Maranta

maranta

( muh - ran - tuh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering plants is native to tropical areas in South America and the West Indies. Plants commonly have beautifully patterned foliage and are commonly called Arrowroots or Prayer Plants (due to their tendency to droop or 'pray' during the evening and nighttime hours). Plants in the genus vary in habit, some taking upright forms and others preferring to trail. Use these plants in hanging baskets or containers, as a shady area groundcover, in terrariums or simply as accents in mixed beds and borders. They are able to be grown outdoors in tropical climates, but otherwise will need to be kept as indoor plants.

Maranta Species and Varietals

The genus Maranta includes 43 species, and is the type genus member of the plant family Marantaceae. The plants in this genus are related to those in Calathea (Prayer Plants), Alpinia (Ginger Lily), Ensete (False Banana), Canna, Curcuma (Turmeric), Heliconia, Musa (Banana), and Zingiber (Ginger). Maranta plants are suited for growing outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 11 and 12. Outside of these zones, they are cultivated as indoor plants or greenhouse specimens. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Maranta arundinacea (Arrowroot, Maranta, West Indian Arrowroot, Obedience Plant, Arau, Araruto, Ararao, Hulankeeriya)
This perennial herbaceous sub-shrub reaches between 1-5 feet tall at maturity. Roots are commonly used as an edible starch or turned into a flour. Flowers are white and bloom about 90 days after planting. There is a variety of this species with white-variegated foliage that is commonly referred to as 'Variegated Arrowroot'. This species is considered invasive in southern Florida, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and tropical regions across southeast Asia, China, and the Pacific Islands.

Maranta leuconeura (Prayer Plant, Herringbone Plant, Rabbit's Foot)
This species is widely cultivated as a trailing houseplant, and many varieties are available with gorgeous foliage. They typically reach up to 6 to 12 inches tall and have a spread of 12 to 18 inches. The specific epithet leuconeura refers to the white veining commonly found on leaves. Flowers are small and white to purple in color. A few cultivars are listed below:

'Red'

'Lemon Lime'

'Green'

'Beauty Kim'

'Black'

'Silver Band'

'Cat Mustache'

'Cristata'

Caring for Maranta

Maranta can be grown outdoors in climates that remain between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. They prefer a space with bright, indirect light that is protected from direct sun, as foliage tends to burn. Foliage can also be damaged by wind. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 (slightly acidic). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but ensuring it does not become waterlogged. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Calathea plants can survive in the landscape for between 5 and 10 years if given proper care before needing to be replaced.

Growing Maranta Indoors
Maranta plants grown indoors will need to be placed in an area that receives indirect light. In their native landscapes, they grow in the understory of thick forested sites, and never receive direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. The best light is indirect sun from an east-, south-, or west-facing window. Choose a container that has a drainage tray underneath that can be filled with rocks; this will help to keep the area around the plant humid. The container should be 1-2 inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Fill with a well-draining substrate; a great soil for Maranta is a mix created for African Violets. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new pot. At maturity, these plants appreciate consistently moist soil; as a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. After a few years, these plants will need to be divided to ensure ongoing health. For instructions on how to successfully divide a Maranta plant, see the Propagation section below.

Propagation

The best way to propagate a Maranta, or Prayer Plant, is to divide already existing plants. For instructions on how to divide these tropical plants, see the directions below:

Propagating Maranta by Division
Division is the easiest way to propagate these plants. The idea behind this method is that you are taking an existing clump of live plants and breaking it into smaller segments. This is something you will want to do whether or not you are looking to propagate your plant, as they need to be divided every three to five years to keep them healthy. Otherwise, the roots will become too crowded, especially if they are being grown in a cramped border or container. To use this method, gather a clean shovel, clean pruning saw, extra pots if you are not going to immediately replant your divisions in the ground, and well-draining soil to fill the pots.

Identify the area of plants you're going to divide. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working your way inward to avoid causing damage to the roots. If the Maranta is being grown in a container, remove the entire root ball from the pot. Once you've gotten it out of the ground or pot, lay it out on its side.
Divide the clump into segments, either with your shovel or with a pruning saw, as many as you'd like as long as there are at least a few growing points per division. Inspect each segment to ensure healthy roots and lay them out on the ground. If there are any blackened or rotted out root areas, trim them at this time.
If you will be planting your Maranta in the ground, this is when you'll prepare your new hole. Dig a hole (large enough to accommodate the root ball of the clump you are planting) in the ground with your shovel in a sunny location with soil that is well-draining. If you have issues with drainage in your garden, amend with loamy soil before planting. Backfill and water generously. If planting in a container, simply add well-draining substrate and top with a layer of mulch.

Problems and Pests

Certain Maranta species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Maranta plants are susceptible to the following issues and pests: