Maranta is a genus consisting of fifty species, native to the tropical Americas. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 , honouring Italian botanist, Bartolomeo Maranta, who performed most of his work in the mid-sixteenth-century. Marantaceæ is the taxonomic family of Maranta, as well as the closely related genera of Calathea , Ctenanthe & Afrocalathea .

The species' epithet, leuconeura, can be translated from Latin to mean 'white viens', in reference to the foliage's variegations. Soil and Potting: Maranta fascinator prefers well-draining soil with good moisture retention. Use a high-quality, well-aerated potting mix of peat moss, perlite, and a small amount of sand. Choose a container with drainage holes to ensure proper drainage and prevent water from pooling at the bottom. Choose the healthiest, most established vines that are wooded, but still juvenile enough to slightly bend. This propagation method can be taken from spring to summer, with the stem (not including petioles) being at least 15cm (6 inches) in length with two nodes (one for foliar development and the other for root growth). Although more nodes are fine, be sure only to submerge the bottom ones to avoid inappropriate rooting elsewhere, which will be more difficult when it's time for soil placement.

GardenersDream Plant Pot Cover (White)

Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a warm and consistent room temperature between 18°C and 24°C (65°F and 75°F) for your Maranta fascinator. This plant enjoys high humidity levels, so consider placing it in a humid location or using a humidifier to provide adequate moisture. Misting the leaves regularly can also help create a humid environment. Avoid direct sunlight and offer proper humidity by placing the potted plants into a transparent plastic bag with holes for the first couple of weeks. The Distribution of Maranta in Green, with several species being introduced in China & India ( Red). Open the bag every two days for half an hour for the prevention of disease. After six weeks of being placed in soil, remove the bag and follow the care tips provided above. Feed every four waters during the growing period and every six in the autumn and winter, using a 'Houseplant' labelled fertiliser. Never apply a 'Ready to Use’ product into the soil without a pre-water first, as it may burn the roots and lead to yellowed leaves.

Provide a good level of humidity by misting the foliage weekly or creating a pebble tray (recommended). Set the cutting into the compost, keeping the foliage above the soil line. Be sure to submerge the lower node into the soil wholly, or else root development will be hindered. Curl the leaf inwards and tie it loosely. As moisture is lost via transpiration in leaf's underside, this will provide higher humidity that will, in turn, reduce the risk of dehydration. Do not force the leaf past its bending capacity.Create a humidity tray to provide a moist and stable environment for your plant. If the surrounding saturation is too low or the heat too high, its leaves may start to brown over and curl, especially in direct sunlight. Hose the foliage down from time to time to hydrate the leaves and keep the dust levels down. Those situated in either a bathroom or a dark location must not be over-misted as too much moisture surrounding the foliage will result in powdery mildew and leaf-spot disease . Pests and Diseases: Maranta fascinator is generally resilient to pests, but it may occasionally encounter common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of infestation, such as webbing, tiny insects, or yellowing leaves. Treat the affected plant with an appropriate insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, following the product instructions. The green leaves of this handsome house plant are threaded with bright red vein, as well as attractively patterned along their midrib with yellow-green splotches. Once settled and the shoots have lengthened, mature plants often develop a delightful trailing habit. All in all, it's a showy plant, and curious too, as the leaves tend to fold their leaves up at night - which is why they are commonly referred to as prayer plants.

Too low humidity can cause browning tips with yellow halos on juvenile leaves. Although this won't kill your specimen, you may want to increase the local moisture to prevent the new growth from adopting these symptoms. Mist or rinse the foliage from time to time and create a humidity tray while the heaters are active to create a stable environment. The browning of leaf-tips on older leaves is wholly natural and is the product of extensive photosynthesis during its life. Choose a potting mix - as long as it has a well-draining nature, most soils are fine. 'Houseplant' compost is best, but 'M ulti Purpose' compost with a splash of grit or perlite is also acceptable. The Maranta fascinator, also known as the Fascinator Prayer Plant, is a beautiful and visually stunning plant that brings a touch of elegance to any indoor space. With its vibrant foliage and unique leaf patterns, plant enthusiasts adore the Maranta fascinator for its beauty and charming prayer-like movements. In this care guide, we will provide essential tips to ensure your Maranta fascinator thrives and adds a beautiful touch to your home. Failed propagated stem cuttings- There are several reasons why the cuttings haven't rooted well, including: the time of year (spring or summer is best), its size (Maranta cuttings should have at least three leaves), poor growing conditions (replace water weekly for water-propagated cuttings, and avoid over-watering for soil-grown plants), and its growing environment (a bright sunless windowsill and warmth is important).

Fertilise using a 'Houseplant' labelled feed every four waters in the spring and summer, reducing this to every six in the colder months. Cut directly below a node using a clean knife to reduce bacteria count. Remove the lower half of the leaves and place the vines into a container of lukewarm water. Be sure to submerge at least one node into the water, or else the root development will be hindered. Not known to be poisonouswhen consumed by pets and humans. If large quantities are eaten, it may result in vomiting, nausea and a loss of appetite. Up to 1.2m in both height & width when reaching their maturity of five years, with up to 15cm of new growth being developed each season.