Maranta leuconeura 'Erythroneura' (muh-RAN-tuh  lew-koh-NEW-ruh 'er-ih-throh-NEW-ruh') Herringbone Plant This evergreen, rhizomatous perennial comes the rainforest in tropical Central and South America. They are cultivated for their crowded clumps of often intricately patterned, blunt-ended, elliptic leaves. This colorful plant has several other common names. It is know as Red-Nerve Plant, Herringbone Plant and the Prayer Plant. It folds its leaves at night to conserve moisture, and the arrangement looks like hands in prayer. Turn on a light after it has retired, and it will immediately open its leaves. Light: Medium light for growth; high light for flowering (near bright east or south window). Temperature: (65-80oF/18-27oC) Water: Keep the potting mixture moist, but plant can tolerate some suface drying without damage.

Humidity: Average (25% or more).

Fertilization: Apply every 2 to 3 months. A liquid fertilizer could be used each time the plant is water. Also a fertilizer stake that lasts for about two months could be used.

Propagation: Tip cuttings of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) and division of plant.

Special Care: Repot every 2 years in well-aerated potting mixture containing up to 50% organic matter.

Pests: Check carefully for spider mites onundersides of leaves; if present, spry with appropriate pesticide.

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