Maranta arundinacea aka Arrowroot
Taxonomy
Common names
Arrowroot, Maranta, West Indian ArrowrootHow to care for Arrowroot
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Arrowroot, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Arrowroot should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Arrowroot loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Arrowroot prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Humidity
The Arrowroot does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.
Fertilizer
Once the Arrowroot has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Arrowroot’s native range is Central, South America and the Caribbean.
More info:
Wikipedia