Light
Medium indirect • ≈ 5–10k lux • Grow light target: DLI 3–6
Marantaceae
Maranta cristata 'Intense'
VAT included · plus
Quick overview of our standard shipping rates, free-shipping thresholds and typical transit times for the countries we currently serve. Remote-area surcharges for certain postcodes are added automatically at checkout where applicable.
For full details, winter shipping rules and packaging information, please visit our Shipping & Delivery page.
| Country | Shipping | Free from | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | € 12.95 | € 100 | 2–4 working days |
| Belgium | € 8.95 | € 100 | 1–2 working days |
| Bulgaria | € 21.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Croatia | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Cyprus (²) | € 39.95 | No free shipping | 5–7 working days |
| Czechia | € 16.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Denmark (¹) | € 16.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Estonia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Finland | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| France (¹) | € 12.95 | € 100 | 2–4 working days |
| Germany | € 8.95 | € 70 | 1–2 working days |
| Greece (¹²) | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Hungary | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Ireland | € 14.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Italy (¹) | € 14.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Latvia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 5–7 working days |
| Lithuania | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Luxembourg | € 12.95 | € 100 | 1–2 working days |
| Malta (²) | € 39.95 | No free shipping | 5–7 working days |
| Netherlands | € 8.95 | € 100 | 1–2 working days |
| Poland | € 12.95 | € 100 | 2–4 working days |
| Portugal (¹) | € 14.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Romania | € 21.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Slovakia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 5–7 working days |
| Slovenia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 5–7 working days |
| Spain (¹) | € 14.95 | € 125 | 2–4 working days |
| Sweden | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Switzerland | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
Notes
- ¹ Island / remote-area surcharge: added automatically at checkout for affected postcodes, including Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Faroe Islands, Azores, Madeira, Balearic Islands, and selected Greek island postcodes. Canary Islands: we currently do not ship there.
- ² Cyprus, Greece & Malta: delivery is possible, but courier reliability can vary; arrival times and plant condition cannot be guaranteed. Our 28-day guarantee does not apply to plants shipped to these destinations due to unpredictable transit times.
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal – your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
Secure shipping – carefully packed orders with safe delivery across the EU, UK and Switzerland.
28-day plant guarantee – if a plant arrives damaged or fails soon after delivery, we help you make it right.
Free returns – simple, cost-free returns according to our policy.
For full details, please see:
Maranta cristata 'Intense'
Quick Care Guide
Watering
Water when ~20–35% dry
Potting mix
Moisture-retentive but aerated • Evenly moist • Organic-leaning • Fine-medium
Temperature
Ideal: 18–27 °C • Avoid below: 10 °C
Growth habit
rhizomatous clumping subshrub
Support
none
Growth speed
Average
Max size indoors
Max. height: 30 cm • Max. spread: 150 cm
Toxicity & safety
Non-toxic & Pet Friendly
Origin & habitat
Central America to Tropical S. America; wet tropical biome
How to read these metrics
These metrics are standardised reference points. We compile them by reviewing and cross-checking multiple botanical and horticultural references, then refining them through real-world growing experience. Source links: Plant Care Resources.
Please use the values as guidance. Conditions vary by home, so the same plant can respond differently. For plant-specific context, read the full product description and browse our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level + approximate lux at leaf level; DLI is the daily light “dose” for grow lights.
- Watering: “% dry” is the trigger before watering again; lower % stays more evenly moist.
- Potting mix: one-line profile (structure/drainage • moisture buffer • base • particle size).
- Temperature: “Ideal” comfort range; “Avoid below” marks higher stress risk.
- Humidity: target bands (Normal/Moist/Humid); consistency usually matters most.
- Growth habit: growth form (rosette, trailing, climbing) for placement and training.
- Support: needed/optional/none — whether stake, pole, or trellis improves structure and size.
- Growth speed: fast/average/slow under decent indoor conditions—expectations, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term potential; format differs for climbers vs. trailers.
- Toxicity & safety: chemical irritants/toxicity and physical hazards (spines, bristles).
- Origin & habitat: native region + typical biome/habitat as context.
Maranta cristata 'Intense' – A Comprehensive Guide
Maranta cristata 'Intense' is a captivating houseplant cherished for its vibrant foliage and unique leaf movements. This tuft-forming perennial displays mint-green leaves adorned with a central lime-green band and dark spots, creating a striking visual appeal. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, it thrives in the shady undergrowth, making it well-suited for indoor cultivation.
Distinctive Features of Maranta cristata 'Intense'
- Foliage: Oval leaves with a velvety texture, featuring a dark green center and contrasting red to purple veins. The undersides often exhibit deep red to purple hues, enhancing its ornamental value.
- Leaf Movement: Exhibits nyctinasty, raising and lowering its leaves in response to light changes, leading to the common name "prayer plant."
- Growth Habit: Compact and tuft-forming, reaching up to 25 cm in height, making it ideal for indoor spaces.
- Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs, ensuring safety in pet-friendly households.
Care Guidelines for Maranta cristata 'Intense'
- Light: Prefers partial shade to bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while low light may reduce vibrancy.
- Watering: Maintain evenly moist soil, watering when the top layer dries out. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
- Humidity: Thrives in humidity levels around 50-60%. Regular misting or using a humidifier can help maintain adequate moisture.
- Temperature: Optimal temperature range is between 18°C and 25°C. Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
- Soil: Requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and coconut fibers or sand is ideal.
- Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season to support vibrant growth.
- Pruning: Remove yellow or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth and maintain an attractive appearance.
Maranta cristata 'Intense' - Potential Challenges and Solutions
- Pests: Susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs, especially in dry conditions. Regularly inspect the plant and treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap , neem oil, or use beneficial insects.
- Leaf Discoloration: Yellowing or browning of leaves can result from improper watering or low humidity. Ensure consistent moisture and maintain appropriate humidity levels to prevent such issues.
Botanical Etymology
The genus name Maranta honors Bartolomeo Maranta, a 16th-century Italian physician and botanist. The species name cristata refers to the crested or tufted nature of the plant's growth habit, while the cultivar name 'Intense' highlights the plant's vivid and striking leaf coloration.
Enhance Your Indoor Space
Incorporating Maranta cristata 'Intense' into your indoor plant collection adds a touch of tropical elegance and dynamic movement. Its vibrant foliage and manageable size make it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts seeking to enrich their living spaces with natural beauty.
FAQs about Maranta cristata 'Intense'
Plant Care Basics:
- Care basics – Main hub with links to all houseplant care guides.
- After delivery & first week – Unpacking, first placement, and early recovery.
- Light – How much light houseplants really need indoors.
- Watering – When to water and how to avoid root rot.
- Substrates & roots – Potting mixes and drainage for strong root systems.
- Humidity – When humidity matters and what actually helps.
- Fertilizing – Simple feeding routine without burning roots.
- Problems & pests – Yellow leaves, brown tips, bugs, and fixes that work.
- Semi-hydro – How to run low-maintenance mineral substrates.
Your new plant has just travelled a long way and needs a calm start in its new home. For step-by-step unboxing and first-week care, check our after-delivery care guide. For deeper tips on how your plant settles in over the next weeks, read our houseplant acclimatization guide.
Please head to our FAQ Page or Contact us.
Choose options
Maranta cristata 'Intense'
Sale price€121,00
Marantaceae
VAT included · plus Shipping costs
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal – your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
Secure shipping – carefully packed orders with safe delivery across the EU, UK and Switzerland.
28-day plant guarantee – if a plant arrives damaged or fails soon after delivery, we help you make it right.
Free returns – simple, cost-free returns according to our policy.
For full details, please see:
Maranta cristata 'Intense'
Quick Care Guide
Light
Medium indirect • ≈ 5–10k lux • Grow light target: DLI 3–6
Watering
Water when ~20–35% dry
Potting mix
Moisture-retentive but aerated • Evenly moist • Organic-leaning • Fine-medium
Temperature
Ideal: 18–27 °C • Avoid below: 10 °C
Growth habit
rhizomatous clumping subshrub
Support
none
Growth speed
Average
Max size indoors
Max. height: 30 cm • Max. spread: 150 cm
Toxicity & safety
Non-toxic & Pet Friendly
Origin & habitat
Central America to Tropical S. America; wet tropical biome
How to read these metrics
These metrics are standardised reference points. We compile them by reviewing and cross-checking multiple botanical and horticultural references, then refining them through real-world growing experience. Source links: Plant Care Resources.
Please use the values as guidance. Conditions vary by home, so the same plant can respond differently. For plant-specific context, read the full product description and browse our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level + approximate lux at leaf level; DLI is the daily light “dose” for grow lights.
- Watering: “% dry” is the trigger before watering again; lower % stays more evenly moist.
- Potting mix: one-line profile (structure/drainage • moisture buffer • base • particle size).
- Temperature: “Ideal” comfort range; “Avoid below” marks higher stress risk.
- Humidity: target bands (Normal/Moist/Humid); consistency usually matters most.
- Growth habit: growth form (rosette, trailing, climbing) for placement and training.
- Support: needed/optional/none — whether stake, pole, or trellis improves structure and size.
- Growth speed: fast/average/slow under decent indoor conditions—expectations, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term potential; format differs for climbers vs. trailers.
- Toxicity & safety: chemical irritants/toxicity and physical hazards (spines, bristles).
- Origin & habitat: native region + typical biome/habitat as context.
