Divine arrowroot species: description of the 5 best varieties
Is there a more “religious” plant on earth than the 10 Commandments or Praying Grass? Only unique species of arrowroot could deserve such loud names from the people. Why?
With the onset of darkness, the leaves of the flower fold inward, exposing the back of the plate. If you look at this phenomenon for a long time, it seems that the believer has folded his palms for prayer. At the same time, many are surprised by the color of the foliage, which resembles the tablets of Moses. On each side of a light green leaf there are 5 spots, in the bag it turns out 10, like the commandments.
Scientists have not yet precisely determined the origin of the culture. For many years it was believed that this is Brazil. However, DNA research has shown a different homeland for the flower. This time it was Africa.
On this topic:arrowroot - home care!
Types of arrowroot: count from 1 to 5
In nature, there are about 250 varieties that differ in color, bush height and foliage. By tradition, the leaves are lanceolate and reach 15 cm in length. They are colored either light green or almost black. Typically, the bush grows up to 30 cm in height, but in nature there are exceptions - 1.5 m. The inflorescences of the culture are collected in graceful ears, which come in the following shades:
- beige;
- white;
- cream;
- lilac.
Below are the most popular arrowroot species loved by gardeners. Their characteristics are so unique that they will become a wonderful highlight in the interior of a house or apartment.
The size, shade, as well as the pattern of the leaves directly depend on the lighting of the room. The light should be bright, but diffused. As a result, the flowerpot will be a rich color and with a contrasting pattern.
Maranta Kerhovena - a spotted inhabitant of the tropics
With good care, the plant grows up to 25 cm tall. The culture is distinguished by unusually bright colors, for which it is appreciated by housewives. Large and wide leaves of arrowroot kershovian fascinate with their appearance:
- the tone of the deciduous plate is light green with a bluish overflow;
- coarse veins (lateral and central) are convex;
- on both sides of the leaf, strokes, feathers or dots of a dark green hue are applied;
- in the central part, a white stripe stands out, repeating the bends of the vein;
- the lower part of the foliage is colored in scarlet and shimmers in blue.
Kerkhoven arrowroot blooms with snow-white jugs, reminiscent of Cinderella's shoes. Up to 2-3 buds are tied on one peduncle.
Experienced growers remove peduncles immediately after emergence in order to maintain a rich color, because the plant spends a lot of energy and energy on budding.
Taking care of the variety is not at all difficult. Pot put in a warm place with diffused lighting. Water often and abundantly, sometimes spray. In this case, use soft, settled and, preferably, warm water. Organic or mineral fertilizers are applied every 2 weeks.
Arrowroot reed - a motley beauty for a flower bed
This variety serves as the ancestor of several species. The most original decorative effect is the arrowroot reed variegata or variegated. The original combination of white and light green shades makes its colors unique.At the same time, the drawing has a non-standard structure. There are more stripes on one side of the leaves (they come in different thicknesses), and on the other, fewer or none at all. The main features of the flower:
- height of an adult exhibit - 100 cm;
- the flowerpot shoots long arrows resembling a reed;
- white inflorescences with a beige tint appear in spring or summer;
- root system in the form of thick, tuberous processes;
- large leaves reach 25 cm in length.
There is also a monochromatic variety of the variety. It is not so contrasting and bright, but expressive veins give it extraordinaryness. In addition to the embossed surface, they are distinguished by a light shade.
The flower will look original against the background of a dark wall or wallpaper. However, it is not very often grown in an apartment, since it is too large.
Arrowroot white-veined - spectacular and colorful
This type of "praying grass" has up to 10 varieties. However, each of these types of arrowroot is characterized by white stripes. The culture grows in the form of a dense bush and reaches 25 or 30 cm in height. It is characterized by features:
- Large leaves (15 cm long), located on short cuttings.
- Against their green background, thin contrasting threads, reminiscent of the limbs of a centipede, stand out brightly.
- The central part of the leaves is decorated with original silver feathers.
- Rolling up at night, they showcase the back of the plate that delights with its rich scarlet hue.
It is this color that gives the white-veined arrowroot a magnificent, luxurious look. There is also another hybrid of the white-veined species - "Marisela". Its dark green glossy foliage is covered with yellow veins. The originality of the drawing is that, in relation to the growth of the plant, the lines are located vertically, and not horizontally. Also in the middle are short teeth (zigzag), which intrigue the image of the flower. As a result, the bush resembles an ancient Greek display case with exquisite amphoras.
Black arrowroots - an amazing metamorphosis
Dark plant varieties are another amazing variety of white-veined "praying grass". Their middle name is Massange. Only the leaves are larger and, when crops reach maturity, they turn into tricolors. Many flower growers choose black arrowroots due to the unsurpassed pattern:
- in the central zone, a zigzag of a pale cornflower blue color stands out, more like a spruce or a maple leaf;
- thin silvery veins extend from the middle and curl upward;
- the second tone is black velvet, and sometimes brown spots;
- leaf edging light green.
This gradation of colors is not quite common for arrowroot varieties. Nevertheless, thanks to such decorative properties, the plant looks mysterious, creating an atmosphere of royal chambers.
Due to its rich color, the flowerpot does not tolerate direct sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to put it on the northern windows or in the corner of the room, where diffused light enters.
Arrowroot tricolor - a wonderful tricolor for home
The unique combination of red, green and light green shades deserves the attention of even the most sophisticated flower growers. Pink streaks of arrowroot tricolor (photo above and below) are the highlight of this variety. Unlike other representatives of the family, its leaves are slightly smaller: the length is up to 10-13 cm, and the width is only 5 cm. However, the colors are brighter:
- the general background is dark green;
- veins are both pink and deep red;
- in the center there is a zigzag spot with a pale light green tint;
- the back side is velvety with a raspberry overflow;
- the edges of the deciduous plates are shaded in light green.
The culture belongs to whimsical plants. For this reason, the arrowroot tricolor flower is placed in a warm but humid room, regularly watered and sprayed, and also brought in mineral fertilizers... Liquid top dressing is diluted and then applied every 2-3 weeks, from April to September.
Among other things, the flowerpot should be transplanted once every 2 years. The procedure is recommended to be carried out in early spring, while the culture is in a passive state.
Having got acquainted with these types of arrowroot, flower lovers will understand which variety will fit into their greenhouse. This is very important because the main feature of the varieties is their unique colors.