Maranta tricolor is a plant of great beauty, native to the forests of Brazil, with very striking and colorful leaves. It has colors printed in a pattern, as if they were brush strokes, which is why it is very decorative and naturally decorates any room.
It has a very strange property, namely nectinastia, in which it closes its leaves at dusk and opens them again with daylight. For this reason, In some countries they call it the prayer plant. Due to its tropical origin, it requires special care that allows the plant, when done well, to grow without problems.
It needs a warm room, with a temperature of at least 15 degrees, better lighting – although no direct sunlight as it may burn – and humidity in the environment. The soil should be moist from spring to fall, and it is recommended to spray it with distilled water using a sprayer. It must be kept away from air currents that may harm it.
When it starts to get more roots after you bought it, it is a good idea to move it to a larger pot. Take advantage of the spring to do this because there is a greater guarantee of success. Since it does not usually have deeper roots, it is better for the pot to be wider than tall.
In the hotter months, they should be watered frequently once the soil is dry, providing good drainage to prevent waterlogging and rotting. It is also recommended to fertilize it with fertilizer every two months and clean the leaves from time to time to avoid the appearance of dust.
From one plant you can grow another plant using stem cuttings. They are cut with a sharp knife or pruning shears, removing the stem from the main plant, making sure it has a node. Then wait for it to dry for a few hours, then place it in water until the roots grow, which may take a few weeks. When this happens, put it in a bowl.
If the leaves turn yellow or wilt, it may be due to excess water. If the soil is wet, the roots rot and the base of the plant turns black. In these cases, you should let it dry before watering again and let the excess water drain. Brown spots can be caused by sunburn and it will be enough to keep them away from direct light. When the edges are brown, it may be because the air is too dry, and it is a good idea to spray them. When the leaves change color, it means that the plant is receiving too much light, so it is recommended to put it in the shade for a short time.
As for pests, the one that can affect you the most is the red spider. When this happens, the leaves and stems of the plant become covered in fine mesh and the upper surface of the leaf becomes stained. By looking closely at the underside of the leaves, you can see the mites and their eggs. It can be treated with water mixed with fatty acids or vegetable oils or by asking at a specialist store. It is also recommended to improve air circulation and increase humidity in the environment.
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