Maranta - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Maranta leuconeura is a small tropical plant with broad oval leaves, up to 8 inches long by half as wide. The leaves fold upwards at night, hence the common name. Maranta leuconeura need full shade and warm temperatures. Water regularly; do not overwater.

Mostly grown in gardens for the handsomely patterned foliage. Calathea prefers moist, shady, jungle-like conditions in a garden and is also often grown as potted specimens. When it is used as a house plant, the leaves should be sprayed with water several times a week. Propagation is by root division. Water with soft water. Keep uniform high humidity and temperature. Look best when grouped with other foliage plants. Can be used in a bottle garden or terrarium. This plant requires very specific growing conditions in order to thrive. Place in a warm, shady position i.e. one that never receives direct or indirect sun. Feed with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during Spring and Summer and once a month during Autumn and Winter. Stand on a tray filled with water and pebbles to increase humidity. Water plentifully. Never allow to dry out - keep the potting mixture moist at all times. Repot every Spring using a mix of two thirds potting mixture and one third leaf mould or peat. Once the plant has been potted on to a fifteen centimetre pot , it is only necessary to replace the top layer of soil.

See Article - How to grow Calathea indoors.

This plant has been called Wheat Calathea for its inflorescence, which is reminiscent of Wheat and carries small purple flowers.

Pleiostachya pruinosa is a shade-loving tropical plant from Central and South America, recognized for its upright growth and powdery, bluish-green foliage with a silvery sheen. It prefers warm, humid conditions, rich moist soil, and protection from direct sun. Ideal for USDA Zone 11 or as an ornamental foliage plant in indoor or greenhouse settings.

Mostly grown in gardens for the handsomely patterned foliage. Calathea prefers moist, shady, jungle-like conditions in a garden and is also often grown as potted specimens. When it is used as a house plant, the leaves should be sprayed with water several times a week. Propagation is by root division. Water with soft water. Keep uniform high humidity and temperature.

Some of the Calathea species have been reclassified as species of the Ischnosiphon, Maranta and Goeppertia genera.

Ctenanthe is a genus of tropical plants native to tropical Brazil and related to Calathea and Maranta . It is primarily grown for its striking foliage This plant requires a well-drained soil and should be kept moist during the growing season. It thrives in high humidity and bright indirect light.

In colder climates, it is best grown in a house or greenhouse with a steady temperature and humidity. The foliage should be sprayed with water several times a day and given a liquid fertilizer in the spring. The soil should not be packed too hard and the plant should be divided as needed. This plant adds a lush, tropical feel to shaded patios or courtyards. It should not be overwatered, especially in the winter when water should only be given when the soil is somewhat dry.

Ctenanthe lubbersiana variegata has deep variegation, with branching bamboo-like stems and oblong green, veined leaves that are mottled with cream and gold. Plant in a well-drained soil and keep moist during the growing season.

In USDA zones below 11, grow as a houseplant or seasonal container specimen.

Calathea burle-marxii (Ice Blue Calathea) is an attractive small shrub, native to Brazil, that can reach up to 2-5 feet in height. It boasts an array of ornamental foliage in silver and blue hues, as well as white, off-white, blue, lavender and purple flowers.

This plant requires regular watering and should never be allowed to dry out between waterings. It performs best in shade or semi-shade, and will appreciate some kind of humidity system if kept in dry indoor conditions. Fertilize regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer to keep your Calathea looking its best.

In USDA zones below 10, grow as a houseplant or seasonal container specimen. If you do need to overwinter your Calathea, make sure the pot it is in has good drainage and that you place it in a warm, lightly shaded area. Make sure not to overwater it during this time, as this could lead to root rot. Move the plant back outside during spring and summer.

The unusual inflorescences are upright, shaped like a rattlesnake's rattle, up to 10 inches (25 cm) long, and consist of stacked leathery floral bracts with small, yellow or yellow-orange flowers peeking out at the edges. The relatively inconspicuous actual flowers are tubular and have 3 unequal lobes. In USDA zones below 10, grow as a houseplant or seasonal container specimen.