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prayerplant (Maranta leuconeura)

Maranta leuconeura is an evergreen, rhizomatous, perennial herb that grows in clumps and tends to spread horizontally.

LightBright filtered or indirect light is preferred, though Maranta leuconeura can also be grown in partial shade to shade; strong direct sunlight should be avoided because it can damage the leaf coloration.
WaterDuring the growing season, keep the growing medium evenly moist but well drained and avoid waterlogging; reduce watering in winter so the medium is somewhat drier than during the growing season.
HumidityMaranta leuconeura prefers high humidity.
TemperatureWith few sources available, temperatures are reported at about 16–27 °C as ideal, with about 15 °C as a minimum and about 27 °C as a maximum. Sources differ in their hardiness classifications. It is generally frost tende
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prayerplant illustration

Overview

Maranta leuconeura is an evergreen, rhizomatous, perennial herb that grows in clumps and tends to spread horizontally.

Origin and habitat

Maranta leuconeura is native to Brazil, with more detailed accounts placing it in the Atlantic forests of eastern Brazil and in central regions. It is reported to inhabit humid tropical forests, including the eastern Atlantic forests, where it can spread horizontally across the forest floor.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature size, reporting about 0–30 cm in height and about 0–30 cm in spread. Sources differ in their descriptions of the leaves: they are elliptic to ovate and prominently patterned, with coloration and the color of the undersides varying by form; new leaves unfurl from a rolled shape. The flowers are small and range from white to purple or pale pinkish purple; they are less common indoors and are generally less ornamental than the foliage. Flowering can occur during the growing season and is less common on indoor plants.

Light

Bright filtered or indirect light is preferred, though Maranta leuconeura can also be grown in partial shade to shade; strong direct sunlight should be avoided because it can damage the leaf coloration.

Watering

During the growing season, keep the growing medium evenly moist but well drained and avoid waterlogging; reduce watering in winter so the medium is somewhat drier than during the growing season.

Humidity and airflow

Maranta leuconeura prefers high humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

With few sources available, temperatures are reported at about 16–27 °C as ideal, with about 15 °C as a minimum and about 27 °C as a maximum. Sources differ in their hardiness classifications. It is generally frost tender; keep above freezing.

Growing medium and mounting

Sources differ in their descriptions of suitable growing media, but include well-drained, humus-rich media and clay or loam, as well as chalk or sand and acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season and reduce feeding during other seasons.

Propagation

Maranta leuconeura can be propagated by division, cuttings, or seed.

Common problems

It is reported to be susceptible to greenhouse red spider mites and mealybugs. Sources differ on disease: it is generally described as having few disease problems in cultivation, but infections by sugarcane mosaic virus have been recorded, and the fungus Bipolaris marantae has been found on diseased leaves in Brazil. Dry conditions, low humidity, or excessively strong sunlight can damage leaves; excessively strong light can fade leaf coloration, while high fluoride and excessive feeding may also cause leaf scorch. Maranta leuconeura is sensitive to frost and low temperatures and should be kept away from freezing conditions.

Identification

Its characteristic features are prominently patterned leaves and daily changes in leaf position: the leaves lie flatter by day and fold upward at night, giving rise to the name prayer plant.

Photos

Maranta leuconeura
📷 Kurt Stüber [1] · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Sources