Maranta leuconeura var. Erythroneura

Maranta leuconeura var. Erythroneura, often called the prayer plant for its fascinating movement of leaves that fold up at night as if in prayer, is an attractive and popular houseplant. It is particularly appreciated for its spectacularly colorful leaves.

Origin: Native to the tropical forests of Brazil, this variety of Maranta is adapted to hot, humid climates and prefers conditions similar to its natural habitat under the forest canopy.

Growth: Maranta leuconeura var. Erythroneura is a herbaceous, creeping plant that can grow up to 30 cm tall. It is distinguished by its soft, oval leaves that feature patterns of vibrant red veins on a dark green background, with pale green spots.

Flowers: It occasionally produces small white or pink flowers, but these are generally considered insignificant compared to its decorative foliage.

Light: This Maranta prefers medium to low light and should be protected from direct sun, which can burn its leaves. Bright indirect light is ideal for maintaining the vivid colors of its leaves.

Watering: Water regularly, keeping the substrate evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, especially in winter.

Substrate: A well-draining potting mix is crucial for this Maranta. The ideal substrate should include perlite to provide good drainage while retaining adequate moisture.

Toxicity: Maranta leuconeura var. Erythroneura is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it an excellent option for homes with children or pets.

Maranta leuconeura var. Erythroneura is a superb addition to any interior, thanks to its unique foliage and nocturnal movement behavior. Its ease of care and need for indirect light make it particularly suitable for less sunny areas of the home, such as bedrooms and offices.

Potting soil for tropical plants