Free Maranta Leuconeura Erythroneura Plants

Also known by the latin name M. tricolor, this is a highly attractive plant but tends to be rather delicate. Unless it can be provided with a humid, draught-free situation at an even temperature, it may be better to try the easier-to-grow variety, M. 1. kerchoviana, first. However, if you really are keen to cultivate the plant, then put it in a terrarium or some other partly enclosed container, which will improve the humidity, whilst being adequately ventilated. The humidity can be increased still further by grouping the plant in the container with other low-growing and possibly slightly taller subjects. This Maranta does not benefit much from being misted, as this can cause spotting of the foliage.

Plant type : Foliage plant with semi-prostrate habit
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 20-25cm (8—lOin)
Flower : Insignificant pale pink flowers on green spike amongst foliage, produced in spring/summer
Leaf : Oval, 10-12.5cm (4—5in) long, 5-6cm (2-2jin) wide, with two-tone green patterning, distinctive red central and lateral ribs, and pink underside
Temperature : 18-21’C (65-70F)
Aspect/Light : Moderate to slight shade
Humidity : High
Watering : Evenly moisten compost in spring and summer; keep slightly drier in autumn and winter
Feeding : Once every two to four weeks with houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Divide mature plant from mid to late spring; plant 10cm (4in) cuttings in seed and cutting compost at 2rC (70°F) from early to mid summer
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Red spider mite, mealy bug, browning of leaves due to dry atmosphere
Availability : Commonly available throughout the year
Uses indoors : Bowl garden or terrarium; prefers draught-free, humid position; can be grouped effectively with other plants