Those who own it say it was love at first sight. We are not surprised. The Maranta is an exceptionally decorative pot plant. It captivates with its picturesquely coloured leaves, like a colourful drawing. They are reminiscent of a work that has just emerged from the brush of an outstanding artist.  The red veining and intense colours of the arrowroot catch everyone's eye. This is one of the pot plants you should have in your home!

Maranta - beauty from the tropical jungle

Maranta is a tropical plant. In the wild, it grows on the lower floors of forests. Small arrowroot plants have a bushy habit. Over time, the plant develops increasingly longer stems that overhang. Due to their creeping or hanging habit, marantas look great in hanging pots or macramids. You can also use supports and poles (e.g. ladders or stakes) on which the maranta can support itself. The plants are also used for growing in mini greenhouses or vertical gardens. You can easily root a maranta by cutting off the shoot below the node and placing it in water. The rooted cuttings can be planted to thicken the plant. A common question is whether the arrowroot will flower. When grown at home, it blooms very often, producing tiny white flowers. Compared to the foliage, these do not have much decorative value.

Maranta - species and varieties

Two species of maranta are most commonly seen in cultivation: the bicoloured maranta (Maranta bicolor) and the white-nerved maranta (Maranta leuconeura). Many beautifully coloured varieties of Maranta leuconeura have been created because of their extraordinary beauty. Of these, the most noteworthy are: 'Kerchoveana', 'Fascinator Tricolor' and 'Massangeana'.

How to grow marantas?

Opinions are divided as to whether it is a difficult pot plant to grow. In the case of the arrowroot, no special difficulties are to be expected. It should be approached calmly. By knowing and applying the basic conditions for growing and caring for the arrowroot, it will certainly repay you with its beauty.

✔️ position

Marantas require a lot of diffused light. A semi-shaded position also suits it. It does not do well in direct sunlight. Its leaves are then prone to burning and fading. Therefore, windowsills on south and west windows will not be a good place to grow manta ray. Like any tropical plant, arrowroot likes humid air. In extremely dry areas, a humidifier or sprinklers can be used.

✔️ temperature

In terms of temperature, arrowroot has strongly defined requirements. Throughout the year, the temperature should be high (22-26 °C). During winter dormancy, it should be slightly lower (18-20 °C. However, it must not fall below 15 °C.

✔️ substrate

For a short period of time, the arrowroot will do fine in a production substrate. When transplanting, a mixture of all-purpose soil with coconut fibre and perlite will work very well to loosen it up. The addition of peat is also advisable - tropical plants like a slightly acidic substrate.

✔️ watering and fertilising

Adequate watering is an important maintenance procedure for maranta. It should be done frequently and regularly. This is because arrowroot does not like to dry out completely; the soil should be slightly moist at all times. Care should also be taken not to overwater it. This can cause spots or root rot. During the growth period, it is advisable to feed the plant with a suitable fertiliser, e.g. for green plants.

Before you buy maranta

If you are wondering whether maranta should appear in your collection, there is one answer. Definitely yes! It is a disease-resistant plant that does not cause many problems. Problems that arise are most often the result of poor care. Yellowing leaves are a symptom of too much watering. Drying leaf edges, on the other hand, can be a sign of too dry air or too little watering. As far as pests are concerned, the arrowroot does not have a close friendship with them either. Of those that can appear, thrips and, in the summer season, aphids. It is then sufficient to apply a suitable preparation for diseases and pests. We also have good news for four-legged owners. Maranthemum is safe for pets. It is also an excellent plant for creating a vertical garden.

Maranta after dark

The Maranta has an interesting characteristic, which is phototropism. This is the ability to move its leaves according to the intensity of light. Responding to day and night, the maranta raises and lowers its leaves. At night, the maranta additionally rolls up its leaves. For this reason, it has earned the nickname 'praying plant'.