Miniature Maranta
Calathea micans
Calathea micans is the understated member of a family known for drama, and it is better for it. The leaves are narrow, ovate, and plain green without the elaborate markings of its Calathea cousins, but get close and you will discover the real appeal: the foliage is sumptuously soft and velvety to the touch, with smooth, silky undersides. It is compact enough for a small shelf or terrarium, and shares the family's charming habit of folding its leaves upward each night like a plant getting ready for bed.
How to grow Miniature Maranta
Medium to bright indirect light
Keep the soil uniformly moist
60-80%
65-75°F
Well-draining, moisture-retentive mix.
Divide at the rhizome -
No serious disease or pest
Fun Facts
The specific epithet micans is Latin for 'sparkling,' 'shining,' or 'glowing' — a poetic nod to the subtle shimmer of the plant's velvety leaves in light, even though they lack the bold patterning of showier Calathea relatives.
Pet safe
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Safe for pets and children.
Sources
- Calathea - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
- Goeppertia micans (Miniature Calathea, Miniature Maranta, Velvet Plant) | NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
- Plant database entry for Goeppertia micans | Garden.org (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
- Calathea - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
- Calathea and Maranta Care | Jordan's Jungle (opens in new tab)Reference
- Calathea and Maranta Care | Jordan's Jungle (opens in new tab)Reference
- Goeppertia micans (Miniature Calathea, Miniature Maranta, Velvet Plant) | NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)Reference
- Goeppertia micans - Pumpkin Beth (opens in new tab)Reference
- Goeppertia micans - Pumpkin Beth (opens in new tab)Reference
- Plant database entry for Goeppertia micans | Garden.org (opens in new tab)Reference