What is Maranta?

Maranta is a genus of tropical flowering plants that have become popular houseplants around the world and are often used in regional cuisine. Maranta's genus is a member of the Maranteae family, also known as the family of prayer plants. Most species of the Maranta family are low growing perennials that come from Western India or Southwest Asia. Of the approximately 20 known species of this genus, the most common types of Arrowroot ( Maranta Arundinacea ) and a prayer plant ( Maranta Leuconeur ). Archaeological excavations in America revealed that Arrowroot was cultivated as a basic food crop 7000 years ago for its large, starch tuber. The plant has become a very popular export to Europe throughout the 19th century, where it was used in British cuisine as a thickener for jelly and pudding. In a modern era, Arrowroot is often used as an alternative to corn starch as thickeners in various soups, stews and sauces.

While Arrowroot is primarily grown for culinary purposes, a prayer plant is appreciated as an ornamental plant and in many parts of the world is a very common room. The prayer plant is a relatively small tropical plant that is best known for its wide oval leaves that have distinctive fish in the shape of a fish bone. Prayer plants require a significant amount of moisture and should be headed regularly unless they are raised in a terrarium or greenhouse. Plants require very small other care if they are not placed in direct sunlight. These plants can be promoted simply by dividing the root ball of the plant and growing up to ten inches (25 cm) when they reach maturity.

For the purpose of raise prayer plants and other Maranta species as ornamental houseplants, plants must receive a consistent amount of moisture. When the tips of the leaves of the Maranta plant begin to dry out, the plant should be placed onMoisture and mix more often. Colored leaves are a sign that the plant gets too much sun and should be removed from direct sunlight. If the leaves begin to tie or otherwise look unhealthy, the soil of the plant will dry between watering and should be more often connected.