Maranta Arundinacea (arrowroot) care

Light

In the wild maranta arundinacea grows on the bright edge of a forest canopy, not in the canopy and not in the open. Indoors, that translates to within a metre of an unobstructed window, sheer curtain optional. Bright, indirect light to part shade as a houseplant; outdoors in the tropics it grows in dappled shade to full sun with ample water. Strong direct sun indoors can scorch the foliage. The fastest test: a hand held at the leaf casts a soft-edged shadow at noon — sharp shadow means too much sun, no shadow means too little light.

Watering

For maranta arundinacea in the ground or in a bed, aim for keep consistently moist; water when the top 2-3 cm of soil dries, often every 4-7 days in growth. Soak the root zone rather than misting the foliage; deep, less-frequent watering trains roots downward and produces a more drought-resilient plant by mid-season. A moisture-loving crop that resents drying out. Water generously and regularly through the growing season for good rhizome development, easing back in the cooler dormant period. Avoid waterlogging.

Soil and pot

Maranta Arundinacea grows best in rich, moisture-retentive, free-draining loam. Fertile, humus-rich soil that holds moisture yet drains; slightly acidic to neutral pH around 5.5-6.5. For container or houseplant growing, use a rich potting mix with added compost and a pot that drains. A pot with a working drainage hole is non-negotiable for this species — even free-draining mix will turn soggy in a closed planter. If you love the look of a decorative pot without a hole, use it as a cachepot around an inner nursery pot you can lift out to water.

Humidity and temperature

Maranta Arundinacea sits happiest at around 50-70% humidity and 20-30°C (68-86°F). Enjoys warm, humid conditions reflecting its tropical origins. Average to high indoor humidity suits it; very dry air may brown the leaf edges. Outdoors it thrives in humid frost-free climates. If you keep the room above 20 year-round and avoid placing the plant near a cold draught, a hot radiator, or an air-conditioning vent, you have already handled the two biggest indoor stressors.

Fertilising

Feed maranta arundinacea sparingly. Feed a fertile crop generously: work compost or a balanced fertiliser into the soil at planting and side-dress or liquid-feed through the growing season. For houseplants, a balanced feed monthly in spring and summer. Skip fertiliser entirely on a stressed, recently-repotted, or actively wilting plant — fertiliser salts make damage worse, not better. Wait for a round of healthy new growth before resuming a feeding rhythm.

Common problems

Below are the issues we see most often on maranta arundinacea in the Growli community. Each is annotated with the most common cause so you know where to start.

• Poor rhizome yield — Insufficient warmth, water or feeding limits the harvest. Give a long frost-free season, rich moist soil and generous feeding for plump rhizomes.
• Browning leaf edges — Dry air or inconsistent watering, especially as a houseplant. Keep the soil evenly moist and humidity moderate.
• Frost damage — The plant is frost-tender and blackens with cold. Lift and store rhizomes, or grow under cover, where winters drop below about 10°C.
• Root rot in waterlogged soil — Heavy, poorly drained ground rots the rhizomes. Plant in fertile, free-draining soil and avoid standing water.

Propagation

Propagate from rhizome divisions or pieces, each with a growth bud or eye, planted in warm, moist soil in spring. Established clumps can be lifted and split; small rhizome segments readily sprout new plants. Propagation is the cheapest, most satisfying way to expand a collection — and it doubles as insurance against losing a mature plant to an accident. Take a backup cutting once the parent is established and healthy.

Toxicity to pets

Maranta Arundinacea is pet-safe. ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs (also listed as Queensland arrowroot/Maranta). The genus Maranta is classified non-toxic by the ASPCA, with no calcium oxalates or toxic principles, and the cooked rhizome starch is a gentle, easily digested food. Large amounts of raw plant material may still cause mild stomach upset. If you keep cats, dogs, or curious children in the house, weigh placement carefully — a high shelf or a hanging planter is enough for casual safety. For severe ingestion incidents, call your local vet and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (in the US, 888-426-4435).

Pet-safety status is sourced from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, which catalogues the most-asked-about plants for cats, dogs, and horses.

Maranta Arundinacea deep-dive guides

Every aspect of maranta arundinacea care, each with its own calibrated guide:

• Maranta Arundinacea watering schedule
• Maranta Arundinacea light requirements
• Best soil mix for maranta arundinacea
• Maranta Arundinacea fertilizing guide
• When to repot maranta arundinacea
• How to propagate maranta arundinacea
• Maranta Arundinacea growth rate & size
• Maranta Arundinacea cold hardiness
• Maranta Arundinacea temperature & humidity
• Is maranta arundinacea toxic to cats & dogs?
• Is maranta arundinacea toxic to cats?
• Is maranta arundinacea toxic to dogs?

Related guides

Maranta Arundinacea is also commonly called arrowroot or West Indian arrowroot.

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