Marantas are some of the most strikingly beautiful indoor plants around. They definitely require some extra care compared to other common houseplants, but it is worth the effort!
Background
Maranta is a genus of plants native to Central and South America. They, along with Calatheas, are also commonly known as “Prayer Plants”. This is because during the daylight their leaves will lay flat and during the night, the leaves will fold up.
Size
Marantas will naturally spread out, and they never get very tall, maybe about a foot or so maximum in the home setting.
Growing Conditions
Light
Bright, indirect sunlight. No direct sunlight, as the leaves will burn. They can survive in lower light, but the leaves might not fully open up during the day in a lower light spot. If the plant is receiving too much light, it might start getting brown leaf edges. (Brown leaf edges can be from other causes as well.)
Watering
Needs more frequent watering during the growing season, and less water during the colder months. Do not let the soil completely dry out between waterings, but do let the soil dry somewhat before you water again.
We recommend using water without fluoride, as fluoride can cause Marantas to get brown edges on their leaves.
Potting Mix
Should be fine with any normal potting mixture for indoor plants.
Humidity
Prefers higher humidity. Since most homes do not have high humidity year-round, use one of these solutions:
1. Place Marantas in a room where you have a humidifier.
2. Group your Maranta plant with other plants nearby.
3. You can try a pebble tray with water underneath your plant, making sure that none of the roots are ever sitting in any standing water. Keep in mind that this method is anecdotal and there is disagreement on whether it actually works or not.
We do not recommend misting Marantas.
Fertilizer
Every few weeks or so during growing season. Once a month, or not at all during the colder months. Marantas can go through a short period of dormancy during the winter.
Propagation
Marantas can easily be propagated from cuttings. Cut just below one of the nodes and set in a glass vessel full of water. Change out the water every few days or at least once a week. Depending on the amount of light the cuttings are receiving, you should start seeing roots within a couple weeks up to a month.
Cuttings can also be placed in peat moss, soil, or other mediums.
Lastly, you can simply propagate by dividing up the plant in the spring or summer months, as Marantas are a clumping plant.
Toxicity
Non-toxic according to the ASPCA.
Potential Problems
Browning leaves on Maranta plant. The number one issue with Marantas is by far browning of the edges of the leaves. This can be caused by any of these main issues:
1. The humidity is too low around the plant. If the air is too dry (and this is especially a problem in winter) the leaves will start browning on the edges.
2. As mentioned in the “Water” section, water that contains fluoride can also cause brown leaf edges.
3. Your plant might be receiving an excess of light, especially direct sunlight.
4. You might be over-fertilizing your plant.
Cold temperatures. Keep your Marantas away from cold drafts/windows! They are intolerant of cold temperatures.