The maranta or prayer plant is one of the most beautiful you can have inside your home.. With large and incredible leaves, it is the envy of many. And it is that this mobile plant (because it moves) can bring you many joys.
Want to know more about her? So keep reading because we have made a summary of the characteristics of the maranta and the most important care it needs.
Contents
How is the maranta or prayer plant
Source: Ecological Magical Garden
Many times the maranta is confused with the Calathea. And they are actually two different plants from each other. This is native to America, specifically Brazil. In its natural habitat, it lives in very humid forests, and since it does not grow much, the sun barely reaches it because the trees themselves filter it.
The most characteristic of the maranta or prayer plant is undoubtedly its leaves. These can have a mixture of colors, which will range from dark green to yellow, pink, red, white… But, from behind, you will have a purple color on all these leaves.
Regarding its size, it does not grow too much (about 30-50 centimeters). They are highly branched and often sprout new shoots from the ground. Additionally, the branches are weak (often due to the weight of the leaves themselves) which means that when it comes to having them, they are almost always pendulous (or creeping) in shape and They grow wide, where they can easily reach a meter in length.
One of the peculiarities of the maranta or prayer plant is that it moves. Yes, as you have read. The maranta has the peculiarity that at night it folds its leaves, in such a way that they are seen as closed, and in the morning it opens them and follows the light of the sun. Therefore, although it is not easy to see with the naked eye, if you place a camera that records 24 hours, you will see how your plant moves.
Care of the maranta or prayer plant
Source: YouTube Infojardinage
Now that you know the maranta or prayer plant a little better, What if we gave you the keys so you wouldn’t die at the first change? You should keep in mind that we do not recommend having a maranta if you live in an area where you have very little humidity and a lot of heat. Although it can be adapted, it is difficult and it is possible that several die if you are not very above them. If you want to try it, go for it, it is not an excessively expensive plant and its beauty is worth it.
location and temperature
The maranta or prayer plant is one of those that you can have inside the house without worrying at all because it receives little light. In fact, it adapts perfectly to the shade. But if you want it to look good, it’s best to place it in a corner where it receives indirect light for several hours.
If you notice that your plant is starting to have whiter leaves, contrary to what you might think, this does not tell you that it needs more light, but on the contrary, it is that it needs it. receives too much.
As for the temperature here, you may have a problem. Its ideal is between 18 and 22ºC.. But anything above that temperature, more or less, harms him.
For example, if it is hot, the plant stops growing and stagnates. If it is cold, the plant also slows down its growth and can deteriorate. This is one of the most important conditions that can cause you to lose the plant in a few months.
Substrate
The best substrate for the maranta or prayer plant is a universal substrate mix with peat and lots of drainage. This way you get a light soil, which does not clump and where the roots can breathe.
Irrigation
It is one of the fundamental cares of the maranta or prayer plant. And the problem is that sometimes it’s not done well. We start from the fact that this plant needs to have moist soil. But too much water can kill it. So when it comes to watering, you have to control what kind of soil it has and whether it is needed or not.
If you touch the soil and feel it moist (not cold), you won’t have to water. If it’s dry, then yes, and don’t start again until the first few layers of soil look dry.
In addition to irrigation, and it seems even more important than that, there is humidity. This plant requires 60% or more humidity to stay beautiful. (You will notice over time, that it takes fewer, smaller leaves and they die immediately). It happens when you get the wrong one. And this moisture can feed the plant with water (with which we water less).
To cover this need, you can place it next to a humidifier or create a dish with water and pebbles so that it evaporates over time and gives it moisture.
Size
Source: Ecological Magical Garden
In general, the maranta or prayer plant is not pruned. But you will need to do this if you find dried out, dead, damaged stems, etc. Burned, brown, dead leaves… they must also be removed so that they do not spoil the appearance.
Plagues and diseases
We are not going to tell you that it is not delicate, because it is, and a lot. Problems with the leaves (they turn brown, lose their color, curl, have spots…) and the fact that it is easily attacked by the cottony mealybug will entertain you for a while to control it.
In the case of scale insects, it can kill the plant and leave it with virtually nothing. If you manage to eliminate the plague, it may grow back, but it won’t be as pretty as before.
Multiplication
Finally, we have the reproduction of the maranta or prayer plant. And the best way to do this is to take cuttings. You need to make sure to cut below the nodes as these will be where it will root.
Once cut, put them in water in a bright place and wait for them to take root. In fact, it does not take long, and it is also possible that it will also begin to take leaves. When it does, plant it in a pot and keep it moist.
The maranta or prayer plant is without a doubt one of the most beautiful houseplants you can have. Although, as you have seen, it is somewhat delicate and not suitable for all homes. Do you have one at home? How do you take care of it?