Maranta leuconeura 'Kerchoveana' (muh-RAN-tuh  lew-koh-NEW-ruh 'ker-chove-ee-AY-nuh') Rabbit Tracks 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 Rabbit's Foot, Rabbit's Tracks 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: Low light for growth; high light for flowering (near bright east or south window). Temperature: (65-80oF/18-27oC). Can tolerate 45oF (7oC) without damage. 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 if plant becomes too large for pot, 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.

Common Problems: If leaves begin to wilt and edges turn brown, leach to remove excess soluble salts.

Return