About Maranta leuconeura É.Morren
Its specific epithet leuconeura means "white-veined", which refers to the plant's leaves. Maranta leuconeura leaves have a distinctive habit: they lie flat during the day, and fold into an erect position at night, as if praying for evening vespers. This behavior gives the species its common name "prayer plant", and is an example of a diurnal rhythm. Small flowers ranging from white to purple develop during the growing season, though plants grown as houseplants do not always bloom, and the flowers are often considered less notable than the species' attractive foliage. The plant's broad leaves are oval, two-toned greenish, and fairly shiny. Patches of color appear on both sides of the leaf midrib; the color of these patches varies by variety, and may be light green, green, brownish, or dark gray. The color of the midrib also varies between varieties. The undersides of the leaves are variable too: light green undersides are common in M. leuconeura var. kerchoveana, while deep red undersides are common in M. leuconeura var. erythroneura. This species has shallow roots. Though small, its flowers have an unusual specialized trigger mechanism: a curling appendage quickly closes the flower entrance, depositing and collecting pollen in a single motion. Like other members of this plant family, each flower's trigger can only activate one time. Flowers open in the morning, with one or two flowers opening per cluster each day, and wilt in the evening, falling off if they have not been pollinated. Each cluster holds about ten flowers, so a single cluster can produce daily flowers for over a week. Each flower stalk holds two clusters, positioned one below the other. Maranta leuconeura is a well-known houseplant grown in temperate regions, and requires a minimum temperature of 15 °C (59 °F). As a species native to rainforests, it prefers bright indirect sunlight, high humidity, and well-drained soil with a high humus content. It can tolerate acidic, clay, or loam soils. Both direct sunlight and standing water should be avoided. The ideal daytime temperature range for cultivation is 21–27 °C, with an ideal night temperature range of 16–21 °C; night temperatures should not drop below 15 °C. Higher temperatures require higher humidity, which can be achieved for example by spraying the plant. During the spring and summer growing season, Maranta leuconeura grown as a houseplant needs consistently moist soil and monthly fertilization. For the rest of the year, it is recommended to allow slightly drier soil and reduce how often fertilizer is applied. In warmer climates corresponding to USDA Zones 10b-11, this species can be grown as groundcover in moist, shady areas. Maranta leuconeura can be grown in planters, hanging baskets, for mass planting, and as an edging plant. It is also frequently used for planting in shopping malls.
