Maranta kerchoviana in pot
Maranta kerchoviana as ground cover
Maranta Kerchoviana roots
White and mauve flower of Maranta kerchoveana
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Maranta leuconeura kerchoveana, an unusual prayer plant
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Maranta leuconeura kerchoveana comes to us from the tropical forests of Brazil and Venezuela. Like other Marantaceae, the plant has retained a strange habit from its wild life: when evening comes, it raises its magnificent foliage to the sky.
How to recognize Maranta leuconeura kerchoveana?
Maranta leuconeura kerchoveana is a fast-growing perennial with a compact habit. It grows to a maximum of 30 cm high and 20 cm wide. In the wild, Marantas grow in groups to form a colorful ground cover. Indoors, they can be grown in pots, hanging baskets or even terrariums.
The leaves of Maranta leuconeura kerchoveana grow in a rosette on a short stem. They are supported by a long petiole. If you look closely, you can see a protrusion at the base: the pulvinus. This allows the leaf blades to change position during the day. During the day, the leaves open and spread out. At dusk, they stand upright, like praying hands. This peculiarity has earned the plant the nickname of "praying plant" or "sleeping plant".
But this curious dance is not the reason why collectors are interested in Maranta kerchoveana. The variety is most popular for its foliage. The obovate, velvety blades measure eight to twelve centimetres in length. Green, they are adorned with square chocolate-brown and dark-green spots. Symmetrically distributed on either side of the central vein, there are always ten spots. That's all it took for botanists to come up with a second mystical nickname for this maranta: the plant of the ten commandments!
As with other Maranta leuconeura plants, flowering is rather insignificant. In summer, small white or mauve bilabiate flowers appear.
The praying plant is harmless to humans and animals. You can adopt it without fear if you have small children or pets. Some even claim it has pollution-removing properties.
Our maintenance tips
Not very demanding, your Maranta leuconeura 'Kerchoveana' is content with a location without direct sunlight and plenty of humidity.
Watering
Maranta kerchoveana fear excess water. To prevent root rot, allow the substrate to dry between waterings and remove any stagnant water from the saucer.
Water the soil preferably with rainwater. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
Spray
Dry air favors the appearance of mites and other pests. Mist the foliage of your Maranta kerchoveana to prevent invasions and improve hygrometry.
Use non-calcareous water, such as reclaimed rainwater. Tap water is often too hard and leaves marks on the leaves.
Repotting
Every spring, repot your Maranta leuconeura 'Kerchoveana' to give it more space.
Obtain a pierced pot of a larger size than the previous one. Don't hesitate to choose a ceramic or plastic model. These materials retain moisture and allow you to space out watering. Your Maranta kerchoveana also prefers a wide pot to a deep container to give it room to grow.
Line the bottom with gravel or clay balls for drainage. Then pour in potting soil for green plants. You can lighten it by adding perlite.
Plant your subject in the middle and fill in with substrate. Water for the first time to eliminate air bubbles and encourage rooting.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Maranta leuconeura 'Kerchoveana', apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Give your Maranta kerchoveana a green plant fertilizer to support its growth.
Follow the instructions on the product! If you overdose, you could damage its foliage.
Cleaning
The dust that accumulates on foliage hinders photosynthesis and the growth of your Maranta kerchoveana. You can remove it with a damp cloth or clean sponge.
Prune
You can remove the yellowed leaves.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Maranta kerchoveana are rhizomatous plants. They multiply by dividing clumps.
Take your Maranta kerchoveana out of its pot. Using your hands or a clean, sharp tool, separate a shoot with at least four leaves and a rhizome. The more developed your young shoot, the greater your chances of a successful cutting.
Get a pot with holes to suit the size of your seedlings. Line the bottom with clay balls or gravel to improve drainage.
Pour in a rich, light substrate, such as potting soil, and plant your cuttings. To help you, you can use a pencil to form a pilot hole.
Water to encourage rooting and eliminate air bubbles.
Diseases / Threats
Information
| Family | Marantaceae - Marantaceae |
| Type | Marante - Maranta |
| Species | Maranta leuconeura - Maranta leuconeura |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Exposures | |
| Substrat | |
| Planting method |
In pots |
| Categories | |
| Tags |
Fritillary Soiffarde |
| Origin |
South America |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 12a |
| Leaf color |
|
| Flower colors |
|
Discover plants from the same family
