife for cutting the plant.
We recommend you have a look at it: Poinsettia, a plant native to Mexico and Central America has the ability to brighten any home.
COMMON FAQs
- HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES A MARANTA LEUCONEURA NEED?
Maranta leuconeura needs bright sunlight, but it should not be directed directly at the plant.
- WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT MARANTA LEUCONEURA?
The speciality of the Maranta leuconeura is that it is used for decorative purposes because of its uniquely beautiful leaves.
- ARE MARANTA LEUCONEURA GOOD INDOOR PLANTS?
Maranta leuconeura is an ideally good indoor plant.
- CAN A MARANTA LEUCONEURA SURVIVE IN LOW LIGHT?
Maranta leuconeura can definitely survive in low light.
- CAN MARANTA LEUCONEURA GROW IN SHADES?
Yes, Maranta leuconeura can grow in shady areas as long as there is high humidity and hood air glow but avoids putting the plant in completely dark places.
SUMMARY
Maranta leuconeura is a plant native to South America. Maranta leuconeura needs a highly humid and moist slimy environment to grow. Maranta leuconeura is a beautiful indoor plant and needs minimal care like many household plants. Maranta leuconeura needs bright indirect light to grow efficiently. Maranta leuconeura can be put on the windows to add beauty and freshness to your room and house. The height of Maranta leuconeura measured is up to six to twelve inches in height. Oval-shaped and patterned leaves make the plant magnificently attractive. Beneficial conditions for Maranta leuconeura can be created by providing bright indirect sunlight, highly humid soil, suitable temperatures, proper cleaning, fertilization, and repotting.
Maranta leuconeura is a non-toxic plant for humans and animals.