Maranta Leuconeura , also known as the ghost orchid or phantom orchid, is a type of wildflower native to the humid forests of Central and South America. This beautiful flower has a very unusual appearance – it looks almost like another species has grown inside of it! The outside petals are bright yellow and shaped exactly like those of a leucanthemum (also known as a mum or marguerite). Each of these outer petals is roughly the same size as an entire flower head from a leucanthemum plant. However, inside each yellow petal is another smaller greenish-white petal which resembles the standard inner parts of a leucanthemum blossom.

This rare plant only grows in certain locations and under very specific conditions. The ghost orchid prefers shady areas with plenty of moisture; therefore it’s often found growing on the “edge” of streams and rivers where water meets land, in undergrowth near waterfalls, and on damp cliff faces. Its vines grow between trees above ground level so they cannot be easily spotted by casual observers. Those who know what they are looking for can recognize its unique leaves which look almost like pieces of fern fronds that have been cut into half again with scissors… read on to find out why!

How Do You Grow a Maranta Leuconeura?

It can be very challenging to grow this flower indoors, but experienced orchid growers may have some luck with it. The ghost orchid requires very specific growing conditions and care, so it’s probably best to leave this one in the wild! It prefers a shaded location with plenty of humidity, but not high levels of direct sunlight. A peat-based potting soil with plenty of organic matter is a good choice for this plant. You should also consider adding a bit of bark or sphagnum moss to the mix to help keep the soil properly moist. When it comes to water, the ghost orchid is a finicky flower.

You should refrain from giving it water until the soil feels very dry (to the touch) and then be careful to avoid drowning it when watering. The recommended watering schedule is 1-2 times per week in the spring and summer, and 1-2 times per month in the fall and winter when indoor temperatures are lower. This plant prefers to be kept in a potting mix that is on the drier side (don’t use potting mix that’s too wet).

Why Are These Orchids So Unique?

Compared to other flowers out there, the maranta leuconeura is a pretty strange specimen! The flower’s “built-in” outer petals are the only way to identify the species – since the inner petals are very small and hard to see. The entire flower is roughly the same length as a standard leucanthemum, but it’s significantly thicker and wider. This unique shape makes it easy to identify in the wild as a leuconeura maranta or “ghost orchid.” These “built-in” petals also help camouflage the ghost orchid from potential pollinators. Because they look like an entirely different species, insects might be more likely to mistake it for another type of flower and accidentally pollinate the ghost orchid!

Why Is This Flower Called the Ghost Orchid?

This flower is named the ghost orchid for a few reasons. For starters, it only grows in shady areas and can be hard to spot (almost like a phantom). It also has a very pale greenish-white color that is almost ghostly in appearance. Plus, it has a sort of mysterious appearance since very few people actually know what it is. When you see one of these flowers in the wild, you’ll definitely be left wondering what on earth it is! The ghost orchid is also known by several names in different locations, including the “phantom orchid,” “mariposa fantasma,” and “duende.” These names are all related to the flower’s unique appearance and habitat. “Duende” is Spanish for a type of supernatural being, while “mariposa” is Spanish for “butterfly.”

Where Can You Find the Phantom Orchid?

This beautiful flower is found in humid forests in Central and South America. It’s generally a lowland variety, so it prefers to grow in areas that are relatively close to sea level. The ghost orchid can be found in the Caribbean and on many of the islands therein. It’s also found in the surrounding countries of Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia, and Ecuador. While these plants prefer to grow in shade and on the edge of water, they are also known to occasionally pop up in forests with high levels of sunlight. They’re not as common in these areas, but they’ve been spotted in places like the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest.

Final Words: Don’t Forget to Be Magical

The leuconeura maranta is a beautiful flower, but it’s not the easiest to grow indoors. This plant requires very specific conditions in order to thrive, making it a challenging addition to any orchid collection. However, if you do manage to grow one, the payoff will be well worth your effort! Once you begin to see it bloom with its stunning yellow flower inside its green outer petal, you’ll know it was all worth it.

References:

1-Phytoremediation of volatile organic compounds by indoor plants: a review

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-018-0032-0

2-Classification and geography of the flowering plants

https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02858611