THE FLOEAL TTORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
257 
MARANTAS. 
^SLANTS with variegated foliage are now in much esteem 
for decorative purposes, and well they deserve to he so, 
for many of them are exceedingly useful, being striking 
and interesting objects irrespective of their flowers ; 
and hence their beauty is of a more enduring character 
than that of plants which have no particular beauty except while in 
bloom. Unfortunately, however, the flowers of most of our finest 
variegated plants are very uninteresting; but this is of little im- 
portance, as the beauty of their foliage will always render them 
attractive and useful for decorative purposes. Several varieties of 
Maranta deserve to be ranked among the finest of our variegated 
plants, being free growers, with large, finely-marked foliage, which 
is not so tender and liable to become disfigured by any little mis- 
management, as is the case with many of our variegated plants. 
Persons about to commence the culture of this genus, who can only 
accommodate a few varieties, should procure the red and white 
veined kinds, which are very beautiful. 
Young plants cannot be procured at a better season of the year 
than the present, for there will be no danger of injury on the 
journey while the weather is mild. When received, the plants 
should be placed in a close but not over-warm house or pit, and 
kept rather dry for a few days until they get over any little injuries 
they may have received in travelling. Then examine the state of 
the roots, and give a moderate shift, if necessary, using nice fibry 
peat, with a small proportion of loam carefully broken up, and well 
intermixed with plenty of sharp sand and some lumpy bits of char- 
coal, to insure the free percolation of water through the mass. Like- 
wise have the pots well drained, for the Maranta requires a free 
supply of water while in active growth ; but stagnant moisture 
about the roots is very injurious, spoiling the markings of the 
foliage as well as the general health of the plant. After potting, 
place the plants in a close warm pit or house, where they will not 
be exposed to bright sunshine, and water carefully at the root until 
they get hold of the fresh soil ; but dew them overhead with the 
syringe every fine afternoon. If a brisk bottom-heat can be com- 
manded, this will greatly assist in promoting active growth ; but 
fine, strong specimens will soon be obtained without it. When 
dull, cloudy weather occurs, it will probably be necessary to place 
the plants in a light, rather airy part of the house, in order to pre- 
vent the foliage being injured by damp ; but unless damp appears 
inclined to be troublesome, they may be allowed to remain in the 
warmest corner, aud be kept growing on slowly. Syringing will, of 
course, be unnecessary in winter, except an occasional wipe on a 
fine morning, to clear the foliage of dust, etc. ; and too much water 
must not be given to the soil. Attend to repotting in spring as 
early as may be necessary, giving moderate shifts, which are safer 
than large ones. If scale or insects of any kind attack the foliage, 
these must be carefully removed by means of a sponge and water, 
September. 17 
