Features arrowroot
There are more than 20 species, the most famous of which are tricolor or white-headed arrowroot. In nature, it grows up to 150 cm in height, but a houseplant rarely exceeds 30-40 cm.
A stemless plant is interesting with a strange habit. In low light, the leaves rise up, almost to a vertical position, and in the morning they return to their usual position. Basal elliptical leaves, located on the stems, are attached to a tuberous rhizome.
The large patterned leaves can be shades of red, green, brown and cream. Bright spots, stripes and veins stand out against the background.
Note! Spike apical inflorescences are small and insignificant. They are much better removed to encourage leaf growth.
Arrowroot flower care
Despite the fact that there are a lot of varieties of this plant, the same rules must be followed in caring for them. Maranta likes well-loamy peat-based soil that retains water but also has good drainage properties. The plant loves acidic soil, so it can be watered and fed with green tea.
Location
The arrowroot plant prefers a bright place with diffused light, but can also cope with partial shade. However, excessive sun exposure can lead to leaf scorch. Avoid direct sunlight on the leaves in spring and summer.
Additional Information! An excess of light can have the most negative effect on the decorativeness of the arrowroot, namely, the leaves will begin to shrink, and also lose their bright and very effective color. If the plant does not receive enough light, the leaves close at night and do not fully open during the day.
It requires an air temperature of 20-24 ºС – in winter 16-18, but should not fall below 10 degrees.
Watering
During the growing season, the plant needs regular watering (the substrate should not dry out completely between two waterings). Use water at room temperature or slightly warm. Both lack of water and excess moisture cause yellowing and leaf drop.
Humidity
The humidity of the environment is the most important for the proper cultivation of arrowroot. Like most tropical plants, she loves high humidity of 60%. To keep it at a high level, regularly spray the plant with water at room temperature or put the pot on a tray with wet gravel. If the humidity is insufficient, the tips of the leaves will begin to dry at the flower.
Arrowroot fertilizer
It is recommended to feed twice a month in spring and summer, and stop feeding in the autumn and winter months. Fertilizers for ornamental plants, especially those rich in nitrogen, are used. In summer, one gram of a standard fertilizer for ornamental plants per liter of water is sufficient. Fertilize after watering 2 times a week. In winter and autumn, it is not necessary to feed the plant.
pruning
It basically consists of removing the long stems twice a year to keep the plant compact and bushy. Dry leaves and flowers should also be removed.
Arrowroot transplant
It can be transplanted once every 2-3 years, in the spring, when the pot becomes too large, and the roots of the plant no longer have enough space for development. This plant has very shallow roots, so it should be planted in a wide, shallow pot with holes. It is recommended to fill the bottom with coarse sand, broken brick, sea pebbles or expanded clay.
Suitable slightly acidic soil. You can use the following mixtures:
- equal parts of humus, peat and leafy soil;
- one part of sand to one and a half parts of peat and three parts of garden soil;
- leaf, peat, humus, coniferous soil with sand in the ratio 2:1:1:1.
It is recommended to add some charcoal to the soil. Professionals advise cutting off all shoots before transplanting, leaving only one internode on them, then new ones will grow thicker.
Reproduction of arrowroot
Propagation of plants is carried out both by division of the plant and by cuttings. The most common breeding option for arrowroot is dividing the bush, which is recommended in the spring. During transplantation, you need to carefully divide the root system so as not to damage the integrity of the roots. Next, the divided plant is planted in separate pots with peat soil. At first, frequent watering will be required, since the earth should not dry out completely.
To create more favorable conditions for rooting, growth and the emergence of new leaves, the cuttings are placed in a pot of soil, covered with a plastic bag and kept in a warm place. As soon as the first young leaves appear, care for the arrowroot should follow the usual pattern.
The plant can also be propagated by cuttings. The most favorable time for this procedure is May-June.
It is necessary to carefully cut off a young stalk that has a couple of leaves, and place it in a vessel with soft water at room temperature. Within about a month, the plant should take root, then it is planted in a separate pot with peat soil.
Pests and diseases of arrowroot
Plant problems arise mainly due to improper care. In order for the arrowroot flower to flourish, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures correctly: regularly check the plant for the appearance of parasites. Also regularly monitor the level of humidity and air temperature around the plant.
- The leaves of the plant begin to wither and turn brown – this means that the arrowroot has been exposed to too low temperatures.
- When the leaves lose their luster, this is a sign that the plant is in too much sunlight.
- If the leaves of the plant begin to fall off, the air in the room may be too dry.
- There are several reasons why the leaves wrinkle and turn brown: the plant is in direct sunlight, too dry or too cold air.
Among the pests that affect arrowroot are red spider mites and mealybugs, against which appropriate solutions are used. The appearance of these pests provokes too dry indoor air.
The mealybug concentrates mainly on the stems of the leaves and must be washed off with soap and water and then rinsed with clean water. If this measure is not enough, you will have to spray several times with Actellic solution (2 ml per liter of water) until the plant is no longer threatened.
The plant’s need for high humidity provokes leaf spot and other bacterial and fungal infections, so you need to keep the leaves dry, always water the soil. The leaves at the base of the plant are usually prone to wilt and must be removed each time to maintain a beautiful appearance.
