Maranta leuconeura image • Photo: Author Kurt Stüber [1]• GFDL
Maranta leuconeura is a rhizomatous perennial plant growing up to 30 cm (12 in) tall and broad, with oval evergreen leaves up to 12 cm (5 in) long featuring striking white veins and variable markings. Its leaves fold upward at night in a 'prayer-like' motion due to a diurnal rhythm. The plant spreads horizontally, forming dense clumps with shallow roots. Small white to purple flowers with a unique pollen-trigger mechanism bloom seasonally but are often insignificant in indoor settings compared to its foliage.
Plant Care Overview
Buy this plant online:
Ad
Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Maranta leuconeura
Light Requirements
Bright indirect sunlight
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
Keep soil moist during spring and summer; reduce watering slightly in cooler months
Humidity Needs
high humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
Daytime: 21–27°C (70–80°F), Nighttime: 16–21°C (60–70°F), minimum 15°C (59°F)
Native Climate
Native to Brazilian tropical forests
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Well-drained, humus-rich soil; tolerates acidic, clay, or loam soils
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Maranta leuconeura plants
Division, stem cuttings (10 cm with 3–4 leaves), and less commonly by seed
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Brazilian tropical forests
moderate
30 cm (12 in) tall and broad
Perennial
Bloom Season
Spring, summer
Flower Description
Small white to purple flowers with a curling appendage mechanism; blooms open in the morning and wilt by evening. Flowers grow in capsules containing up to 10 blooms per stalk.
Fun Fact
Maranta leuconeura flowers have a unique trigger mechanism that closes the entrance with a curling appendage, depositing and collecting pollen in one motion, and only triggers once per flower.
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Maranta leuconeura
No problems reported
Good news! No common problems have been reported for this plant. If you encounter any issues, check back later or join our community to share your experience.
Varieties
Different varieties of Maranta leuconeura
Natural variety with light green leaf undersides
Natural variety with deep red leaf undersides
Community Tips
Advice shared by other plant enthusiasts
No tips shared yet. Be the first to share your experience!
(Coming soon)
Ad
Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Maranta leuconeura
Humidity Lovers Plants Care Guide
Learn how to care for humidity lovers plants like your Maranta leuconeura
Flowering Plants Plants Care Guide
Learn how to care for flowering plants plants like your Maranta leuconeura
Foliage Plants Plants Care Guide
Learn how to care for foliage plants plants like your Maranta leuconeura
Tropical Plants Plants Care Guide
Learn how to care for tropical plants plants like your Maranta leuconeura
Ad
Related Plants
Similar plants that might interest you
Nurseries Near You
Find Where to Buy Maranta leuconeura
Discover local nurseries near you that may carry this plant. We'll show you store ratings, hours, and directions.
Ad
Ad