Plant Care Guides / Indoor
The maranta is the classic prayer plant, named for the way it folds its leaves upward at night as if in prayer, then opens them again with the morning light. Its striking leaves, often veined in red or pink, give it an exotic look, while its easy-going nature makes it one of the most popular houseplants around. It is native to Central and South America and the West Indies, and is a close relative of the calathea.
Marantas are pet-friendly, so they suit homes with cats and dogs. They are named after Bartolomeo Maranta, a sixteenth-century Italian physician and botanist, and belong to the same prayer plant family as the calathea.
Medium to bright, indirect light. Keep it out of direct sun, which fades the rich leaf colour.
Water often through summer to keep the soil evenly moist, but never soggy, since marantas are prone to root rot, so do not leave water standing in the saucer. In winter, let the top two to three centimetres dry out before watering. They love humidity and respond well to regular misting. If the leaves curl inward, the plant is either too dry and needs a mist, or it is feeling the cold.
Feed every two to four weeks through summer to encourage full, lush growth.
Repot every couple of years in spring, using a free-draining mix opened up with a handful of perlite so it drains well while still holding some moisture. Marantas are also easy to multiply, either from cuttings or by gently dividing the roots when you repot.
Ask about availability. We keep a changing range of indoor plants. WhatsApp us to see what is in store, or pop in and we will help you choose.
