Maranta Red Vein

In addition to the gorgeous green pattering on the leaves, there is a red vein that runs through the axis and feathers to the edges.
Commonly known as Prayer Plants, because when they rest in darkness the leaves are vertical, like hands in prayer position. In the light they are horizontal, so you can enjoy their beautiful pattering. They can change between the two positions quite readily, so if you enjoy some stop motion photography there is a great opportunity.
Is it speaking to me? Rolled in leaves mean they need more water. Brown edges, not enough humidity or, it is too dry. Pale, droopy leaves, too much water. Yellow leaves, this could be your tap water, use filtered water, or let your watering can stand overnight to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
SIZE (HxW): 10-30cm x 10-30cm
I SEE THE LIGHT: They grow best in a bright, indirect light – if you need a light to read by during the day in their position, it is too dark.
I NEED A DRINK: Average. Water well in spring/summer and only weekly to every other week in winter – they don’t like to be cold and wet. Ideally use filtered water/rain water/distilled water/allow tap water to sit over night as they can be a bit sensitive to the chemicals in tap water.
Maranta will grow best with some humidity. If live in a cold climate, your heating in winter might dry the plant out (leaf tips will turn brown or just drop off). You can provide some humidity for your beloved plant, by placing them over a plate with rocks and water. Or if you want to get very fancy and grow a few of these tropical treats, a humidifier is a good investment – they are also good for you. Another option is to grow them in a terrarium. You can also spritz the leaves every so often.
I WILL SURVIVE: In pots use a good quality potting mix to ensure good drainage. Ideally the pot or hanging basket should have drainage holes, if it doesn’t, you need to promise not to over water, if left to sit in boggy soils the plant will rot.
Add a diluted liquid fertiliser every other watering over spring/summer, just follow the directions on the pack. Look out for mealy bugs that can gather at the base of the stem, a cotton bud dipped in metho/vodka will soon sort them out. Give the leaves a spruce up with a cloth if they become dusty. Snip out any spent or damaged leaves to keep your plant happy and healthy. You can just trim the damaged part too, then remove the leaf as the foliage bulks up. Repot every couple of years to renew vigour in the plant.

Supplied as: Pots
Size: 7.5 cm