An old favourite Maranta (sometimes called prayer plant and sold as Maranta tricolour) has almost the same popularity as the spider plant. One of the most intricately patterned leaves in nature giving it its place on the nations top ten houseplants.

Site: Light shade in summer. Brighter in winter but keep out of direct sun, this will dull the colour of the leaves, and could be fatal!

Temp: Keep warm minimum of 16°C / 60°F

Water: Keep well watered in summer, Maranta loves high humidity mist when you can and keep the compost moist in the summer. Brown tips show that the humidity is too low.

Feeding: Feed with a very weak solution when you water. Don't give it a strong feed every now and then.

Tip: Do not repot too often and use a peat based compost.