25 Popular Types Of Maranta Pictorial Guide

Maranta, also known as Prayer Plants, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Marantaceae family. These tropical plants are native to Central and South America and are popular among indoor plant enthusiasts for their striking foliage and unique ability to move their leaves throughout the day.

The Maranta genus comprises approximately 50 species of plants, each with its own distinctive foliage pattern and coloring. Some of the most popular species include Maranta leuconeura, Maranta tricolor, and Maranta kerchoveana. These plants typically grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches and have a spread of 18 to 24 inches.

One of the most distinctive features of Maranta plants is their foliage. The leaves are typically oval or lance-shaped, with intricate patterns of veins and colors that range from deep green to burgundy and pink. In addition, Maranta plants have a unique ability to move their leaves throughout the day in response to changes in light and temperature. This movement is known as nyctinasty, and it helps the plant maximize its exposure to sunlight and minimize water loss.

Maranta plants are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginner indoor gardeners. They thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer soil that is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight or overwatering, as this can cause the leaves to scorch or the roots to rot.

In terms of propagation, Maranta plants can be propagated through division or stem cuttings. To propagate through division, simply separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has at least one stem and a healthy root system. To propagate through stem cuttings, take a cutting from the stem and place it in water or soil until roots develop.

In addition to their attractive foliage, Maranta plants are also known for their air-purifying properties. They are able to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making them a great choice for improving indoor air quality.

Overall, Maranta plants are a beautiful and unique addition to any indoor garden. With their striking foliage and easy care requirements, they are a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of tropical flair to your home or purify your indoor air, a Maranta plant is sure to impress.

Here are the 25 Popular Types Of Maranta Pictorial Guide:

Maranta Leuconeura

Maranta Leuconeura, also known as the prayer plant, is a tropical perennial plant native to the rainforests of Brazil. It is popular for its stunningly patterned leaves that fold up at night, resembling hands clasped in prayer. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and indirect light, making it a great choice for indoor gardening. It is also known for its air-purifying qualities, making it an excellent addition to any home or office.

Maranta Arundinacea

Maranta Aarundinacea, also known as arrowroot or obedience plant, is a tropical plant species native to South America. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 1.5 meters tall and produces small white flowers. The plant is mainly cultivated for its starchy rhizomes, which are used to produce arrowroot powder, a gluten-free starch commonly used in cooking and baking as a thickening agent. The leaves of Maranta arundinacea are also used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as diarrhea and fever.

Maranta Fascinator

Maranta Fascinator, also known as the Prayer Plant fascinator, is a tropical perennial plant native to Brazil. It is named for its unique leaves that fold up like hands at night and unfurl in the morning. The leaves are green with a striking pattern of dark green splotches and veins, making it a popular houseplant for its decorative value. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil kept consistently moist.

Maranta Bicolor

Maranta Bicolor, also known as the Prayer Plant, is a species of flowering plant native to Brazil. It is a popular houseplant known for its striking leaves, which are green on top and deep red-purple underneath. The leaves also fold up at night as if in prayer, hence its common name. It thrives in warm, humid environments with indirect light and requires regular watering to keep its soil moist.

Maranta Cristata

Maranta Cristata, also known as the Herringbone Plant or Marisela Plant, is a tropical houseplant native to Brazil. It has distinctive leaves with a herringbone pattern of deep green lines and lighter green veins, and purple undersides. The leaves close up at night and open in the morning, a behavior called nyctinasty. It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity.

Maranta Kerchoveana

Maranta Kerchoveana is a species of flowering plant native to Brazil and commonly known as Rabbit Tracks or Prayer Plant. It is a small, clumping plant with strikingly patterned leaves that fold up at night like hands in prayer. The leaves are green with white stripes on top and reddish-purple underneath. It prefers low to medium light and high humidity, making it a popular choice for indoor gardens and terrariums.

Maranta Roseopicta

Maranta Roseopicta, also known as the prayer plant, is a species of tropical perennial plant that is native to the Brazilian rainforest. It is commonly grown as a houseplant due to its attractive foliage, which features green leaves with striking red veins and markings. The leaves fold up at night, resembling hands folded in prayer, giving rise to its common name. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering.

Maranta Musaica

Maranta Musaica, also known as the “Prayer Plant,” is a tropical plant that is prized for its striking foliage. Its leaves are deep green with bold, intricate patterns of lighter green that resemble a mosaic, hence the name “Musaica.” This plant is native to the rainforests of Brazil and grows well in warm, humid environments with indirect light. The prayer plant gets its name from the way its leaves fold up at night, resembling hands in prayer. It is a popular houseplant and is often grown for its ornamental value.

Maranta Calathea

Maranta Calathea is a species of tropical plant known for its distinctive foliage with colorful, patterned leaves that fold up at night. It is commonly grown as a houseplant and requires bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil to thrive. This species is also valued for its air-purifying properties and is a popular choice for improving indoor air quality.

Maranta Tricolor

Maranta Tricolor, also known as the prayer plant, is a tropical plant species known for its beautiful foliage. Its leaves are variegated with shades of green, pink, and white and have distinctive patterns that resemble painted brushstrokes. The plant is named after its unique habit of folding its leaves upward like hands in prayer at nightfall. It’s a popular choice for indoor gardening due to its low maintenance requirements and striking appearance.

Maranta Stromanthe

Maranta Stromanthe, also known as Stromanthe Sanguinea, is a species of tropical perennial plant that is native to the rainforests of Brazil. It is a member of the Marantaceae family and is characterized by its striking, variegated leaves that are green with red undersides and pinkish-white stripes. It is a popular houseplant due to its unique foliage and low maintenance requirements. In its natural habitat, Maranta Stromanthe grows to be around 3 feet tall, but when grown indoors, it usually stays smaller.

Maranta Recurvata

Maranta Recurvata, commonly known as the Maiden’s Prayer,” is a species of flowering plant in the Marantaceae family. Native to Brazil, it is a popular houseplant known for its unique foliage pattern, which features dark green leaves with striking silver markings on the top and deep purple undersides. It prefers indirect light and moist, well-draining soil and can be easily propagated by division.

Maranta Concinna

Maranta Concinna is a species of plant in the Marantaceae family, commonly known as the Herringbone Plant. It is native to the tropical regions of South America and is often grown as a houseplant for its attractive, patterned leaves that fold up at night. The leaves are light green with dark green herringbone-like stripes and a maroon underside. It prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture in its soil.

Maranta Tenella

Maranta Tenella, also known as the Miniature Prayer Plant, is a small perennial plant native to the rainforests of Brazil. It is a popular houseplant due to its attractive foliage, which features green leaves with red veins on the underside. The leaves also fold up at night, giving the plant its common name of “prayer plant”. Maranta Tenella is relatively easy to care for and prefers bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil.

Maranta Robusta

Maranta Robusta is a popular species of indoor plant known for its attractive foliage. It is a member of the Marantaceae family and is native to tropical regions of Central and South America. The plant is characterized by its large, dark green leaves with prominent veins and a velvety texture.

Maranta Robusta is relatively easy to care for and thrives in medium-to-bright indirect light with consistent moisture levels. It is often used in homes and offices as a decorative plant due to its unique appearance and air-purifying properties.

Maranta Lingulata

Maranta Lingulata, commonly known as the “Prayer Plant,” is a species of perennial flowering plant native to Brazil. It is highly valued for its attractive leaves, which are deep green with striking patterns of reddish-purple veins and midribs. The leaves are also known for their unique behavior, as they fold upward at night, resembling praying hands. The plant requires warm, humid conditions and indirect sunlight to thrive, making it a popular choice for indoor gardening.

Maranta Ruizii

Maranta Ruizii is a species of perennial plant native to South America, known for its unique foliage featuring dark green leaves with intricate patterns of light green veins. It is a popular ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions and is often grown indoors for its decorative appeal. The plant is also commonly known as the “Prayer Plant” due to its habit of folding its leaves up at night as if in prayer.

Maranta Siamensis

Maranta Siamensis, also known as Prayer Plant or Maranta Red Vein, is a species of flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. It is a popular ornamental plant that is valued for its unique foliage, which features bright green leaves with striking red veins. The leaves of Maranta siamensis fold up at night, resembling praying hands, which is why it is called a Prayer Plant. It prefers moderate to high humidity and indirect light, making it an excellent choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.

Maranta Ecuadorensis

Maranta Ecuadorensis is a species of flowering plant native to Ecuador and a member of the Marantaceae family. It is an herbaceous perennial that typically grows in shady, humid environments. The plant is known for its striking foliage, which features deep green leaves with bright red veins and undersides. It is a popular ornamental plant, commonly grown as a houseplant due to its attractive appearance and ease of care.

Maranta Weberbaueri

Maranta Weberbaueri, also known as Weberbauer’s Prayer Plant, is a species of perennial plant native to South America. It is a member of the Marantaceae family and is characterized by its striking foliage, which features deep green leaves with contrasting silver and purple markings. Like other plants in the Maranta genus, M. weberbaueri exhibits a unique movement of its leaves, which fold up at night as if in prayer. It is commonly grown as a houseplant for its attractive appearance and easy care requirements.

Maranta Depressa

Maranta Depressa is a tropical plant species known for its beautiful foliage, characterized by dark green leaves with striking patterns of light green veins. It is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of only 6–12 inches, making it ideal for small indoor spaces. Maranta depressa is often grown as a houseplant and is valued for its ornamental qualities as well as its ability to purify the air. It is also commonly known as “Prayer Plant” due to the way its leaves fold up at night, resembling hands clasped in prayer.

Maranta Insignis

Maranta Insignis, also known as the “Red Prayer Plant,” is a tropical evergreen plant with strikingly beautiful foliage characterized by dark green leaves with red veins and a herringbone-like pattern. This species is known for its ability to fold its leaves upward at night, resembling a pair of praying hands, hence the name “Prayer Plant.” It is a popular houseplant that can thrive in low to medium light conditions, making it an excellent choice for indoor gardening.

Maranta Majestica

Maranta Majestica is a species of tropical evergreen plant known for its strikingly beautiful, broad, dark green leaves with prominent pink veins. It is commonly grown as a houseplant, and its unique foliage and low maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for indoor gardening. The plant prefers bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil, and it may produce small, insignificant flowers in the summer.

Maranta Ornata

Maranta Ornata, also known as “Prayer Plant,” is a popular tropical houseplant known for its striking foliage. The leaves are dark green with a herringbone-like pattern of light green veins, and the undersides are a deep maroon color. This plant is native to Brazil and is typically grown indoors in low to medium light conditions with consistent humidity and moderate watering. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant and can thrive in a variety of environments.

Maranta Rubra

Maranta Rubra, also known as Red Prayer Plant, is a tropical plant species native to the rainforests of Brazil. It is highly valued for its attractive foliage, which features deep green leaves with striking red veins and undersides. The plant is a popular choice for indoor decoration and is relatively easy to care for, requiring bright, indirect light and regular watering. It is also known for its ability to close its leaves at night, giving it the appearance of praying hands, hence the name “prayer plant”.

How To Grow And Care For Maranta

Maranta, also known as prayer plant or herringbone plant, is a popular houseplant known for its unique foliage and ability to fold its leaves at night, resembling hands folded in prayer. Here are some tips on how to grow and care for Maranta:

Light: Marantas prefer bright, indirect light. Do not leave it in direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.

Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top surface of the soil is dry. Do not let the soil dry out completely.

Humidity: Marantas prefer high humidity. To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves regularly or place a tray of water near the plant.

Soil: Marantas prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

Temperature: Marantas prefer temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. Avoid temperatures below 55°F.

Fertilizer: Feed your Maranta with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).

Pruning: Prune your maranta to remove any yellow or dead leaves. You can also squeeze the tips of the stems to boost the plant’s growth.

Propagation: Marantas can be propagated by division. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the rhizomes. Plant each division in a separate pot.

With proper care, your maranta can thrive and provide you with beautiful foliage for years to come.

How To Propagate Maranta

Maranta, also known as prayer plant, is a popular indoor plant that can be easily propagated through division or stem cuttings. Here are the steps for both methods:

Propagation by Division:

1. Choose a healthy Maranta plant that has multiple stems growing from the soil.
2. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the stems, trying to keep as many roots intact as possible.
3. Plant each stem in its own pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
4. Place the new plants in a sunny, indirect-light environment, and thoroughly water them.

Propagation by Stem Cuttings:

1. Select a healthy stem that has at least two leaves and a few nodes.
2. Using a sharp, sterilized knife or scissors, cut the stem just below a node.
3. Take off the bottom leaves from the stem, leaving only two or three leaves at the top.
4. Soak the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder when necessary.
5. Plant the stem in a pot with fresh, well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
6. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or clear plastic wrap to create a humid environment.
7. Place the pot in a sunny, indirect light environment and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
8. After a few weeks, new growth should appear, indicating that the cutting has taken root.

Remember to be patient with your new plants, as it may take several weeks or even months for them to establish themselves and start growing.

Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Maranta

Q: What is a Maranta plant?
A Maranta plant, also known as a prayer plant, is a type of tropical houseplant that is native to Central and South America. It is known for its attractive foliage, which features intricate patterns of green and sometimes reddish-brown coloration.

Q: How do I care for my Maranta plant?
Maranta plants require bright, indirect light, and they prefer to be kept consistently moist but not overly wet. They also benefit from regular misting to increase humidity levels around the plant. Maranta plants can be sensitive to temperature changes and may require additional care during the winter months.

Q: Why is my Maranta plant’s leaves turning brown?
A: Brown leaves on a Maranta plant can be caused by a variety of factors, including underwatering, overwatering, exposure to direct sunlight, or low humidity levels. It’s important to assess the plant’s care conditions and make adjustments as needed to prevent further damage.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Maranta plant?
A: Maranta plants benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season, which typically runs from spring through fall. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every two weeks during this time to support healthy growth.

Q: Can Maranta plants be propagated?
A: Yes, Maranta plants can be propagated through division or stem cuttings. To propagate through division, carefully separate the plant’s roots and replant each section in a new pot. To propagate through stem cuttings, take a cutting from the plant’s stem, place it in water to promote root growth, and then transplant it into soil once roots have developed.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Maranta

1. Maranta is a genus of plants that belongs to the Marantaceae family, which includes over 40 species of flowering plants.
2. The common name for Maranta is “prayer plant,” which comes from the way the leaves fold up at night, as if in prayer.
3. Maranta plants are native to tropical regions of Central and South America, where they grow on the forest floor.
4. The leaves of Maranta plants are typically green with intricate patterns of lighter or darker shades, making them popular as ornamental plants.
5. The plant is also known for its ability to purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants, making it a popular choice for indoor spaces.
6. Maranta plants are sensitive to light and prefer indirect sunlight, making them ideal for growing in low-light conditions.
7. Maranta plants have a unique way of growing, with new leaves emerging from the center of the plant and older leaves dying off from the edges.
8. The plant requires consistently moist soil and a humid environment, which can be achieved through regular misting or by placing a humidifier nearby.
9. In addition to their ornamental and air-purifying properties, Maranta plants have been used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments.
10. Maranta plants are relatively easy to care for and can be propagated through stem cuttings or division of the root ball, making them a great choice for beginner plant enthusiasts.