Happy Urban Dirt

Maranta, also known as arrowroot, is one of the most lovely plants you can have in your home.. With its huge and amazing leaves, it is the envy of many. And it is this mobile plant (because it moves) that can give you a lot of joy.

Want to know more about it? Read on as we’ve put together a summary of the characteristics of arrowroot and the most crucial care it needs.

What is the name of the arrowroot or prayer plant?

Source: Eco Magic Garden

Maranta is often confused with Calathea. In fact, they are two different plants. It comes from America, specifically from Brazil. In its natural habitat it lives in very muggy forests, and since it does not grow much, the sun hardly reaches it, because the trees themselves filter it.

The most characteristic feature of arrowroot, also known as the prayer plant, is undoubtedly its leaves. They can have a mixture of colors, from murky green to yellow, pink, red, white… But when viewed from the back, all the leaves will be purple in color.

In terms of size, it does not grow very much (around 30-50 centimeters). They are highly branched and often send out novel shoots from the ground. In addition, the branches are tender (often due to the weight of the leaves themselves), which means that when it comes to having them, they almost always have a drooping (or creeping) form and They grow in width, where they can easily reach a meter in length.

One of the peculiarities of arrowroot, also known as prayer plant, is that it moves. Yes, as you read. Maranta has the special feature that at night it folds its leaves in such a way that they are seen closed, and in the morning it opens them and follows the sunlight. So, while it’s not uncomplicated to see with the naked eye, if you put a camera up that records 24 hours a day, you’ll be able to see your plant moving.

Caring for the prayer plant, arrowroot

Source: YouTube Infogardening

Now that you know a little more about arrowroot, or the prayer plant, What if we give you the keys so you don’t die on your first shift? It is crucial to note that we do not recommend having arrowroot if you live in an area with very low humidity and a lot of heat. Although it is adaptable, it is complex and it is possible that several of them will die if you do not take good care of them. If you want to try it, go ahead, it is not an overly steep plant and its beauty is worth a try.

location and temperature

Maranta, also known as the prayer plant, is one of those plants that you can have in your home without any worries because it receives little lightweight. In fact, it adapts perfectly to the shade. But if you want it to be good, it is best to place it in a corner where it will receive indirect lightweight for a few hours.

If you notice that your plant’s leaves are starting to turn whiter, contrary to what you might think, it doesn’t mean that it needs more lightweight, but rather that it is receiving too much of it.

When it comes to temperature, this is where you may have a problem. The ideal temperature is 18-22ºC. But anything that exceeds this temperature, to a greater or lesser extent, harms it.

For example, if it is balmy, the plant stops growing and freezes. If it is icy, the plant also slows down its growth and may deteriorate. This is one of the most crucial conditions that can cause the loss of the plant within a few months.

Subsoil

The best substrate for arrowroot or prayer plant is a mixture of universal substrate with peat and plenty of drainage. This way you get a lightweight soil that does not clump and allows the roots to breathe.

Irrigation

This is one of the basic care activities of the arrowroot or prayer plant. The problem is that sometimes it is not done well. We start with the fact that this plant needs wet soil. But too much water can kill them. Therefore, when watering, you should take into account the type of soil and whether watering is necessary or not.

If you touch the soil and it feels wet (not icy), you don’t need to water. If it feels parched, then yes, and don’t water again until the first few layers of soil look parched.

In addition to hydration, and we would even say more crucial, is hydration. For the plant to maintain its lovely appearance, it needs air humidity of 60% or more. (Over time you will notice that it has fewer leaves, they are smaller and die right away.) This happens when you do not have the right. And this moisture can feed the plant with water (which is watered less).

To meet this need, you can place it next to your humidifier. or prepare a container with water and pebbles, which will evaporate over time and moisturize the interior.

pruning

Source: Eco Magic Garden

Generally, arrowroot or prayer plant should not be pruned. But you will need to do it if you find stems that are dried out, dead, damaged, etc. Burnt, browned, dead leaves… these should also be removed so that they do not spoil the appearance of the tree.

Plagues and diseases

We won’t say that it isn’t tender, because it is, very tender. Leaf problems (turning brown, losing color, curling, spots appearing…) and the fact that it is uncomplicated for the whitefly to attack will keep you entertained for some time trying to control it.

In the case of whiteflies, it can kill the plant and leave it with almost nothing. If you can remove the blight, it may sprout again, but it won’t be as pretty as before.

Multiplication

Finally, we have the propagation of arrowroot or prayer plant. And the best way to do this is by cutting cuttings. You need to make sure that you cut below the nodes because that is where the plant will take root.

After cutting them, place them in water in a glowing place and wait for them to take root. In fact, it doesn’t take long and it’s also possible that it will start to sprout leaves as well. When it does, pot it up and keep it wet.

The arrowroot or prayer plant is undoubtedly one of the most lovely houseplants you can have. Although, as you have seen, it is a bit tender and not suitable for all homes. Do you have one at home? How do you care for it?