Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
Maranta Cat Moustache is a unique tropical houseplant known for its soft green leaves decorated with dark, whisker-like markings that resemble a cat’s moustache. The contrasting pattern gives each leaf a bold, almost hand-painted appearance, while the plant’s compact, spreading growth makes it perfect for shelves, tabletops, hanging planters, and colorful houseplant collections. Like other prayer plants, its leaves naturally move throughout the day and often fold upward in the evening.
The proper name is commonly listed as Maranta ‘Cat Moustache’. It may also be sold as Maranta Cat Mustache, depending on the grower or supplier. It belongs to the Marantaceae, or prayer plant family, and is grown primarily for its distinctive patterned foliage.
Maranta Cat Moustache does best in medium to bright, indirect light. Bright filtered light helps maintain strong leaf patterns and healthy growth. Avoid harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and cause their colors to fade.
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry and allow excess water to drain. Marantas prefer their soil to remain lightly and consistently moist but should never sit in soggy soil. They can be sensitive to minerals and chemicals in tap water, so filtered, distilled, or rainwater may help prevent crispy brown leaf tips.
Use a light, well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage. A mixture containing houseplant soil, perlite, coco coir, and a small amount of orchid bark works well, providing moisture retention while still allowing airflow around the roots.
Maranta Cat Moustache prefers warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity. Higher humidity can help prevent crispy leaf edges and encourage lush, healthy growth. Keep it away from cold drafts, heating vents, and air conditioning.
This plant has a low, spreading growth habit rather than an upright or climbing form. Its stems gradually spread outward and can eventually trail over the edges of the pot. Like other prayer plants, its leaves respond to changes in light and may lift or fold upward at night before lowering again during the day.
Maranta plants are generally considered pet-friendly and non-toxic to cats and dogs. Maranta Cat Moustache is a great choice for homes with pets, although consuming large amounts of any plant material may still cause mild stomach upset.
Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
