Maranta - Prayer Plant: Growing and Care

Botany and description

Marantas, also known as prayer plants, belong to the Marantaceae family (like Calatheas), a botanical genus comprising several tropical species with ornamental foliage. Their genus name, Maranta, pays homage to the Venetian botanist and physician Bartolomeo Maranta, who made his mark in the 16th century through his work on medicinal plants. In French, they are often referred to as maranta, prayer plant, or more rarely, arrowroot herb, due to their leaves that fold vertically at nightfall, a phenomenon reminiscent of hands joined in prayer.

In their natural habitat, marantas thrive in the humid tropical forests of Central and South America, where they flourish in the dense shade of trees, benefiting from rich soil and a warm, humid atmosphere. Their ability to tolerate low light and their spectacularly patterned foliage explain why they have become highly sought-after houseplants. Easy to care for as long as their needs for humidity and filtered light are met, they add an exotic and lively touch to any interior.

Among the most commonly cultivated species and varieties, Maranta leuconeura stands out for its foliage adorned with veins and coloured spots. This species comes in several popular varieties, such as ‘Fascinator’, with leaves veined in red and marked with dark green spots, or ‘Kerchoveana’, nicknamed “rabbit’s foot maranta” for its oval chocolate-brown spots that resemble animal footprints.

Marantas have a low, spreading habit, often creeping or slightly bushy, making them ideal plants for hanging baskets or wide pots where they can display their foliage. They mainly grow in compact clumps, with slender, flexible stems that extend horizontally rather than growing tall. Some varieties, like Maranta leuconeura ‘Fascinator’, have a slightly trailing habit.

Maranta arundinacea ‘Variegata’ displays variegated foliage.

Their root system is rhizomatous, characterised by tuberous roots that allow them to store water and nutrients. This feature gives them good resistance to periods of relative drought, although their need for humidity remains important for proper development. The rhizomes also facilitate plant propagation by division, a common method in cultivation.

Marantas develop herbaceous, short and creeping stems, directly connecting the root system to the foliage. They emerge in clusters from the base of the plant, forming a dense clump that gradually spreads.

The foliage is undoubtedly the most spectacular characteristic of marantas. Their ovate to elliptical leaves are borne on long petioles and display impressive graphic patterns. The lamina texture is often slightly velvety, with an upper surface decorated with prominent veins and contrasting spots, while the underside is usually tinged with purple. These leaves also have the peculiarity of folding upwards at nightfall, a phenomenon linked to a natural mechanism called nyctinasty*.

Although mainly grown for their foliage, marantas are also capable of flowering, although the blooms are more discreet than those of calatheas. They produce small tubular flowers in white, pink or mauve hues, grouped in sparse inflorescences at the top of slender stems. In Maranta arundinacea, a species cultivated for its edible starch (arrowroot), flowering remains modest and unspectacular compared to the foliage. Rarely, some species, like Maranta subterranea, have asymmetrical flowers, meaning without any symmetry.

In their natural environment, marantas can produce small capsular fruits, but this phenomenon is rarely observed in pots, as conditions are not always ideal for completing this process.

*Nyctinasty is a natural movement of leaves in response to light variations, caused by cells at the base of the petiole that regulate water pressure. This nyctinasty allows marantas to reduce nocturnal moisture loss by limiting the exposure of their leaves to the surrounding air, which is particularly useful in their tropical habitat. It may also play a role in protection against nocturnal herbivores or promote rainwater runoff along the leaves to prevent stagnation and limit the risk of fungal diseases.

The Maranta leuconeura ‘Fascinator’ reveals tricoloured foliage.

When and how to plant a maranta in a pot for indoors?

When to plant a maranta?

The best time to plant a maranta in a pot is in spring or summer, when the plant is in full growth and adapts more easily to its new environment. Avoid winter, as the plant slows down its activity and may struggle to recover.

What substrate to use?

Marantas like a light, well-draining and organic-rich soil. The ideal mix is:

• 1/3 houseplant compost for nutrients,
• 1/3 turf or coconut fibre to retain moisture,
• 1/3 perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage.
  Adding activated charcoal can also help prevent mould.

Alternatively, a good indoor plant compost will do the trick.

Where to place your maranta?

• Exposure: it prefers soft, indirect light. Place it near an east or north-facing window, or a few metres from a south or west-facing window, avoiding direct sunlight which could scorch its foliage.
• Temperature: between 18 and 25°C, avoiding draughts and temperatures below 15°C.
• Ambient humidity: it loves a humid atmosphere, around 60-70%. If the air is too dry, use a humidifier, a tray with clay pebbles and water under the pot, or mist its leaves regularly.

The maranta likes filtered light.

Which pot to choose?

• Material: it’s rare we recommend this, but opt for a plastic or glazed terracotta pot, as they retain moisture better than unglazed terracotta, where the substrate dries out too quickly.
• Size: choose a pot slightly larger than the root ball, as an oversized pot retains too much water and increases the risk of root rot. A diameter 2 to 3 cm larger than the root ball is sufficient. Ensure it has drainage holes.

How to plant a maranta in a pot?

1. Prepare the pot: place a drainage layer (clay pebbles or gravel) at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
2. Add substrate: partially fill the pot with your compost-turf-perlite mix.
3. Remove from pot: gently take the maranta out of its original pot. If the roots are tightly packed, loosen them carefully.
4. Position the plant: place the maranta in the centre of the pot and add substrate around it, lightly firming to avoid air pockets. Ensure the base of the stems is at the same level as in the previous pot.
5. Water generously: immediately after planting, water thoroughly to moisten the substrate and help the plant establish.
6. Place the plant in its final position and monitor the substrate moisture in the following days.

Repotting

Repotting is needed every 2 to 3 years, in spring, when the roots completely fill the pot and start coming out. It’s also an opportunity to refresh the substrate, divide the plant if it’s too dense and remove damaged roots.

Staking with a support

Some varieties, like Maranta leuconeura ‘Fascinator’, can have a slightly trailing or scattered growth. If you want to give them a more upright and tidy shape, use a moss or bamboo stake. Gently tie the stems with soft ties, without tightening too much to avoid damage. This staking also helps optimise each leaf’s exposure to light and adds an extra aesthetic touch to the plant.

Care and maintenance of prayer plants

Watering: maintain constant moisture without excess

Marantas prefer a substrate that is always slightly moist, but never waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering causes the leaves to dry out.

• Frequency: water approximately 1 to 2 times per week in spring and summer, and reduce in winter to every 10 to 15 days depending on room temperature.
• Water quality: use non-calcareous water (rainwater, filtered or left to stand for 24 hours) to prevent leaf yellowing.
• Method: water directly into the substrate until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Avoid leaving standing water in the saucer.

Additionally, mist the leaves regularly with lukewarm water to maintain good humidity, especially if the surrounding air is dry.

Fertilisation: moderate but regular feeding

• Period: fertilise from spring to autumn, every two weeks.
• Fertiliser type: a liquid fertiliser for green plants, rich in nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), promotes dense and colourful foliage.
• Dosage: you can dilute the fertiliser to half the manufacturer’s recommended dose to avoid excess mineral salts, which could burn the roots.

In winter, stop or space out fertilisation, as the plant enters a dormant period and consumes fewer nutrients.

Pruning: minimal maintenance

Pruning marantas is rarely necessary, but it can help maintain a vigorous and well-shaped plant.

• Remove damaged leaves: if some leaves yellow or dry out, cut them at the base with clean scissors to stimulate new shoot growth.
• Encourage branching: to achieve a denser plant, you can pinch the tips of the stems, which encourages the production of new lateral shoots.

Precautions for optimal growth

• Avoid draughts and temperature fluctuations, which stress the plant and can cause leaves to fold during the day.
• Protect the plant from lime: watering with hard water can lead to brown spots and chlorosis (leaf yellowing).
• Monitor signs of stress: brown leaf edges indicate air that is too dry, wilting may signal over- or underwatering, and leaves losing their colour can be a sign of insufficient light or fertiliser.

Potential parasitic and diseases in marantas

Common Parasitic Pests

• Red spider mites: These tiny mites appear when the air is too dry. They can be identified by fine webs under the leaves and gradual yellowing of the foliage. To prevent them, maintain good humidity by regularly misting the plant. In case of infestation, use a spray of lukewarm water, diluted black soap or a natural acaricide.

• Scale insects: They appear as small white cottony bumps or brown shells attached to stems and leaves. They weaken the plant by sucking its sap. Treatment with a cotton bud soaked in 70° alcohol, black soap or neem oil will gradually eliminate them.

• Thrips: These small black or brown insects leave silvery traces on foliage and cause general weakening of the plant. To limit their spread, increase humidity and use yellow sticky traps or an organic insecticidal treatment in case of severe infestation.

• Aphids: Less common, they sometimes settle on young shoots and suck the sap, deforming leaves. A rinse with water followed by treatment with black soap is usually enough to eliminate them.

Possible Diseases

• Botrytis (grey mould): Caused by excess humidity and poor ventilation, this fungal disease appears as brown, fuzzy spots on leaves. To prevent this, ensure good air circulation around the plant and reduce watering. If infected, remove affected parts and apply a natural fungicidal treatment based on copper or baking soda.

• Root rot: The result of overwatering or poor drainage, it causes blackening of the roots and general wilting of the plant. If roots are soft and brown, repot immediately in dry, well-draining substrate after cutting away rotten parts.

• Leaf spots: Often caused by fungus, they appear as brown or black marks on leaves. Avoid wetting foliage when watering and treat with a natural fungicidal spray if necessary.

How to propagate marantas?

Dividing clumps (the quickest method)

This is the most effective and commonly used method when repotting in spring.

Steps:

• Unpot the plant: gently remove the maranta from its pot and lightly shake the root ball to loosen the roots.
• Separate the clumps: identify the natural sections with well-formed roots and carefully detach them by hand or with a clean, sharp knife.
• Repot the new plants: place each division in a pot slightly larger than its root ball, filled with a light and well-draining substrate (houseplant compost, turf and perlite).
• Water and place in shade: moisten the substrate well after planting and keep the plant in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.

Advantage: this method produces already mature and self-sufficient plants that quickly resume their growth.

Stem propagation by cuttings (slower but effective)

Propagation by cuttings is another option for multiplying marantas, though somewhat slower than division.

Steps:

• Choose a healthy stem: select a vigorous stem with at least 2-3 leaves and a node (the area where leaves emerge).
• Make a clean cut: using clean secateurs, cut just below a node.
• Place in water: put the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged but not the leaves. Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent mould.
• Wait for roots to appear: after 2-4 weeks, roots will begin to develop.
• Plant in soil: once the roots are at least 2-3 cm long, transplant the cutting into a pot with a light, well-draining substrate.
• Monitor moisture: water lightly and place the young plant in filtered light and a humid environment (a clear plastic bag can be temporarily placed to increase humidity).

This young maranta shoot is ready to be potted.

How to best showcase a prayer plant?

What type of interior do marantas thrive in?

• Urban jungle style: paired with other tropical plants like calatheas, monsteras or philodendrons, they create a lush and soothing effect, perfect for a living room or bedroom.
• Bohemian and cosy atmosphere: their trailing foliage pairs well with wicker baskets, macramé and light-coloured wood furniture.
• Minimalist and modern decor: in a sleek interior, a maranta placed in a stylish pot (white, black, concrete or smooth ceramic) adds a touch of softness and sophistication with its textured foliage.
• Tropical chic or vintage style: with rattan furniture, brass accents and warm colours (terracotta, forest green, ochre), it perfectly complements a 70s-inspired or exotic decor.

What type of pot showcases a maranta best?

The choice of pot influences the overall aesthetics of the plant and its surroundings.

• Textured or glazed ceramic pots: ideal for adding an elegant and colourful touch, especially in green, blue or terracotta shades that evoke nature.
• Glazed terracotta pots: preserve substrate moisture and add an artisanal, warm feel.
• Rattan or wicker planters: perfect for enhancing a bohemian and natural ambiance, playing with organic materials.
• Hanging or raised pots: to highlight the slightly trailing habit of certain varieties (Maranta leuconeura ‘Fascinator’), creating a very aesthetic cascading effect.

Decor tip: pair the maranta with plants of different heights and textures for a harmonious jungle effect. Soft lighting near the plant will also highlight its patterns and beautiful colours!

Right: Maranta leuconeura – Left: Maranta leuconeura ‘Tricolor’