underwatering and Maranta
Quick answer
If underwatering is what's going on with your Maranta, the most likely cause is: The leaves of a maranta will curl and wither if the plant becomes too dry and cold, and dehydration is extremely damaging to marantaceae in general, as shown by neglected Maranta leuconeura Erythrophylla specimens whose whole leaves become limp and discoloured and whose stems turn spindly and weak; the thin-leaved tropical cannot recover cellular resilience in parts that have already gone limp.
Start here:
- 1. Raise the temperature and humidity gradually when an underwatered Maranta is retrieved; gradually moisten the soil with tepid water and keep the plant warm rather than swamping it with cold water that would shock the roots.
- 2. Resume regular watering once the soil feels fairly dry at the top of the pot, pouring water at the top and letting it drain through the soil without leaving the plant standing in the excess.
Why underwatering happens to Maranta
Maranta leuconeura
The leaves of a maranta will curl and wither if the plant becomes too dry and cold, and dehydration is extremely damaging to marantaceae in general, as shown by neglected Maranta leuconeura Erythrophylla specimens whose whole leaves become limp and discoloured and whose stems turn spindly and weak; the thin-leaved tropical cannot recover cellular resilience in parts that have already gone limp.
How to correct underwatering on Maranta
- 1
Raise the temperature and humidity gradually when an underwatered Maranta is retrieved; gradually moisten the soil with tepid water and keep the plant warm rather than swamping it with cold water that would shock the roots.
- 2
Resume regular watering once the soil feels fairly dry at the top of the pot, pouring water at the top and letting it drain through the soil without leaving the plant standing in the excess.
- 3
Group the maranta with other humidity-loving tropicals in a shallow container filled with moist peat to lift local humidity around the limp foliage while the plant rehydrates.
Keep underwatering from repeating on this Maranta
Keep the room temperature stable between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (23°C) with a target of 70°F (21°C); water regularly so the soil feels fairly dry at the top of the pot before the next watering, never let the plant stand in a cold draughty spot, and remember that overwatering is as bad for Maranta leuconeura as lack of moisture.