Maranta leuconeura 'Red'

Maranta leuconeura 'Red' 🌿

Maranta leuconeura 'Red', also known as the Red Prayer Plant, is a stunning houseplant that features vibrant red veins running through its oval-shaped leaves. This striking pattern gives it a unique, colorful appearance. The plant gets its name from the way its leaves fold up at night, resembling praying hands, a beautiful feature that adds to its charm.

🌱 Care Instructions:

• Light: Maranta leuconeura 'Red' thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch, so it's best to place it near a north or east-facing window. It can tolerate lower light conditions, but its growth may slow down.

• Watering: Marantas prefer to be kept in consistently moist soil, but not soggy. Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Be sure to allow any excess water to drain away, as standing water can cause root rot. Use room temperature water and avoid letting the plant sit in water for prolonged periods. Mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity.

• Soil: A well-draining, lightly acidic potting mix is ideal. You can use a tropical mix or a standard houseplant mix with some added perlite or orchid bark for better drainage.

• Temperature: Maranta leuconeura 'Red' prefers warm temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C - 27°C). Avoid placing it in cold drafts or near air conditioners, as it is sensitive to cold temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

• Humidity: This plant thrives in high humidity. It prefers environments with 50% to 60% humidity or higher. If your home is dry, especially in winter, you can increase humidity by placing the plant on a humidity tray, using a humidifier, or regularly misting the leaves.

• Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed your Maranta leuconeura 'Red' with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. In fall and winter, reduce or stop fertilizing as the plant enters a dormant period.

• Growth: This plant is a slow to moderate grower and typically stays compact, reaching a height of about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). Its vibrant, red-veined leaves with their beautiful patterns make it a showstopper in any indoor space.

• Pruning: Regular pruning is not necessary for this plant, but you can trim off any dead or yellowing leaves to keep it looking tidy. Pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage a bushier, fuller appearance.

• Toxicity: Maranta leuconeura 'Red' is non-toxic to both pets and humans, making it a great choice for households with curious pets or children.

• Propagation: Maranta leuconeura 'Red' can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a cutting with a node (a small bump where roots will grow), place it in water or directly in moist soil, and it should root in a few weeks.

🌟 Fun Fact:

The Maranta leuconeura 'Red' is often referred to as the "Prayer Plant" due to its unique leaf movement. At night, its leaves fold upward as if in prayer, and during the day, the leaves open up again to bask in the light. This fascinating behavior is called nyctinasty.

🚚 Shipping & Damage Policy:

All live plant sales are final. Most orders ship Monday-Wednesday, depending on the destination. If your plant arrives damaged/broken, please contact us within 24 hours of delivery at orders@propandgrow.com with photos of the plant and packaging, and we will work on a replacement or refund.