June 6,1895. 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
499 
MARANTAS. 
Though in all gardens, both large and small, flowering plants are 
usually accorded the most prominent position, space should be, and 
generally is, found for a few foliage plants, comprising those more 
especially that are useful for the embellishment of rooms. Fortunately 
plants adapted for this purpose are numerous, so that though Marantas 
may not be so used it should be no drawback to their cultivation, for they 
are certainly among the most beautiful foliage plants we have. There 
is, however, one reason why they cannot be universally grown, and that 
is, a hothouse temperature being essential to insure perfection. In large 
establishments such a difficulty is not likely to arise, but with small 
amateurs the case is materially different, as only one structure is usually 
at command to heat which to a stove temperature would be an error, as 
or that their culture is but imperfectly understood, and in the opinion 
of the writer the latter is the reason of their unwarranted neglect. 
To endeavour to remove the ban that is apparently placed on them 
a few details of what has proved a successful method of treatment will 
be given, and will perhaps induce some of the excellent and practical 
writers of the Journal to give their opinions about them, and also to 
give suggestions as to cultivation that are likely to be of assistance as 
well to the writer as to the very large numbers of other readers of what 
may justly be termed the “ gardeners’ ” paper. Let me, then, describe 
a mode of procedure that may be taken as a safe basis on which to 
work, though it is by no means put forward as the best method, as it is 
probable that many growers attain to success by means differing ia 
several of the essential points. 
The propagation of Marantas, as is well known, is effected ^by 
Fig. 90.—MARANTA MASSANGEANA VAR. FLORENTINA. 
it would preclude the cultivation of many plants even more useful than 
Marantas. Certainly one or two varieties stand fairly well in rooms, 
but, speaking generally, they cannot be strongly recommended for this 
purpose, but simply for the adornment of houses in which the requisite 
heat can be insured. For such a purpose as the latter they are of value, 
because they provide a handsome leafage not found in any other class 
of plants. 
Notwithstanding the undoubted merits of Marantas it is seldom that 
one sees an article on their cultivation in the pages of the Jour.nal of 
Horticulture, or indeed in any of the gardening papers. True, from 
time to time notes appear in the “ Work for the Week ” columns giving 
hints as to the treatment requisite at the moment. That these plants 
are not always grown well is proved on a visit of inspection to many 
establishments, where they may be seen represented by miserable speci¬ 
mens that are by no means a recommendation to their extended culture. 
On the other hand they may frequently be seen in the best of good 
health, with stout leafage, splendidly coloured, and strong, sturdy 
growth. These two facts either tell us they are very difficult to grow well. 
division. Apparently opinions differ as to the best time for this' 
breaking up of established plants, but there can be little doubt that 
during March is as good a time as any. The extent to which this 
division is to be carried must of course be governed by the number 
of plants that is desired. These offsets must be potted and then 
placed in a moist atmosphere, where they will be shaded from the 
direct rays of the sun, in a temperature of from 60° to 70°, which 
may be raised as the plants gain size and the summer advances. 
Though shade is desirable it must not be such as to shroud the plants 
in darkness or the growth will be tender and weak, with foliage 
destitute of the richest colouration. Another point conducive of dwarf 
growth is a modicum of fresh air, but this must be afforded with the 
greatest care, or instead of producing good effects it will cause an imme¬ 
diate and total collapse. As the plants attain size they can be transferred 
to larger pots, and at all times must have most careful attention with 
regard to watering. 
Daring the winter months the temperature should not be allowed to 
fall much below 60°, and the atmosphere must always be moist but 
