How to Grow and Care for the Maranta Plant

The Maranta plant, or “prayer plant,” is a popular houseplant known for its decorative foliage. Its common name comes from the leaves’ tendency to lie flat during the day and fold upward at night, resembling hands in prayer. Native to Brazilian rainforests, its appeal lies in the striking patterns on its leaves. The plant’s low-growing, spreading habit makes it suitable for various indoor settings.

Essential Maranta Care

Maranta plants thrive in medium to bright indirect light, similar to the filtered sunlight of a rainforest floor. An east or west-facing window is often ideal, as direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. It is best to use distilled, filtered, or rainwater. Marantas are sensitive to minerals and chemicals in tap water.

A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is ideal. You can amend a standard mix with perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage and aeration, preventing the soil from becoming overly compacted.

These tropical plants demand high humidity of at least 50%. You can use a humidifier, place the pot on a pebble tray with water, or group it with other plants. Keep temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and away from drafts.

During the spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month. Over-fertilizing can damage the plant by causing salt buildup in the soil. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the winter.

Popular Maranta Varieties

One of the most common varieties is Maranta leuconeura ‘Kerchoveana’, or the “Green Prayer Plant.” This variety features light green leaves with two rows of darker green splotches on either side of the central vein.

Another recognized variety is Maranta leuconeura ‘Fascinator’, the “Red Prayer Plant.” Its leaves are a deep green with bright red veins in a herringbone pattern. The undersides of the leaves are often a deep reddish-purple.

The Maranta leuconeura ‘Lemon Lime’ offers a different color palette with vibrant chartreuse leaves. The foliage is marked with dark green veins in the same distinctive herringbone pattern. The bright, citrus-like colors provide a lively contrast to the darker greens of other houseplants.

Solving Common Problems

Crispy, brown leaf edges often point to a lack of humidity or the use of tap water with high levels of minerals or fluoride. Increasing humidity and switching to filtered or distilled water can alleviate this problem.

Yellowing leaves, especially at the base of the plant, are a common sign of overwatering. Persistently soggy soil leads to a lack of oxygen for the roots, which can result in root rot.

If the patterns on the leaves start to fade, the plant is likely receiving too much direct sunlight. Moving the plant to a location with bright, indirect light will help it regain its rich coloration.

Marantas can be affected by pests like spider mites, which thrive in dry conditions. Regularly inspect the leaves for pests. If found, they can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Propagating Maranta

Maranta plants are easily propagated from stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and use clean scissors to make a cut just below a node, which is the small bump where leaves and roots emerge. The cutting should have a few leaves attached.

You can root the cutting in either water or soil. For water propagation, place the cutting in a jar of filtered water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water weekly, and roots should form within a few weeks.

For soil propagation, dip the cut end in a rooting hormone and plant it in a small pot with moist, well-draining potting mix. Covering the pot with a clear plastic bag creates a humid environment to support the cutting as it establishes roots.