Maranta

These frost tender perennials are native to tropical America and are grown for their beautiful foliage. They can be grown outside in frost-free climates only. Their leaves rise straight out of the soil and vary in size and shape. They are often marked with streaks or blotches of contrasting colors. M. leuconeura variety erythroneura (Herringbone Plant) has oblong, velvety, black green leaves veined with red and having a lime-green midrib area. This plant will produce erect spikes of small, white or violet flowers throughout the year. M. leuconeura variety kerchoveana (Rabbit Tracks) has oblong grayish-green leaves marked with dark brown blotches that fade with age. Its small, mauve or white flowers are also produced throughout the year.

Pot Cultivation

Marantas need a minimum temperature of 60 degrees. In cool climates, grow as a house or greenhouse plant in containers filled with one part loam, two parts peat, and half a part of sand. The atmosphere should be humid and the leaves sprayed with water several times a day. They should be set in a draft-free area with medium to bright light, but not direct sun. These plants are great for a terrarium. Repotting is done in February or March. Their pots need adequate drainage because the plants need a lot of water during the summer and will not do well if they're waterlogged. When they are repotted, the loose soil should be removed and they are set in slightly larger pots. The soil must not be packed too hard, firm gently with the fingers. Water sparingly until the pots are filled with roots when it can be given freely until the end of the summer. The soil is only watered when it becomes fairly dry in the winter. During the summer months, well-rooted plants should be watered with weak liquid fertilizer.

Propagation

Division is the principle method used to increase these plants in the spring or summer. Old plants are removed from their pots and the soil is washed away from the roots. The rhizomes are cut through with a sharp knife and the cut surfaces are dipped in sulphur. Take care not to bruise them, because this could cause them to decay. Pot the pieces in pots just large enough to hold the roots without cramping them. After potting, they should be placed in a propagating case with bottom heat to assist the growth of roots in the new compost. Stem cuttings may also be used in the summer.