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Variegated Maranta – 7 Caring and 4 Propagating Tips!

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Variegated Maranta, also known as prayer plants, is one of the most mesmerizing plants to have in your garden. The movement of the foliage makes this plant popular among most plant lovers, and for that reason, they have nicknamed prayer-plants.

The variegated version of maranta adds an extra layer of beautiful white splashes on the leaves, enhancing the plants’ beauty even more.

These plants are also called “Rabbit’s foot” or “rabbit tracks” because of the pattern of the leaves. They are very easy to care for as they are quite adaptable to different environmental conditions.

Variegated Maranta
Variegated Maranta – via Reddit

Characteristic of Variegated Maranta

Maranta is an astonishing plant that we highly recommend you to keep in your garden if you are looking for a plant with stylish leaves with showy patterns on it.

Foliage

They have grey-green leaves with dark green patches on the center of the leaves that capture the beholder’s heart. The beauty of the leaves further intensifies as the variegation occurs and puts the white splashes on the leaves.

The rounded shape of the leaves with green patches with every vein makes it quite similar to a rabbit paw. A silvery-green color under the plant’s leaf can also be seen that sets a perfect contrast of different colors.

Height and spread

They can grow up to 11 inches tall and wide, so make sure you give them enough room to grow as their space requirements are quite average. The plant’s leaves can grow about 6 inches long at its mature age.

Native countries

These plants grow in the rainforests of Brazil, so make sure that you provide the plant with high humidity environment similar to where these plants naturally grow. Keep the atmosphere of the plants as similar as possible to make sure that it thrives with their maximum speed and health.

Toxicity

These plants are not toxic to your pets and children; however, we advise you to keep the plant away from your pets and children reach as they can damage the sensitive leaves of the plant.

Pests and other diseases

Spider mites are one of the most common pests attached to the plant. They can be identified by the black, brown, or red dots on the leaves of your plant. Another enemy of this plant is mealybug, which can cause the plant to die slowly with time.

Fungi can also infect these plants, so make sure that you do not overwater the plant as it is the most common cause of your plant’s infection.

Variegated Maranta 2
Variegated Maranta – via Reddit

Caring for Variegated Maranta

Variegated Maranta requires a little attention and provides a lot in return. We have provided you with the 7 best tips that you can follow to make your plant flourish like none other.

Water

The growing season is when the plant’s water requirements are quite high, so make sure that you keep the plant hydrated with regular watering. Please do not leave the roots of the plant soaking in water because they may attract a lot of pests and other diseases to attack your plant.

We suggest you use lukewarm soft water for these plants. Hard water can also be used, but it can have negative effects in some situations where the plant’s leaves turn brown because of the fluoride content in most of the hard waters.

Soil

We recommend you use a well-drained soil mix. Use peat moss and perlite to your soil to improve drainage. Regular garden soil can also be used for this plant but make sure you prepare a good drainage system. Keep the soil moist by misting, but do not let the water stand in the soil for too long.

Sunlight

Place the plant in a room where indirect bright sunlight can reach the plant’s foliage. Please do not place it in an open sun because it cannot resist the harsh radiation and might of the bright sun.

The east-facing window is one of the best positions where your plant can thrive and flourish at its maximum speed. These plants can grow under low light conditions as well, but the growth speed slows down.

Fertilizer

Half diluted balanced fertilizers are ideal for the speedy growth of your plant. Feed it once every month in its growing season and reduce it with the arrival of the winter season.

Do not overfeed the plant as they can have chemical burns, so make sure that you only feed when required. Neem oil is another good option for the growth of this plant, as experts highly suggest using them for boosted growth.

Temperature

The ideal temperature to grow these plants is between 65 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not keep these plants in a very cold environment as the leaves can die quickly in such conditions. Freezing conditions can stun the growth of the plant.

Humidity

Normal household humidity levels are good enough for the plant to grow; however, a high humidity level above 60 percent is always preferred.

Pruning

Maintain the plant by occasional pruning to keep its regular shape. Pruning also promotes speedy and healthy growth of the leaves. These plants do not necessarily require pruning every day but do it once a week to make your look more appealing to your eyes.

Propagating tips for Variegated Maranta

Variegated Maranta can be propagated by the division or seed method. We recommend you use the division method as it is easier to execute. There are a few tips to keep in your mind while propagating your plant.

  • Separate the plant from the soil and clean the roots. Remove the dust from the plant and its roots and let it dry.
  • Divide the plants and keep at least one root intact with each divided plant.
  • Prepare a well-drained soil mixture and fill it in the new pot.
  • Plant the roots in the new pots and water them regularly to keep them hydrated.

Conclusion

Variegated Maranta is a plant that has become quite popular due to its unique foliage design, but the main concern is still the care of this beautiful-looking plant. We have provided you with the 7 best tips that allow you to maintain your plant for a healthy and long life properly.