Common
name: "Prayer Plant" or "Red Maranta"
Latin name: Maranta leuconeura
Native
to: Brazil
Growth habit: A low growing semi-vining plant usually
not over 12" in height or 20" in width.
Flowers: Yes, but unsightly.
Temps: Normal indoor temps
Humidity: Not critical. Pests: Watch for spider
mites or mealy bug.
Houseplant
Cultural
information: These beautiful plants are known for
their ability to close their leaves at night... giving
them their name.
Place your plant in bright filtered or indirect light where the
temperatures are not high. Check for water weekly allowing the
surface soil on larger plants to dry down an inch or so between
waterings. Allow the surface of the soil to dry to the touch on
small starter plants. If you live in a area of hard water, water
your plant with distilled water. Let tap water sit out over night
before watering your plant. Feed bi-monthly with a balanced liquid
fertilizer. When transplanting... always re-pot your plant in a
shallow container to accommodate their shallow root system.
"Prayer Plants" are available as small starter plants
in 3" and 4" containers as well as 6" pots and
trellises along with 6" and 8" hanging baskets.