Marantaceae

The Marantaceae family. The native range of species of this family that are common in indoor cultivation is the humid tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. In nature there are 30 genera including about 400 species of Marantaceae. Of these, as houseplants are grown Калатея - Calathea, Ктенанта - Ctenanthe, Маранта - Maranta и Строманта - Stromante.

Marantaceae – herbaceous or liana-like rhizomatous plants. The main characteristics are the two-ranked or spiral-two-ranked arrangement of leaves, usually gathered in basal rosettes. Leaves have a broad entire blade with a thick midrib from which lateral veins run parallel to each other. Petiole bases have a well-developed sheath, open and provided with a ligule. Flowers are bisexual, asymmetric, in terminal spike-like inflorescences. The perianth consists of 3 sepals and 3 petals; both perianth whorls are petal-like, or the outer whorl is green. Stamens number from 3 to 5. Fruit — a one-seeded capsule.
Small swellings on the rhizome of Marantaceae store water and nutrients and allow them to survive short periods of water shortage. A characteristic feature unique to Marantaceae is the thickening of the upper part of the petiole, directly near the leaf blade. Thanks to this adaptation, Marantaceae can raise and turn their leaves toward the light source. Marantaceae are ornamental foliage plants. Therefore their flowers are usually small and inconspicuous, gathered in spike-like inflorescences. After flowering, in some species the above-ground part may die back. However, the plant does not enter dormancy and does not perish; it is left in place and watering is continued, since young shoots will appear shortly.

Temperature: Marantaceae are warmth-loving plants. In summer keep normal room temperatures, but preferably not above 27-30°C. In winter the optimal temperature is 16-18°C, with a lower limit of 14°C. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations and drafts.

Lighting: Marantaceae are shade-tolerant plants and prefer diffused light or light partial shade. Some direct sunlight is acceptable only in the early morning or late afternoon. If lighting is too intense the plant may suffer burns or simply lose leaf coloration. Marantaceae are among the few houseplants that can be grown entirely under artificial lighting.

Watering and air humidity: The similar natural habitats create similar cultivation requirements for all Marantaceae (unlike some other families with a wider distribution). These are abundant watering and high air humidity. The need for foliar spraying depends on the species – plants with pubescent leaves may not require spraying. However, if indoor air is very dry and temperatures exceed 25°C, spraying even three times a day will not greatly improve the plants' condition. Therefore Marantaceae are placed on trays with wet pebbles or expanded clay, or simply on trays of water; pots are wrapped with sphagnum moss, placed in large terrariums or near fountains — in general, all measures are used to create maximum air humidity.

Repotting: Young Marantaceae are repotted annually. Standard soil mixes consist of 2–3 parts leaf mold, 1 part peat, 1 part humus soil, and 1 part sand. For better development it is useful to add 1 part coniferous (pine) soil. A good drainage layer 2–3 cm high is essential. Wood charcoal pieces can also be added to the soil. Containers for repotting should not be too large, otherwise plants grow more slowly. Marantaceae are also excellently grown by hydroponics.