Light
Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux
Marantaceae
Maranta cristata 'Intense'
Prayer Plant
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal, your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
VAT included · plus
Your new plant has just travelled a long way and needs a calm start in its new home. For step-by-step unboxing and first-week care, check our after-delivery care guide. For deeper tips on how your plant settles in over the next weeks, read our houseplant acclimatization guide.
- Care basics , Main hub with links to all houseplant care guides.
- After delivery & first week , Unpacking, first placement, and early recovery.
- Light, How much light houseplants really need indoors.
- Watering , When to water and how to avoid root rot.
- Substrates & roots, Potting mixes and drainage for strong root systems.
- Humidity, When humidity matters and what actually helps.
- Fertilizing, Simple feeding routine without burning roots.
- Problems & pests, Yellow leaves, brown tips, bugs, and fixes that work.
- Semi-hydro, How to run low-maintenance mineral substrates.
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28-day plant guarantee, if a plant arrives damaged or fails soon after delivery, we help you make it right.
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Care at a glance
Maranta cristata 'Intense'
Watering
Water when ~20–35% dry
Substrate
Moisture-retentive but aerated • Evenly moist • Organic-leaning • Fine-medium
Temperature
Ideal: 18–27 °C • Avoid below: 10 °C
Humidity
Moist 50–60 %
Growth habit
Creeping clumping rhizomatous herbaceous perennial.
Support
not needed
Growth speed
Average
Max size indoors
Max. height: 30 cm • Max. spread: 150 cm
Toxicity & safety
Non-toxic
Origin & habitat
Cultivar of Maranta cristata; species native to central and eastern Brazil
Outdoor growing
Outside from 15 °C · sheltered spot
How to read these values
These care values are quick reference points for indoor growing. Use them as a guide, then adjust for pot size, substrate, temperature and how quickly the substrate dries.
For more detail, read the full product description or visit our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level and approximate lux at leaf level.
- Watering: “% dry” shows how far the substrate should dry before watering again.
- Substrate: structure, drainage, moisture retention, base material and particle size.
- Temperature: “Ideal” shows the preferred range; “Avoid below” marks the cold-stress threshold.
- Humidity: target range; steady conditions usually matter more than exact numbers.
- Growth habit: how the plant grows, such as upright, climbing, trailing, clumping or rosette-forming.
- Support: whether a stake, pole or trellis is needed, optional or unnecessary.
- Growth speed: expected pace under suitable indoor conditions; use as a guide, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term indoor size under good conditions.
- Toxicity & safety: irritation, toxicity or physical hazards such as spines or bristles.
- Origin & habitat: native range, hybrid background or typical habitat where relevant.
- Outdoor growing: when a potted indoor plant can be placed outside and what outdoor protection it needs.
Maranta cristata 'Intense' – A Comprehensive Guide
Maranta cristata 'Intense' is a captivating houseplant cherished for its vibrant foliage and unique leaf movements. This tuft-forming perennial displays mint-green leaves adorned with a central lime-green band and dark spots, creating a striking visual appeal. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, it thrives in the shady undergrowth, making it well-suited for indoor cultivation.
Distinctive Features of Maranta cristata 'Intense'
- Foliage: Oval leaves with a velvety texture, featuring a dark green center and contrasting red to purple veins. The undersides often exhibit deep red to purple hues, enhancing its ornamental value.
- Leaf Movement: Exhibits nyctinasty, raising and lowering its leaves in response to light changes, leading to the common name "prayer plant."
- Growth Habit: Compact and tuft-forming, reaching up to 25 cm in height, making it ideal for indoor spaces.
- Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs, ensuring safety in pet-friendly households.
Care Guidelines for Maranta cristata 'Intense'
- Light: Prefers partial shade to bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while low light may reduce vibrancy.
- Watering: Maintain evenly moist soil, watering when the top layer dries out. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
- Humidity: Thrives in humidity levels around 50-60%. Regular misting or using a humidifier can help maintain adequate moisture.
- Temperature: Optimal temperature range is between 18°C and 25°C. Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
- Soil: Requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and coconut fibers or sand is ideal.
- Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season to support vibrant growth.
- Pruning: Remove yellow or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth and maintain an attractive appearance.
Maranta cristata 'Intense' - Potential Challenges and Solutions
- Pests: Susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs, especially in dry conditions. Regularly inspect the plant and treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap , neem oil, or use beneficial insects.
- Leaf Discoloration: Yellowing or browning of leaves can result from improper watering or low humidity. Ensure consistent moisture and maintain appropriate humidity levels to prevent such issues.
Botanical Etymology
The genus name Maranta honors Bartolomeo Maranta, a 16th-century Italian physician and botanist. The species name cristata refers to the crested or tufted nature of the plant's growth habit, while the cultivar name 'Intense' highlights the plant's vivid and striking leaf coloration.
Enhance Your Indoor Space
Incorporating Maranta cristata 'Intense' into your indoor plant collection adds a touch of tropical elegance and dynamic movement. Its vibrant foliage and manageable size make it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts seeking to enrich their living spaces with natural beauty.
Plant names, growth habits, natural habitats and indoor care guidance are checked against trusted botanical, habitat and horticultural references before publication.View our plant care resources and references.
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Maranta cristata 'Intense'
Sale price€121,00
FAQs about Maranta cristata 'Intense'
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