Why arrowroot leaves have small leaves. Arrowroot: caring for a "praying" plant at home

A short South American tropical plant with decorative oval leaves is called arrowroot. Its leaves have spectacular shades of green: from light to deep dark. Bright spots, dots or veins are symmetrically located against their background. Arrowroot stems, while young, are directed upward and begin to spread later if grown without support. At home, care for arrowroot must be correct, then it blooms. Flowers, collected in spikelets, nondescript and small, appear in late spring or summer.

The beautiful plant is named after Bartolomeo Maranta, a botanist and physician from Italy, who lived in the 16th century. The seeds came to Europe with the help of the American statesman W. Houston, who was also a planter. He first discovered the plant near the city of Santa Cruz and exported its seeds to European countries. The unusual flower immediately came to the liking of their residents and took its rightful place in greenhouses and greenhouses. A lot of interesting things are told about him:

Types of indoor plants arrowroot and photo selection

The arrowroot family has about 25 varieties. Here is some of them:

Arrowroot bicolor. From a biological point of view, it is a separate species, quite similar to the Kerhoven arrowroot. On a small reddish petiole there are oval leaves 11-15 cm long with slightly wavy edges. From below they are pubescent, with a reddish ornament, from above, the pattern is represented by rich green and brown spots. This species does not form tubers.

An unusually effective variety. The rich background of leaves of arrowroot tricolor (tricolor) fades slightly at the edges. There are yellowish or light green spots along the central red vein. At the edges of the sheet, they turn into feather-like patterns of a dark green color. The red veins on the inner side of the leaf, clearly visible from above, turn pale and acquire a pinkish tint. It is difficult to explain why the arrowroot tricolor is compared to fish, but it is also called the “red herring ridge”.

Kerhovena arrowroot - it is believed that this species is the most hardy

The plant has oval leaves (on short petioles) and small white flowers. The lower part of the leaves is colored from bluish to red. The upper one is decorated with a central light stripe and feather-like or ocellated spots of a dark green color. This species is considered hardy and you can even find a plant among inexperienced flower growers.

In contrast to the above, it has dark spots on the leaves (from brown-olive to black) and a light central stripe. The plant is compact. Compared to the rest, this species is the most demanding to care for.

Grows in Mexico, Central and South America, and the island of Trinidad. The leaves of the plant are ovoid, the flowers are in the shape of a panicle.

The most common plant. Leaves are gray-green in color with silvery veins and colored patterns. The stem is small (up to 30 cm). Leaves are heart-shaped (length - 11 - 15 cm), below they are reddish and gray-green. The root of this type of flower is tuberous. White-necked arrowroot multiplies easily and is unpretentious.

Tall compact plant (up to 1.3 m), has thick tuberous roots. Leaves are elongated, dark green with a bluish tinge. Their shape is ovoid, with a sharp tip. Below the leaves are pubescent. The flowers are small and white.

How to care for a South American beauty arrowroot

This plant loves warmth, a comfortable temperature for it is considered to be 20-26 degrees

Watering. Arrowroot grows in nature near water bodies in wet areas. Therefore, in the summer it is necessary to moisten it often (every other day) so that the soil is slightly moist all the time. Irregular watering may cause the plant to dry out. In winter, it is desirable to reduce its frequency (1 time in 5 - 7 days). The surface of the substrate should be allowed to dry for a couple of centimeters. Excessive soil moisture can cause the root to rot. When watering, you need to prevent water from getting on the leaves, so that fungal diseases do not arise. It is necessary to moisten the plant only with soft water (boiled, rain or settled).

Temperature. Arrowroot loves warm air, + 20 - 26 degrees in summer and + 16 - 18 - in winter. She does not tolerate temperature extremes and drafts. For this reason, it is not recommended to take the plant outside in the summer.

Air humidity

If the flower is in a room with dry air, spray it a couple of times a day (in summer) and 1-2 times every 7 days in the winter.
Put flower pot into an outer container, which is pre-filled with moist peat.
You can place the pot on a pallet with damp: moss, sand, pebbles.
Rinse the plant regularly in the shower, covering the pot with a bag so that the soil does not become waterlogged.

Despite all the measures taken to humidify the air, indoor conditions the tips of the leaves dry out from the flower, but in the greenhouse the plants feel great.

Place the plant out of direct sunlight

Lighting. Indoor does not like direct sunlight of arrowroot. In bright light, the leaf plate shrinks, the leaves lose bright color... In an unlit (dark) place, the color shade of the leaves also fades. Arrowroot prefers bright diffused light (partial shade) and grows best under artificial lighting (16 hours a day) with fluorescent lamps.

Indoors, the best place for placing a flower is a stand in the center of the room. In winter (due to lack of light), the plant can be transferred to the windowsill.

Soil composition. Breathable loose substrate - is the basis for successful plant growth. If you grow it in peat, then you need to add a little dolomite flour to the mixture. You can also use store-bought arrowroot mixes.

It's pretty easy to make your own substrate. There are 2 ways to prepare it:

Peat (2 parts).
Leafy land (2 parts).
Sand (1 part).

Second way:

Humus (part 1).
Leafy land (4 parts).
Peat (2 parts).
Sand (1 part).

For the looseness of the substrate, sphangum moss, charcoal, pine bark, light soil from a coniferous forest are added to the mixture.

Throughout spring and autumn, the plant must be fed with mineral fertilizers.

Top dressing and fertilizers. From spring to autumn, the flower is fertilized every 2 weeks with a special (for indoor decorative leafy plants) mineral fertilizer (2 grams per 2 liters of water). You can alternate it with highly diluted organic. However, it must be remembered that the plant is sensitive to overfeeding.

In winter, arrowroot is fed with highly diluted fertilizer no more than 1 time in 28 - 30 days.

Plant transplant and care. Arrowroot older than 3 years of age is transplanted in the spring (1 time in 2 years), a young plant - annually. To do this, take a not very deep, but wide pot, slightly larger than the previous one, because root system plants are small and develop horizontally.

It is necessary to remove diseased and old leaves on the plant, and a drainage layer (charcoal, broken brick, coarse sand, expanded clay) must be laid on the bottom of the pot. It should be about 5 centimeters tall.

To make a lush bush from arrowroot, you need to cut off all the shoots at the root. As a result, new fresh shoots and young leaves are formed on the plant again.

Reproduction of arrowroot plant

Propagated by arrowroot seeds, cuttings and division.

Cuttings. In May - September, an 8 - 10 cm stalk with a pair of internodes and several leaves (2 - 3) is cut from the arrowroot bush, processed with a growth stimulator and placed in a container with water. After 32 to 45 days, it will release roots. After that, it is planted in a peat soil mixture and watered well. Cuttings root well in greenhouses with high humidity and temperature.

Division. The bush is removed from the pot, the rhizome is carefully cut into 3-4 parts, so that each tuber has a good root and several leaves. Each root is planted in a separate pot with a loose soil mixture and covered with a transparent bag for better survival. Keep in a warm place.

Reproduction by seeds. You can also grow a flower from seeds. It is better to sow them at a temperature of 15 - 19 degrees and maintain it throughout the growing season.

Blooming arrowroot. The plant blooms profusely, and flower arrows appear on it throughout the summer. However, the flowers themselves are rather inconspicuous: on the arrow, small pale pink, light yellow or white flowers are collected in a spikelet.

At home, arrowroot blooms are very rare, and growers consider it a significant event.

Plant diseases and pests

Arrowroot is susceptible to a lot of diseases and pests, so you need to monitor the plant

Mealybug. This pest focuses on leaf stalks. It must be washed off with a soap solution (20 g per liter of water). Do not forget to remove the soap from the arrowroot afterwards. If washing is not effective enough, apply spraying with actellik solution.

Shields. Brown plaques appear on the surface of leaves and stems. The sheets dry up, fall off, lose color.

Control measures

The leaves are cleaned by wiping them with a sponge dipped in soapy water (20 soap per 1 liter of water). Then the plant is sprayed with a solution of actellik (1 - 2 ml of the product per 1 liter of water). The treatment can be repeated several times until the pests are completely destroyed.

Red spider mite. The most dangerous pest of room arrowroot is the spider mite. It usually settles on the underside of leaves that grow in a dry, warm room. The leaves on the damaged plant lose their color - they become pale and fall off prematurely. Whitish specks form on their surface, and a thin web appears on the underside of the leaves.

Control measures

Washing the leaves with a mild tobacco solution and soap. Removing damaged. Pollination (on fresh air, outdoors) ground sulfur or spraying with actellik, phytoverm, fufan, derris.

As usual, the leaves curl up at the arrowroot due to insufficient watering

Folk recipes for the destruction of mites on plants

Pass unpeeled garlic or onion through a meat grinder and dilute in 1 liter of water. Insist 24 hours, then strain. Add 5 g of soap. Pour in water at a rate of 1: 1. Treat the plant. You can also insist dandelion and yarrow.

Slow growth, dry and brown leaf edges

It happens when the air in the room is very dry. Moisten the plant regularly. And be sure to check if the flower is affected by pests. If necessary, you will need to apply an insecticide.

Leaves curl up, spots appear on them

This happens when there is insufficient watering. The soil mixture should always be slightly damp.

Yellow-brown leaf edges

With a lack or excess of nutrients in the soil.

Falling leaves

At excessive watering or extremely dry air in the room. The soil should not be soggy, but slightly damp.

Decaying limp stems

Low temperature with high humidity.

Leaves dry up and lose their bright color

This happens when the sunlight is too intense.

Pruning arrowroot

Elongated plant growths should be removed as they appear. This contributes to the fact that new young shoots are actively growing from the center.

Bottom line: The arrowroot is home to the humid, diffused light, warm South American tropics. For the plant to feel as good as at home, it needs to be provided with comfortable warmth, frequent spraying and diffused light. And then the flower will constantly delight you with bright beautiful leaves.

Good luck with growing arrowroot.

Arrowroot does not need spectacular inflorescences, it is beautiful without them. Its variegated, patterned leaves have delighted florists for over 400 years. Marantophiles do not get tired of being surprised at the touching habit of this delicate flower - to fold the leaves in the evening, as if reading a prayer. Seeing this "gesture", the British called the arrowroot prayer plant and attributed mystical properties to it. The South American Indians also have legends with arrowroot. Whatever continent the fans of this whimsical plant live on, they are convinced: the whims of arrowroot should be fulfilled in order to admire the magically painted leaves, which are so similar to the feathers of outlandish birds. Below we will tell you about the features of caring for this unusual plant at home.

Charming, helpful and mystical

Arrowroot is a miniature, about 20 cm high plant with very picturesque leaves. They are large (up to 15 cm), resemble an egg in shape and are painted on the upper side with original colored patterns: red, silver, brown or olive spots, dots and veins are symmetrically located on a green background. And the wrong side is usually crimson-pink or bluish-gray. The stems of the young arrowroot are directed upwards. And over time, if the bush does not find support, they hang down or spread. The plant is demanding on home conditions, but it can be successfully grown in apartments, knowing the rules of care.

Arrowroot gave the name to the whole family, which includes plants cultivated as indoor plants: ktenants, stromanths and calatheas. Arrowroot is often confused with the latter. But the calathea is taller, the leaves are longer and differ in pattern, and most importantly, the character is more capricious than that of the mother of the family, arrowroot.

The arrowroot was born at the very bottom of the South American tropical jungle, in the swamps. Where the air is always humid with vapors and warm, and the sun rarely comes in. The first, three thousand years ago (this was proved by the finds of archaeologists), were domesticated by the Indians. The plant conquered them not at all with its beauty, but with edible rhizomes, leaves suitable for weaving, and healing properties. At home, arrowroot was called arrowroot, and warriors affected by poisoned steles were treated with its juice.

A rare type of starch is prepared from the roots of arrowroot - arrowroot. It is used as a thickener in the preparation of pudding, jelly, and sauce. Used as flour in dietary meals.

Grace tropical beauty appreciated in Europe only in the 17th century. A certain planter saw a miniature variegated plant in the bogs near the city of Santa Cruz and brought it to the Old World. The delicate flower was given a name, perpetuating the memory of the Italian scientist Bartolomeo Maranta. A tiny arrowroot struck the prim Englishmen with their folded palms in the evenings and their intricate pattern. For this she was nicknamed the prayer plant and the flower of the 10 commandments, according to the number of specks on the leaf plate. And it has become a good tradition to keep at least one arrowroot in the house. However, the adorable baby turned out to be a rather capricious pet. She did not want to live in a gassed and dry air and forced flower growers to invent special greenhouses to maintain a humid and warm atmosphere, which they called florariums. Arrowroot also settled in greenhouses.

When the air in the houses became cleaner, and the flower growers learned to humidify it, the whimsical arrowroot moved closer to the person. She is still not considered an easy plant to care for. It should not be started, for example, by a child as the first flower. But experienced florist quite cope with the requirements of arrowroot. And growing this plant is an exciting experience. In addition, arrowroot is a great option for shady rooms. For life, she does not need a lot of light, and decorative leaves in partial shade will be even brighter. The high humidity, which arrowroot dreams of, will be useful to other residents of the apartment.

White-veined, tricolor, reed and others

A total of 23 species of arrowroot are described. Of these, the most popular arrowroot is white-necked and its varieties: tricolor (tricolor), kerhovena and massange. These plants are considered the least moody members of the demanding arrowroot family. Let's get acquainted with its representatives in more detail.

White-necked arrowroot has gained popularity among flower growers as a not very whimsical plant. The stems, which do not grow taller than 30 cm, have large pistachio-colored leaves, on the front side there are silvery veins and a pattern of spots. The bottom is green or reddish. The tubers are clearly visible on the rhizome of the arrowroot. The plant simply multiplies, not too demanding on conditions and care.
Arrowroot tricolor, also known as tricolor and fascinator, is the most common and spectacular variety. On oval leaves with red, yellow and different shades of greenery, a pattern is applied, similar to the coloring of the feathers of an outlandish bird. But there is also a less poetic comparison: the tricolor arrowroot was given the nickname - the red herring ridge. This compact plant works well at home, but will look better in a florarium or bottle garden.
Arrowroot massange is slightly larger than tricolor. Its foliage is dark green, almost black, decorated with silver veins and spots in the center. This variety is more whimsical than other arrowroots.
Kerhoven's arrowroot is another popular variety. Young plants have two rows of dark brown eye-spots on pale green leaves. Over the years they acquire green color... The underside of the leaves can be bluish or reddish-pink. Roots with small tuberous thickenings. This plant is the most hardy of the arrowroot, even an inexperienced florist can handle it.
Arrowroot reed is the tallest, in nature its growth is more than a meter. Leaves in the form of a long and pointed oval of dark green color with a bluish tint. Slightly pubescent below. The plant has thickened tuberous roots.
There are variegated (variegated) forms of arrowroot reed. Their pattern is not symmetrical, like other varieties. White, yellow or red spots and strokes are scattered randomly over the leaf.
Arrowroot bicolor is a rare plant that is sometimes distinguished as a separate species. Similar to the Kerhoven variety. On reddish petioles, ovoid leaves, wavy along the edge. Above - a pattern of green and brown spots, the underside is reddish and covered with light down. There are no tubers on the roots.

Photo gallery: varieties of arrowroot

Arrowroot white-necked Arrowroot two-color Arrowroot karhovena Arrowroot massange Arrowroot tricolor, it is also tricolor and fascinator Arrowroot reed variagate Arrowroot reed Arrowroot reed variagat with red leaves

No mysticism

For a long time, arrowroots evoked mystical awe and delight. People could not explain why, with the arrival of darkness, the plants fold their leaves, stretching them to the sky, as if in prayer. And in the morning, they again open the palms of the foliage, meeting the sun.

Botanical scientists have debunked this mystery. It turned out that there was nothing mystical about the touching gesture. Everything is explained by the simple desire of the arrowroot to get a little more light. A plant from the very bottom of a dense jungle changes the angle of the leaves so that they are better illuminated by the sun. During the day, the leaves are located almost parallel to the ground, and in the evening they rise vertically, substituting the inside out to the setting sun. And on the eve of a change in weather from sunny to rainy, arrowroots behave the same way. For this they have earned the fame of a natural barometer.

Video: a praying plant picks up leaves

Conditions for arrowroot

When choosing a place for arrowroot, remember its natural habits: love of warmth, moisture and dim light. Direct rays of the sun, a hot, air-drying battery, gusts of cold air - this is not suitable for a plant from the tropics. And the windowsill is not the best place for arrowroot: in spring and summer - too bright light for the leaves, in autumn and winter - it's cold to the roots.

Table: Seasonal Conditions

Season	Lighting	Humidity	Temperature
Spring	Arrowroot prefer diffused light, feel good in partial shade. The best growing areas are the east and west sides. Or south, but not by the window, but in the back of the room. Shade from the midday sun. Direct sun will discolor the elegant foliage and make it smaller.	Very high, 90%. Take care of hydration. Spray the plant regularly, up to 2 times a day. Arrange a shower flower, but be sure to cover the soil with a film so that there is no waterlogging. Wrap the pot of arrowroot in wet moss or peat and place in a large container. Place the arrowroot on a tray of pebbles or moss and water them. Place a wide container of water, an aquarium, an electric humidifier or indoor fountain next to it.	Moderate, 20-22 0С. Protect from drafts. Arrowroot does not tolerate sudden temperature fluctuations.
Summer			Moderate and slightly higher, + 20-26 0С. Protect from heat and temperature extremes.
Autumn
Winter	Well lit areas, but away from direct sun. Add artificial lighting. Daylight hours for arrowroot should last 14-16 hours.	High, 80–90%. Do not place the plant next to heating appliances. Spray the leaves and stems at least 2 times a week. Humidify the air in any way you can.	Moderate, 18–20 ° C, slightly cool. It should not fall below +14.

Floriana or bottle

Arrowroot lovers admit that the most difficult thing is to provide high humidity. The beauty from the tropical swamps does not have enough moisture in heated apartments, no matter how hard you try. She needs a truly greenhouse environment.

But there is a way to please the arrowroot. She lives well in home greenhouses or florariums. It is not so difficult to make them. And the arrowroot will become one of the best inhabitants of the toy jungle.

For an open florarium, you will need a container or aquarium made of glass, transparent plastic.
It is filled with drainage material, a porous soil substrate and tropical miniature plants are planted.
The plantings are moistened, covered with a lid or just glass and placed in a warm and bright place.
The florarium plants themselves create a microclimate. From time to time, when condensation appears, it is necessary to ventilate the mini-jungle.
Once every few months, rain the plants and clean the aquarium garden: remove damaged leaves.

Indoor florarium is sometimes called a garden in a bottle. Its main difference from an open one (aquarium) is that the container should have a rather narrow neck, which is tightly closed with a lid.

After planting, the bottle garden is watered only once, and then tightly corked and not opened. Plants live in a closed ecosystem for an average of about 2 (there is a record - 50 years) years, independently providing themselves with air and moisture. Few of them are capable of living in a bottle garden. Among them are the whimsical and moisture-loving arrowroot. A garden in a bottle looks very picturesque and does not need to be looked after. However, it is difficult to create such a piece of floristic art. Taste and dexterity are needed to gently and picturesquely plant the green inhabitants.

Plants that are suitable for the florarium: arrowroot, calamus, royal (with small leaves), calathea, saxifrage, ferns, pilea, ivy (small-leaved), dwarf ficus, fittonia.

Video: planting an open florarium

Transfer

Young arrowroot bushes are transplanted every spring, adult plants - after two years. Usually this operation is combined with reproduction by dividing the root. A newly purchased flower should be transplanted after keeping it in quarantine for a couple of weeks. In stores, they are kept in a depleted substrate to limit growth.

Sometimes the plant is too thick and has lost its decorative effect after summer. A transplant in the fall is also possible. At the same time, try to cut the arrowroot more, its leaves will grow more actively. But reproduction during the autumn transplant will have to be abandoned.

A wide plastic pot, slightly larger than the previous one, is suitable for arrowroot. The plant has superficial roots and does not need depth. And plastic, in comparison with ceramics, retains heat better - an arrowroot will like it. If you plan to form an ampelous plant, take a hanging basket or planter.

The tropical beauty will be grateful for the nutritious, loose and slightly acidic soil. Options:

ready-made store mix for arrowroot, enriched with crumbled charcoal;
on 3 parts of garden land, one and a half - peat and one sand;
equally divided humus, leaf and peat soil with the addition of a small amount of coniferous soil and pieces of charcoal;
on 2 parts of leafy land, one - peat, half a part of humus and sand, for airiness cut sphagnum moss and pine bark;
peat substrate, compost and leaf soil in equal proportions.

We transplant arrowroot

Sterilize (ignite) the potting mix and drainage, scald the pot with boiling water.
Place a 3-4 cm drainage layer on the bottom of the pot (coarse expanded clay or broken brick mixed with river sand).
Pour some soil on top of the drainage, moisten it.
Carefully remove the plant from the old pot without breaking the root ball.
Examine the aerial part, remove dried and diseased leaves.
Examine the roots, if there are rotten ones, carefully remove them.
Move the plant to a new pot.
Gradually fill the earth ball with new soil, compacting the void between it and the wall of the pot. Shake the container slightly in the process so as not to leave empty areas.
Water the plant lightly, spray it and place it in a slightly shaded place.

Arrowroot painfully tolerates the change of the pot. To help her, add a rooting preparation (Kornevin, Zircon, Epin, Ekogel) to the irrigation water once a week. Can be sprayed from a very fine spray bottle with Epin solution (2-3 drops per glass of water).

Video: how to transplant arrowroot

Arrowroot care at home

At first glance, it seems difficult to care for a demanding arrowroot. She really does not suit the forgetful and too busy florist. But if not only cacti live in your house, but also moisture-loving plants, arrowroot will not add much trouble. Place or hang it next to ferns, begonias, fittonias, and other moisture lovers. Then leaving will be easier. Or grow arrowroot in the florarium - it's original and interesting.

Watering and feeding

Arrowroot prefers very humid air. And it's not always good for excess moisture at the roots. The soil should not turn into swampy, this is fraught with putrefactive root diseases. You need to find a middle ground by watering the plant. Upper layer between watering it is necessary to dry it a little, and keep moisture inside the coma. In summer, arrowroot is watered often, about every other day. In winter - 2 times a week or less. The frequency depends on the temperature of the content. The warmer, the more abundant the watering. Sometimes it can be replaced by showering or spraying.

Arrowroot is sensitive not only to quality, but also to water temperature. For irrigation, you need water, demineralized, filtered or settled, always lukewarm, about 5 degrees higher than room temperature.

Arrowroot does not tolerate excess fertilizer. During growth (in spring-summer), it can be fed with mineral complexes for decorative leafy plants, but dilute them more than recommended in the instructions. Be especially careful with nitrogen nutrition, because of it the leaves turn green. Top dressing is applied every two weeks after watering. It is not worth feeding in winter. But weakened plants can be fertilized once a month.

Flowers, peace and lamps

Healthy arrowroot in spring and summer produces spikelet peduncles, on which small white, yellowish or purple flowers appear. They, in comparison with patterned leaves, look inexpressive. And flowering takes away the strength of the plant, after which the arrowroot can arrange a dormant period, having lost its leaves. Therefore, many growers cut off barely hatched peduncles.

In winter, arrowroot can rest. It stops growth, sometimes it loses some of its leaves. It is limited in watering, feeding is stopped. But the humidity should remain high. And be careful about the air temperature. Maranta should not spend the winter on a cold windowsill, it will feel better in the back of the room.

If the arrowroot spends the winter on the windowsill, warm the roots. Place the pot on thick foam or other heat-retaining support. Wrap it in a cloth.

With an artificial increase in daylight hours, arrowroot will grow variegated leaves in winter. It is noticed that this plant prefers not the sun, but electric light. Incandescent lamps are not suitable for illumination. Plants need special phytolamps (Fluora), gas-discharge lamps (Reflax, OSRAM or Philips) or conventional fluorescent lamps. LED lamps have proven themselves well; they provide the most efficient illumination.

Formation

If arrowroot grows uncontrollably, over the years it can lose its decorative appearance. The stems are bare from below, a weak growth is formed, the leaves, which do not have enough space, become smaller and turn yellow. In especially advanced cases, it is necessary to act radically. Trim the arrowroot completely, place the pot in partial shade, and water very sparingly. After some time, the roots will give a new, healthy growth.

But it is better not to take it to extremes, but to regularly devote time to the formation of arrowroot. It is necessary to remove deformed, elongated shoots, to trim dried or sluggish foliage. New leaves will quickly take the place of the trimmed ones.

When trimming arrowroot, try to cut the branches together with the knots-joints. Then they can be used for grafting. New roots will begin to develop from these nubs.

Arrowroot can also be grown on a support or an ampel plant can be formed from it.

Video: ampel arrowroot

Table: care errors

Video: how to properly care for arrowroot

Diseases and pests (table)

Reproduction

Arrowroot is usually propagated by cuttings and dividing the bush when transplanting. This plant is practically not grown from seeds. They are difficult to obtain at home, since insects are needed for pollination. And there is no point in starting a long sowing campaign, the first two methods are very convenient and give good results.

Cuttings

Cutting arrowroot is usually combined with the formation of a bush. Cuttings can be rooted from spring to autumn.

Cut adult twigs 8 - 10 cm, there should be two internodes and 2-3 leaves.
Treat the slice with a growth stimulant (Epin, Zircon, Kornevin), place it in the solution for a few seconds.
Place the cuttings in a container of water.
Roots will appear in two to three weeks.
When the roots grow a little, plant the cuttings in a moist, light peat substrate or moss.
Spray the seedlings and build a greenhouse (cover them with a bag or jar) for better adaptation.
Air and moderately moisturize the cuttings.
When new leaves appear, remove the greenhouse, take care of it like an adult plant.

By dividing the bush

This type of reproduction is combined with plant transplantation. But, if you can transplant arrowroot at any time of the year, division will be effective only in spring.

Remove the arrowroot bush from the pot.
Cut the rhizome into pieces with a sharp sterile knife so that each division has several leaves and a developed root segment.
Powder the cuts with crushed charcoal and root former.
Plant each part in a separate pot filled with loose potting soil (formulations in the transplant chapter).
Spray the seedlings, cover with a bag to improve survival.
Place the separated plants in partial shade, in a warm (20–22 ° C), draft-free place.

Experienced growers claim that there is another way to propagate arrowroot. New plants can be obtained by planting nodules that form on the roots. They need to be carefully separated and planted in light soil or moss. After a while, the tubers should sprout.

Young plants - every year, from 3 years old - every 2-4 years Summer 22-25, from mid-autumn to late spring 18-20 In spring and summer 2-3 times a week, in winter - once a week Only to increase the humidity in the room Diffuse bright lighting Avoid sudden temperature changes

Lighting

Arrowroot does not tolerate direct sunlight. Lighting should be bright, but diffuse. In summer, the east, west and even north window will do. The best way- put arrowroot about 2 m from a bright window.

In winter, it is better to place the plant closer to the light.... In low light conditions, artificial backlighting with fluorescent lamps is often used - 16 hours a day.

Temperature

Arrowroot does not tolerate both overheating and hypothermia. In summer, it is desirable to maintain a temperature of 22-25 ° C, at higher temperatures, higher humidity is required (see below).

From mid-autumn to late spring, the optimum temperature is 18–20 ° C, while it should never fall below 10 ° C, otherwise the plant will die.

Arrowroot is quite thermophilic. Due to too cool content, the stems and leaves may begin to rot, and if the situation is not changed, the plant will die. Overheating is also dangerous for the plant.

She very badly tolerates sudden changes in temperature and does not tolerate drafts. Therefore, even in the warm season, it is not recommended to take it outside or, in extreme cases, choose a place that is completely protected from wind, sun and drafts.

Watering

It is necessary to observe the watering regime, in order to avoid decay of the roots.

In summer and spring watering is abundant - 2-3 times a week. In winter and autumn, watering is moderate - once a week. For irrigation, use soft, settled water, it should be warm - slightly above room temperature.

Waterlogging of the soil can cause root rot... To avoid this, you need to observe the watering regime, create good drainage with a layer of about 5 cm, and also constantly drain the water from the sump. From insufficient watering, arrowroot can wilt and dry out.

Spraying

Spraying is used to increase indoor humidity.

Spray the plant with settled water at least 3 times a week, and in summer it is desirable 1-2 times a day.

But the water on the leaves can leave lime streaks, and stagnant water can provoke fungal diseases.

Growing arrowroot requires breathable, loose soil. You can use ready-made soil mixtures with an acidity level of pH 5.5-6.0.

However, the substrate can be easily prepared by yourself.... To do this, you need to mix 3 parts of leafy earth, 1.5 parts of peat and 1 part of sand.

To make the mixture looser, you can add one of the following components to it: crushed charcoal, coniferous soil, sphagnum moss, pieces of pine bark.

Young plants need a different composition: Mix equal amounts of humus, leafy soil, peat and coarse sand.

Fertilizer

Arrowroot requires regular feeding with mineral and organic fertilizers. It should be borne in mind that the plant is very sensitive to overfeeding, so fertilizers should be diluted 2-3 times.

During the period of active growth - in spring and summer, arrowroot is fed 1 time in 2 weeks... Ready-made dressings for decorative deciduous plants, for example, "Kemira-Lux", are suitable.

In winter, they are fed once a month. During the dormant period, the plant does not need to be fertilized.

Humidity

High humidity - necessary condition normal development of arrowroot. There are several ways to increase humidity.

Peculiarities

Consider how to care for arrowroot at home, depending on the characteristics of the flower.

The plant does not like sudden changes in temperature, dry air, direct sunlight, drafts and gas combustion products.

Periodically, you need to remove dried leaves and strongly elongated shoots.

Leaves are easily damaged, so it is best to wipe them with a soft dry cloth or brush.

A special feature of arrowroot tricolor is its reaction to light. In insufficient light, the leaves take up a vertical position, resembling a closed rosette. When there is enough light, they are arranged horizontally, as if opening an outlet. Thus, every morning the leaves unfold, and in the evening they fold. Because of this feature, the plant is popularly called "praying grass".

An important aspect in caring for arrowroot is lighting. With its lack, the beautiful pattern on the leaves will be very weak, and the foliage itself will become pale green. On the other hand, too much light also negatively affects the flower.

Trim / Support / Garter

Over time, arrowroot shoots are strongly stretched, so it is recommended to prune 1-2 times a year. Some growers completely cut off the aerial part of the plant in the spring. After 1–1.5 months, the shoots grow back.

After arrowroot with bright young leaves, it looks more attractive. Do not discard trimmed shoots - they can be rooted in water.

Often the arrowroot is completely cut off in the fall before wintering, after which it is removed to a dark place and hardly watered. This way you can save dried or wilted plants. Therefore, do not rush to throw them away.

Arrowroot does not have to be cut for the winter. In bright enough natural light or with additional artificial lighting, arrowroot grows well in winter.

Tying arrowroot shoots to supports is not recommended, it is better to direct them horizontally.

Diseases

Which can infect arrowroot: spider mites, aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, thrips. To combat them, you need to process the plant special means- pesticides.

Any special diseases or pests of the marrant are not affected. The main reason for problems with a plant is improper care of it.

The most common danger to arrowroot is a spider mite and mealybug.

Spider mites appear when the air humidity is low. It is a tiny red insect that usually settles on the underside of a plant's leaves. The mite envelops the plant in a thin white web. Over time, small white spots appear on the leaves, the foliage turns pale and falls off.

Mealybugs can be found on leaf stalks.

To combat pests, you can use folk methods: treat the plant twice with soapy water (20 grams of soap per 1 liter of water) at intervals of a week. It is also important to increase the humidity in the room. If these methods do not work, you will have to use insecticides: Actellik, Fitoverm, Nurell-D. 1-2 ml of the drug is diluted in a liter of water. The aerial part of arrowroot is sprayed with this solution. If the pests did not die the first time, the treatment can be repeated.

Problems

With dry air the tips of the leaves turn brown and dry, the leaves may fall off, and the growth of the plant may slow down. Top dressing with mineral fertilizers and air humidification will help.

In winter, at low temperatures and abundant watering the stems become lethargic and may rot. Urgent transplantation and removal of rotten roots and stems will help.

With insufficient watering the leaves may curl up and be covered with dark spots, and the lower leaves may turn yellow. The soil should always be slightly moist.

With excessive lighting leaves may curl, discolor, or dry out. Move the plant to a less light spot.

Reproduction

The most common ways to propagate arrowroot at home are dividing and grafting.

Division

Division is usually carried out when transplanting an adult overgrown plant. The bush is removed from the pot and carefully divided into 2-3 parts, being careful not to damage the roots. All parts are seated in separate pots with loose soil, watered, put in a plastic bag and tied loosely. Keep in a warm place until new leaves appear.

Cuttings

In the period from May to September, cuttings 8–12 cm long with 2–4 leaves and a pair of internodes are cut from a young shoot. Then the cuttings are placed in water, which will need to be changed daily.

Rooting usually lasts 4-6 weeks... When the roots are about 2.5 cm long, the cuttings can be planted in the soil.

In spring, cuttings can be rooted in a mixture of sand and peat by covering the container with glass.

How to propagate arrowroot at home is up to you.

Transfer

Young plants require annual replanting. Starting at 3 years of age, arrowroot is transplanted 1 time in 2-4 years.

The transplant is carried out in early spring.... To do this, take a pot slightly larger than the previous one, shallow and wide - the root system of the plant develops horizontally. It is advisable to select plastic containers - they retain moisture better.

At the bottom of the pot, drainage is laid with a layer of about 5 cm - expanded clay, charcoal, coarse sand, broken brick or clay shards. The soil composition for young and mature plants is slightly different (see above).

Dry and diseased leaves are removed before planting. It is not recommended to strongly compact the soil around the roots.

After transplanting, the plant is not fed for a month.... At this time, arrowroot is protected from drafts, bright sun and sudden changes in temperature.

Description of the plant and species

Arrowroot is a herbaceous low-growing perennial belonging to the Marantov family. It is native to the tropics of South America and Africa.

Arrowroot leaves are collected in a root rosette and have a wide-oval shape. The length does not exceed 15-25 cm. It is they that are of decorative value. The background color of the foliage, depending on the species and variety, varies from light to dark green, and bright veins, spots and stripes stand out on each leaf plate. Nondescript white, cream or light pink flowers are collected on a flower arrow in spike-shaped inflorescences. The arrowroot height does not exceed 30-40 cm.

About 25 species of arrowroot are known... Some of them:

Arrowroot tricolor or tricolor - has large oval leaves, up to 15 cm long. Their background color is rich green. There are light green or beige spots near the central vein, and dark red spots are clearly visible along the side veins. The underside of the foliage is crimson.
Arrowroot reed - has elongated leaves, up to 25 cm long. Light feathery spots are clearly visible along the central and lateral veins against a dark green background.
Arrowroot whitish - has heart-shaped leaves, 11-15 cm long, and up to 9 cm wide. The background is dark green, the veins are silvery-white, along them there are light green spots. The underside of the leaves is crimson or green in color.

Video

We recommend that you watch a useful video on the topic of the article:

Now you all know about caring for arrowroot at home.

The arrowroot flower is a perennial with straight stems, sometimes creeping species that are successfully cultivated when nursing at home. it indoor plant is a representative of the Marantovaya family. There are about 25 plant species native to the marshlands of Central America.

General information

Arrowroot is not a large plant in height, only some species exceed a height of 20 centimeters. The arrowroot plant attracts attention with its spectacular appearance and color of the leaves. In bright light, horizontal streaks and spots are clearly visible on the arrowroot. The foliage color of the plant is from light to dark green. The shape of the leaves is oblong and resembles a large oval. Arrowroot inflorescences represent panicles.

Arrowroot leaves have one interesting feature change the direction of the leaves when the light rays change. At sunset, the leaves rise and close, and at sunrise, the leaves are directed to the side. In connection with such capabilities of the plant, it is called "praying grass". Another nickname for the plant because of its 10 spots on some species, the British nicknamed it "10 Commandments".

Arrowroot species and varieties

One of the most popular and common types. The root system of the arrowroot is about in the form of tubers. Shoots of arrowroot about 30 cm. The shape of the leaves is oval-oblong, about 15 cm long and about 9 cm wide. The base of the leaf is heart-shaped, olive shade with a light stripe along the leaf. The lateral horizontal veins are lighter with bright olive patterns. The leg is about 2 cm long.

It is a small plant, reaching a height of about 25 cm. The foliage of the plant is about 14 cm in length with not high legs. Outside side the leaf has a rich green hue with patterns resembling a feather in shape. The inner side of the leaves is scarlet. Inflorescences are small, several pieces per stalk.

Or red veined , the foliage of this species resembles an oval, about 13 cm long and 6 cm wide. Outside, light green tones, and differ in light tones, then dark. And from the inside, the sheet is bright pink. Red streaks along the leaf and pinkish with inside... Also, in the middle of the leaf, there is a yellow-green tint with specks. Flowers are purple.

His homeland is South America. A neat bush up to one in height, shoots in winter period die off. The root system is tuberous. Leaves, elongated about 25 cm in length, ovoid at the apex acoust. On the inside, the leaf is pubescent and has a grayish tint. It blooms in beige.

Or arrowroot tricolor the environment of flower growers is in demand and interesting. This species differs in its individual colors. On the surface of the foliage plate, there is a three-color pattern in the form of reddish veins on a green background and yellowish spots in the center of the leaf.

Arrowroot care at home

How to care for arrowroot so that the plant delights its owners with its beauty? The first step is to provide the correct lighting for the plant.

The arrowroot plant loves lighting diffused, without intrusive direct rays and in good quantity, that is, all daylight hours. The plant does not tolerate direct sunlight, and dark conditions for maintenance, too. It is good if the plant is provided with artificial light up to 15 hours a day without natural lighting.

Arrowroot is a fairly thermophilic plant and prefers warm climates to keep around 24 degrees. In winter, it will withstand a decrease in temperature to -16 degrees. Due to sudden changes in temperature and frequent drafts, the plant may die.

Watering and humidity

Arrowroot prefers sufficiently humidified air up to about 90%. The plant loves regular spraying of the leaves, with water of about 20 degrees, preferably soft, so that no light bloom remains on the surface of the foliage. In the summer, when a significant increase in temperature begins, it is better to put the container with the plant in wide trays with small stone or moss, but so that the bottom of the container does not touch moisture, otherwise waterlogging of the root system may begin rotting of the root system.

Arrowroot prefers watering with soft, settled water for a day, with such frequency that the soil does not have time to dry out, but not to overmoisten. And in winter, watering should be reduced, and moistened only when the soil of the plant has dried up by three centimeters. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the rhizome of the arrowroot does not freeze.

Soil and fertilizers for arrowroot

Soil for arrowroot composition should be of two parts of leafy earth, sand, coniferous, peat and humus, all other components must be taken in equal parts. It is also necessary to add pieces of charcoal to the soil.

The plant is fertilized during the growing season, which means that from the spring period until the fall, it is fertilized with a diluted complex fertilizer for not flowering plants, several times every thirty days. Arrowroot does not tolerate an overabundance of fertilizers and their lack, too.

Arrowroot transplant

The plant should be transplanted about once for a couple of years in loosened and light soil.

The pot for planting the plant should be wide, because the rhizome of the plant is shallow, so a deep pot is not suitable for the plant. Good drainage must be laid on the bottom of the container.

If your arrowroot is only from the store, you need to give it time to get used to a new place, at least two weeks, and then transplant. Arrowroot is transplanted with its old lands in a lump into a new container, and on the sides and in the missing places, they are poured with earth.

For a beautiful formation of the arrowroot bush, pruning should be done. To do this, you need to cut the leaves to the base. After that, the plant begins to grow actively.

Arrowroot propagation by cuttings

How to propagate arrowroot by cuttings? This requires a stalk about 8 cm in length, with a pair of buds. The cutting takes root well in water or a good moist light soil with an elevated air temperature.

Rooting in the ground occurs after about a month, so it happens in water, the roots begin to appear somewhere around 45 days. After the appearance of the root system, the plants must be transplanted into the soil based on peat bog with sand.

Reproduction of arrowroot by dividing the bush

To do this, you need to get the bush out of the container and divide it into several necessary parts and transplant the prepared containers with soil. It is advisable to cover it with a film so that the plant has the opportunity to take root.

Reproduction of arrowroot leaf. A separate sheet should be placed in a light substrate and covered with a film, forming such a greenhouse. After rooting and adaptation, it is necessary to transplant to a permanent place.

Why arrowroot leaves curl and turn yellow, this is due to insufficient moisture in the plant.

Diseases and pests

Why do arrowroot leaves dry - in arrowroot, due to direct sunlight, the leaves begin to dry and fall off over time.
Why arrowroot leaves leaves - the plant begins to lower its leaves at dawn, when direct sunlight begins to fall on it.
Arrowroot lifted the leaves up - the plant raises its leaves at sunset, with a lack of sunlight.
Arrowroot leaves dry when the plant does not have enough moisture and spraying. Then the tips become Brown color and dry up, the plant also slows down its growth. Spraying should be increased for the plant.
Why do arrowroot leaves shrink , this comes from a lack of lighting or, conversely, from an excessive amount of it.
Arrowroot white bloom at the base of the leaves ... Most likely, the reason for this is a pest, a mealybug. Inspect the plant and treat with insecticides. A second reason could be hard water used to spray the plant.

Arrowroot - perennial herbaceous plants with erect or creeping shoots and tuberous roots. The plants are named after the Venetian physician Bartalomeo Maranta (16th century). There is one more popular name - "10 commandments". One of the arrowroot species has 10 specks on the leaves, and therefore the inhabitants of England try to have such a flower in every house. We will tell you about the features of growing arrowroot at home in the article.

Botanical description of arrowroot

Arrowroot (Maranta) is a genus of plants in the family Marantovye. About 25 species are known in the genus. The arrowroot family ( Marantaceae) has about 400 plant species that belong to 30 genera. The homeland of arrowroot is the swampy forests of Central and South America.

Arrowroot are short plants that rarely grow above 20cm. They are notable for the spectacular color of the leaves, on which brightly colored veins and spots stand out against an even background. The general background of the leaves varies from almost white to dark green, almost black. Leaves are linear-lanceolate, oblong-elliptical, oval-round.

Arrowroot leaves have the ability to change their direction: under favorable conditions, leaf blades are located almost horizontally, and with a lack of lighting or other unfavorable factors, they rise up and fold together. Because of this feature, arrowroots are called "praying grass."

Arrowroot requirements for growing conditions

Light: bright diffused, the plant can tolerate some shade.

Temperature: in the spring-summer period - + 22 ... + 24 ° C; in the autumn-winter period - + 18 ... + 20 ° C.

Watering: plentiful, warm soft water.

Air humidity: high.

Top dressing: the plant needs fertilizing with both organic and mineral fertilizers.

Dormant period: forced, from October to February.

Features of growing arrowroot

Arrowroot are fairly shade-tolerant plants that thrive in diffused light. In winter, bright diffused light is also desirable for plants. They do not tolerate direct sunlight during the spring and summer months. The size and color of the leaves depends on whether the plant is successfully protected from the sun. If the light is very bright, the leaves lose their color, and the leaf blade also shrinks. Arrowroot grows very well under artificial lighting with fluorescent lamps for 16 hours a day.

Arrowroots are quite thermophilic. In summer, the optimum temperature is + 22 ... + 24 ° С; overheating is also dangerous for plants. Watch the temperature of the soil - it should not fall below + 18 ° C. From October to February, during the dormant period, the optimum temperature for keeping arrowroot is + 18 ... + 20 ° С; in no case should the temperature drop below + 10 ° С. The plant is very sensitive to temperature changes and drafts - they must be avoided.

Watering for arrowroot requires abundant, warm soft water. The soil should be kept moist and should not be allowed to dry out between waterings during the growing season. In autumn and winter, watering is somewhat reduced, and in cool conditions it is necessary to allow the surface of the substrate to dry out. It is important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged and that the root system does not cool down.

Arrowroot prefers high humidity. It requires regular spraying throughout the year. Spray with well-settled or filtered water. For arrowroot, you need to choose a place with the maximum humidity.

With dry indoor air, spraying is necessary at least once, and ideally twice a day. To increase moisture, the plant can be placed on a pallet with damp moss, expanded clay or pebbles. In this case, the bottom of the pot should not touch the water.

Periodically arrowroot can be washed under the shower. This procedure removes dust and moisturizes the leaves of the plant, while during washing, you should close the pot with a bag so that water does not get into the substrate.

Often, in spite of the measures to increase the humidity of the air, the tips of the leaves dry out in the plant under indoor conditions. Arrowroot grow well, as already noted, in mini-greenhouses, florariums, terrariums.

The plant needs fertilizing with both organic and mineral fertilizers. Arrowroot is fed in spring and summer 1 time in 2 weeks with a strongly diluted solution mineral fertilizers as well as highly diluted organic fertilizer.

The arrowroots are transplanted, on average, after two years, in the spring, while the pot is taken a little more than the previous one, better plastic (it holds moisture better). Dried and wilted leaves are cut off from the plant so that young shoots grow better.

For planting arrowroot, shallow pots are used (the root system of plants is shallow); it is necessary to arrange good drainage in them, consisting of shards, expanded clay or coarse sand.

The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil (pH about 6), it can be made from leafy, humus, peat soil (1: 1: 1) or from garden soil, peat and sand (3: 1.5: 1). It is useful to add dry mullein, crushed charcoal and some coniferous earth to this mixture.

When grown in a hydroponic culture or on an ion-exchange substrate, arrowroot forms powerful large-leaved low plants, without requiring transplants, transshipments and feeding for 2-3 years.

Reproduction of arrowroot

The best way to get a new plant is to propagate the arrowroot by dividing the bush at the right time for replanting. The separated parts of the plant are planted in small pots with soil, prepared as described above.

To root the separated parts of the plant, the pots are covered with foil and kept in a warm place. It is desirable that during this period the air temperature is not lower than +20 degrees. When the plants take root and start growing, the film can be removed and further looked after, as mentioned above. Usually, if these conditions are met, rooting of arrowroot takes place without problems.

You can propagate arrowroot with apical cuttings. For this late spring or in the summer it is necessary to cut off cuttings with 2-3 leaves from the new shoots of the plant and place them in water. Arrowroot cuttings take root in about five to six weeks. They take root well in greenhouses with high temperature and humidity. The cuttings that have given roots are planted in a peat-based planting substrate.

Arrowroot diseases

If you see that arrowroot leaves turn yellow, their ends are brown and dry, plant growth is slowed down, then most likely your flower does not have enough moisture and the air around the plant is too dry. It is necessary to increase the humidity of the air, spray the arrowroot more often, put the pot in wet peat or on pebbles with water in a pan.

Too dry air can lead to curling and falling of arrowroot leaves, as well as damage to the plant. spider mite... A spider mite is a very small red "spider". It appears on the underside of the leaves and envelops them with thin white cobwebs. It is destroyed by spraying and washing the leaves, especially from the underside, with water, a weak tobacco infusion with soap, pollination (in the fresh air, outside the rooms) with ground sulfur, or the plant is treated with ready-made systemic insecticides.

When processing arrowroot leaves with infusions, after 2-3 hours, the leaves must be washed with cool water. The treatment of the plant will have to be repeated several times until the pests are completely destroyed. To avoid being hit by a spider mite, the plant must be kept clean, sprayed often, and kept away from central heating batteries.

If the plant is kept in the cold and watered too hard, then diseases are inevitable for arrowroot. In this case, the flower will wither and rot the stems and leaves, if the conditions of detention are not changed, the arrowroot will die.

Arrowroots are picky about light mode... In too bright light, the leaves lose color. Leaves may burn if exposed to direct sunlight. Arrowroot need diffused light. From direct sunlight, the arrowroot flower should be shaded.

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